I see no reason why we couldn’t have most of the next season without the two “core” Torchwood regulars, in fact I would suggest that if the series is to survive as an ongoing concern, being able to do without Gwen and Jack is a neccessity. They could pop up for continuity (more on tha later), but really the show must go on. That said, we also need to consider:

1, Torchwood as an entity itself needs a revamp. I’ve never quite bought into the happy-go lucky Cardiff crowd as an extension of the Hartman regime (especially with there prime target numero uno landing on to of the Hub to refuel on a couple of occasions). Their systems have been hacked years ago by the home office. Cardiff is abuzz with talk about them (and at the start of season two you get the impression they may be a bit of a local joke). If CoE brought anything to home, it’s how much better a bit of covert politics and bite can add to an intelligent adult drama.

2, The hub is gone, and while we could retcon something about the Rift tempoarily stabilizing as a result of the explosion allowing time for a team/office rebuild, has the old base got too much baggage/history? Do we want an open ended roving unit (then again there may be advantages to set costs etc…)

3, We have the bare bones of a team waiting in the wings already. Not wanting to sound like a total blowhard (but plugging RTP all the way) I’ve pitched a few of these already. 1, Paramilitary lady – I’d originally pitched it the Master’s blonde, but CoE’s Johnson could do just as well, 2, Older, more cynical but focused character (I’d originally plumbed for either Mrs Moore (RotC) or Professor Docherty – but CoE’s Mr Dekker could do the trick, and add enough nasty bite to replace Owen). 3, PC Andy – just because, like Gwen he could be the practical, down to earth, moral compass for the group.
I was really impressed with Alice Carter actress (kept on reminding me of Susan Foremen for some reason), but while it would be great to see more of her, I’m not sure how the character would gell into the group – conflict is good, but she may have been pushed too far. Lois Habiba is obviously being groomed as a potential replacement, but to me the character seems to reflect the ametureism which bugged me about Jack’s team.
And finally you need the glue, the person who holds it all together. Jack did this, mostly on charisma. I was working up a season idea for RTP which hinged on a new character, Mr Dee called in from an old Torchwood cell (see next item) with an interesting history to tell.

4, The radio shows suggest that there used to me Torchwood offices scattered arround the empire, hence it is feasible that while they aren’t active the contacts are still there. Consider an NZ base – closed after a brief flurry of activity in the 1980s. Could be like Judges of the world.

5, Jack needs to be rested. Character has been through the wringer. That said, a radio or comic series/interlude (where the imagination has a limitless effects budget) about his search for redemption finding the eleven may be interesting

Two things:

1, Obviously Myfanwy has got a busy year ahead of her organising a new team.

2, The whole Victoria/”ladies who shall not be named” thing I believe is a myth, and like Welsh Blue, triplepoint of water and Bill and Ben Bathtime farts is one of the few things QI got wrong. (I have an old L&L here somewhere with a copy of a thumbnail of Sappho done by Victoria), I tried to google supporting evidence but all I seem to get is articles about “banksy”.

3, I could make further predictions (though I think we’ve all seen the probablility of Jack turning up again in a couple of months), but I would remind the blogger about a (half-joking) suggestion I made over the phone the last TW crystal ball was out there, that if the show really wanted to inject adult drama they should forget all the curing and fornicating and start killing kids. I’m sure someone is bugging me

Or verboten Victorian Torchwood, obviously.

Having a “something Four” missing sounds very Babylon 5-like and the missing “Babylon 4″ station.

But I’d be just as happy to see George and Harriet again (George was so cool with his moustache and gadget!) or the ladies who couldn’t possibly exist in Victoria’s time.

Hmm. There’s a point – did anyone think to look for Torchwood Four on Lesvos?

I like the idea of other Torchwood bases getting their own series (though are there any left?) – kind of reminds me of CSI Miami / NY / Las Vegas.

Another five or ten part arc thing, but each episode/two episodes is in a different era of Torchwood, starting with the denied pair, then George/Harriet, etc., until we reintroduce the new Torchwood Cardiff team, which might be new people who at the very end meet up with Gwen and/or Jack to lead into the next season.

(Yes, I said ‘season’ instead of ‘series’. Ooh, how naughty of me!)

I’m going by generally ‘informed knowledge’ (Kasterborous) that JB is a bit tied up for the foreseeable. But like you (as I infer at least!), I wouldnt put it past him to be in this year’s DW finale.

Do I also infer from you that you believe the series has come to a likely end? A shame if so – and this time last year I don’t think I’d have said that!