This charismatic character, who first appeared in the cult science fiction show Doctor Who, later became a recognizable figure in British pop culture, a role model for representatives of non-traditional sexual orientation, an occasion for parodies and satire. This publication will focus on the restless and magnetically charming captain Jack.
From the screen to the masses
Considered the Doctor’s best companion, Captain Jack Harkness became the protagonist in the independent Alien Hunters project (Torchwood 2006). The hero, in which John Barrowman reincarnated , first appeared before the public in the next series of “Doctor Who” under the heading “Empty Child” in 2005. From that moment, the protagonist became a partner of the 9th Doctor. He is one of the three characters in the legendary series with a personal spin-off. Despite his personal project, Captain Jack Harkness from the film “Doctor Who” did not leave, continuing to periodically appear in it along with the tenth reincarnation of the protagonist.
Character development
In the finale of the first season of the recreated Doctor Who project, Captain Jack Harkness becomes completely immortal. On our planet, he enters the ranks of agents of the Torchwood-3 Institute, specializing in the prevention of an alien threat, and a century later becomes its leader. In addition to two series, the character appears in several literary works and comics created based on two television shows with his participation. Also at different times a certain number of collectible figures of the hero were released.
By necessity
Captain Jack Harkness became the first openly bisexual partner of the Doctor in the history of the project, it is not surprising that he became a role model for many bisexuals and gays in the UK and around the world. If in the classic version of the show, the main character's companions were mostly beautiful women, who attracted a strong half of humanity to the screen, then the authors of the revived project deliberately introduced Captain Jack Harkness into the film. They substantiated their decision by the need to level the number of men and women so that the modern public would have the opportunity to contemplate handsome men. This measure was effective, many viewers began to watch the project precisely because of the hero John Barrowman.
British Tom Cruise
Actor John Barrowman is positioned as a pivotal figure in the concept of captain Jack Harkness. The performer told the media that during the preparatory period for the casting, one of the scriptwriters Russell T. Davis and one of the producers Julie Gardner emphasized that the character was mostly written specifically for him. During the tests, the actor, entering the image, pronounced phrases in three variations: with a native Scottish accent, English and American. Choosing the best option, filmmakers settled on American. The creators were looking for an artist who would match the role of "lady's favorite" and considered Barrowman a worthy candidate. Later, critics often compared the character of the captain in the incarnation of Barrowman with the outstanding American film actor Tom Cruise.
Charming handsome
The attractive handsome John Scott Barrowman was born in Scotland in the largest city in the state of Glasgow. But he grew up in Illinois, his family moved there. Thanks to his creative teachers, the boy from a young age became interested in music and theatrical art. After graduating from the University of San Diego, the young man returns to the UK. John begins his creative career with participation in the musicals of Broadway and the West End: Miss Saigon, Matador, Sunset Boulevard and The Phantom of the Opera.
After the already famous artist is invited to work on British television. The role of captain Jack Harkness for the actor becomes a springboard to worldwide popularity. In parallel with the filming of the two series, the performer takes an active part in entertainment programs and television projects. Barrowman does not hide his sexual preferences. In 2006, he entered into a civil marriage with architect Scott Gill.
Characteristics
In most sources, Captain Jack Harkness is presented to the public as “murderously beautiful”, “charming and completely bewitching”, while his characteristics include the eloquent phrases “crafty daredevil”, “sane and roguish”. In Doctor Who, the hero is presented relatively nonchalant, but in the first season of Torchwood, he changes, becomes more gloomy and gloomy.
Despite the fact that Jack wore a variety of clothes in Doctor, he stands out in Torchwood for his personal style, which critics praised as a “landmark stage in science fiction fashion.” Almost invariably, the hero is dressed in a black-gray coat of a military cut of the period of World War II, black, less often dark brown boots. His shirts are the same classic cut in the color spectrum from light blue to green and dark blue, traditionally under them are T-shirts. An invariable detail of the captain’s wardrobe are suspenders. Several times Jack flaunted in a cloth vest with a watch on a chain in his left pocket. It is not surprising that all films with captain Jack Harkness were studied in detail by fashion fans.
In Torchwood
“Torchwood”, most movie experts position themselves as an “adult” branch of Doctor Who, which touches on somewhat more slippery topics and depicts the everyday work of Britain’s secret organization, which truly defends the kingdom, and even the entire planet, from the machinations of aliens or traveling to time villains. Starting quite steadily, the series for the second season revealed the optimal proportions of irony and serious moments in the story and offered the viewers a colorful gallery of characters, led by a charming alien from the distant future, captain Jack Harkness. At the very moment when the series gained cosmic speed, the creators began to kill the main characters one after another, the fans of the project to watch it was painful and unpleasant. As a result, the project was closed, but it’s a pity, because during the airing of the TV show, not all exciting stories managed to convey to the viewer. But over the period of its existence, “Torchwood” managed to consolidate its cult status, photos of captain Jack Harkness did not leave the editorials of the media for a long time, the character himself fell in love with a huge number of viewers. 12 years ago, this hero was considered revolutionary, because he was not shy about his non-heteronormativity and was a pansexual. By the way, the longest romantic relationship in the series connected the captain with Ianto Jones, a man who was part of his team. In contrast to the family-oriented Doctor Who family show, the Torchwood show is not recommended for children.