I know something you don't know. I know something you don't know. And maybe you'll only care if you care about Torchwood. Which you should. So there.
I just had the undiluted pleasure of interviewing that hot piece of actor, John Barrowman aka Captain Jack. I had read that the third season of Torchwood was going to be only five episodes and was wondering why. Well, the reason is the show, which started on BBC3, and then got promoted to BBC2, is now going to BBC1 and they want to start there with a splash and give the move a greater impact. "But if we come back for series four, it will be ten episodes."
So the lucky British will get a week (or Monday-Friday at any rate) of Torchwood in one swoop. We here in the colonies, will get the second season starting in August on Space.
You can read my interview with Barrowman in Saturday's paper, but in the meantime, here are some completely random questions.
What's a common misconception about you?
That I'm overly confident.... That everything always goes my way. It doesn't.
What's the first movie you remember seeing?
The one that pops into my mind is The Junglebook.
What's your favourite sports team?
I have to say Chelsea because it's the team where I live. But Man. United is pretty hot.
What car do you drive?
I have, wait ... [counts] I have seven cars. But I don't drive all of them. [proceeds to list all of them] I have a DeLorean. If got that because the Doctor has a Tardis and the Captain has to have something to travel in... I am conscious of my carbon footprint. But as a kid I always loved cars and I always thought I'd want a car collection.
What's the first thing you would rescue if your house was on fire?
My dogs. I'd grab them. [pause] Because I know that my partner could get out. He'll read this and go 'what are you talking about?'
What do you most like about yourself?
It's hard to say that kind of thing, because it's going to sound like you're padding yourself on the back, but I actually like the fact that I can fit into any kind of situation and talk to anybody. Whether you're a king or a pauper.
What do you most dislike?
I'm impatient and I have a bit of a temper.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee. Triple shot.
Favourite comic book hero?
[looks pained] Ohhhh. That is a loaded question. I have two. The one is completely stereotypical, but I have to say Superman, because I think that if I were a super hero I would want to be Superman. My second — because the only thing he has to protect him is the shield — would have to be Captain America.
Favourite electronic gadget?
Blackberry.
Whom did you last want to punch in the nose?
The parking attendant 20 minutes ago.
What's your favourite place in the world?
I haven't been around the world, so I would have to answer you on a very basic level: There's nothing I like more than sitting with Scott and our dogs in front of the television watching a movie.
What's your favourite vegetable?
Broccoli.
What would you like it to say on your gravestone?
I had a great time and don't cry because I'm lying here with a smile on my face.
What's your favourite swear word?
[says really bad four-letter word that doesn't start with 'f']
Can money buy happiness?
No. Money can buy you a lot of nice things and make your life a lot easier.
When was the last time you cried?
A real cry? A few weeks ago when we had to put one of our dogs down.
What book are you reading right now?
I'm ashamed to say I'm not reading anything at the moment. My sister would be appalled. I have Car and Driver and Male Vogue in a bag.
What's the bravest thing you've ever done?
I don't think anything particularly heroic or brave. I think if you can be a good human being on a daily basis, that's being brave.
What the strangest thing you have ever been sent by fans?
A dildo. Actually a vibrator ... It was a Klingon that sent it to me, I kid you not. And I don't need any more stuffed animals... I'm 41 years old. I may be a gay man but I like cars. I don't need any stuffed cutie-pie teddies. I would much rather you spend those dollars or pounds on a charity.
Please, PLEASE tell me that you called him on the whole "carbon footprint" thing? How can you SAY THAT and own 7 cars?! One of them being a dumb-a** Delorian?!
He may be hawt, but comic-geeks, D.W./T. fans and Klingons everywhere are crying in their beer right now...
Posted by: blythe | June 16, 2008 at 05:07 PM
just because he has 7 cars doesn't mean he drives them! maybe he bought them to keep them off the road!
Posted by: matt | June 16, 2008 at 05:57 PM
He may own seven cars, but he can only drive one at a time, just like everybody else. Jeez.
Posted by: hng23 | June 16, 2008 at 06:29 PM
What do you know? Trust me, I care!
Posted by: Spy | June 16, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Who cares about the cars? Boys like toys. The important thing is that we're going to have Torchwood 3 and possibly 4 - and that we get the WHOLE interview on Saturday! Oh, and that John is one of the nicest "celebrities" you're ever likely to meet! Nice one, Malene.
Posted by: BL in the UK | June 17, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Lucky you!! I want to see Saturday's article. Isn't he just a wonderful human being. So seven cars, he can have my carbon credits. I drive a Toyota Camry hybrid and next year when they are available I am getting a CFX fuel cell. I am so glad he his getting to collect his cars let's make him rich enough for Aston Martins, Ferraris and Lamborghinis.
Posted by: Janice Adams | June 17, 2008 at 08:38 PM
'Favourite comic book hero?
[looks pained]'
Hehe...And best answer ever regarding being brave. As for more Torchwood, YES PLEASE.
Posted by: Osiris | June 18, 2008 at 05:42 AM
John failed to mention that one of those cars is an electric car!!!! So yes - he is aware of his carbon footprint...
Posted by: O | June 18, 2008 at 10:51 AM
I drink no beer and drive no car...John can have my carbon points any day!
Oh, Malene...Isn't he just so awesome?! I'm in love...
Too bad I never bothered to get cable...CBC...grrrr...
I'll have to get the dvds.
I'm looking forward to Saturday!
Posted by: caty | June 18, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Um... you all realize the DeLorean bit was reference to Back to the Future, right?
Posted by: karen | June 18, 2008 at 11:29 PM
Another one of JB's cars is a Mercedes Diesel, which in the UK, burns far more cleanly than in North America.
Nice piece, Malene, however, the TARDIS is not a phone box but a police public call box from the 60s. I'm sure you'll get several Whovians writing to tell you the whole history on why so I'll spare you.
Posted by: Mel D | June 21, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I loved this interview. I love knowing that he's in my city for the next eight weeks and at anytime I could run into him. Remote sure.... but a girl can dream, can't she?
Posted by: trixie | June 21, 2008 at 02:53 PM
JB is the loveliest guy. The Merc diesel seems to be his regular car for getting around, but he's said that when he's at home in London, he and his partner use scooters.
Posted by: Arlene | June 21, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Excellent Interview! Enjoyed reading your piece in the Saturday edition too.
Posted by: Mikey | June 22, 2008 at 11:53 AM