Rex Matheson

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Rex Matheson
Torchwood character
First appearance"The New World" (2011)
Last appearance"The Blood Line" (2011)
Portrayed byMekhi Phifer
In-universe information
AffiliationCentral Intelligence Agency
Torchwood Institute
Home eraEarly 21st century

Agent Rex Matheson, portrayed by

Starz
.

Rex is introduced by series producer Russell T Davies as a means of introducing new American audiences to the established world of Torchwood. Within the series' narrative, Rex is a high-flying agent for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) who begins to investigate Torchwood after being personally affected by a global supernatural event. Rex's role as a second male hero in the series leads him to clash with returning male lead Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) and eventually becomes immortal in the same vein as Harkness.

Appearances

Television

Rex first appears in Miracle Day's premiere episode, "

morphic field. Flashbacks reveal that Esther has transfused Rex with Jack's mortal blood; by releasing this blood the two men are able to reset the human morphic field and restore death. At Esther's funeral Rex discovers that he has acquired Jack's self healing abilities when he is shot by the Families' CIA mole Charlotte (Marina Benedict) and resurrects.[7]
However, the extent of his ability to resurrect is unknown, and it's unclear if he is a fixed point in time like Harkness.

Literature

The Torchwood novel The Men Who Sold The World by

spy thriller, The Men Who Sold The World follows the CIA's involvement when the British government sells off Torchwood's collection of weapons to the Americans. SFX reviewer Alasdair Stuart felt that the Adams' "own flair for the unpleasant" highly complimented "cheerfully nasty Rex", and commended Adams for exploring the contradiction between Rex's ruthless goal-drivenness and human goodness, as well as "bravely" exploring the context for his relationship with Esther.[8]

Creation and conception

Casting calls differed from the final press release; early casting class specified that Matheson was to be played by a White actor, with One Tree Hill's Chad Michael Murray and Dollhouse's Enver Gjokaj among those auditioning for the part of Rex.[9] Phifer's casting was reported on 14 December 2010,[10] with a BBC press release confirming this announcement on 8 January 2011.[11]

Davies introduces Rex in Miracle Day to act as a new

American dream"; he has been all his life. Rex is "destined for success" and it is said that he could become rich in a variety of career paths, yet opted for the CIA because "he believes in justice and will fight for it". Rex's charisma is of great use in his line of work: "He can talk his way into anything, then charm his way out, fast."[11]

Rex joins Torchwood in Miracle Day a second male hero in the series. Shantella Sherman-Wi writes: "On first glance, it’s unclear whether the Torchwood franchise can handle two powerful and handsome leading men, but Phifer and Barrowman make it work – and look good in the process." Returning lead Jack Harkness and Rex clash initially, however, because as Phifer puts it, they have "different approaches to things" and Rex has not "figured him out yet". In part, this owes to Rex's very

black and white thinking. However, over the course of Miracle Day, Rex will gradually succumb to the morally grey and obtuse thinking that characterises the Torchwood world.[13] Rex also comes into conflict with returning Torchwood heroine Gwen Cooper, due to them both having strong, outspoken personalities and worldviews. However, series creator Russell T Davies explains that new supporting heroine Esther will play a key role in the two of them becoming friends. Esther is "a very healing force" and "makes everything alright between them" due to her empathetic nature and people skills.[14]

References

  1. Starz
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  3. Starz
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  7. Starz
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  8. ^ Stuart, Alasdair (18 August 2011). "BLOG Torchwood book review". SFX. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
  9. ^ Ausiello, Michael; Patrick, Andy (22 October 2010). "'Torchwood' Exclusive: 'Dollhouse,' 'Greek, 'One Tree Hill' stars eye key roles". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 24 October 2010. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
  10. ^ Morgan, Sam (14 December 2010). "Mekhi Phifer Joins 'Torchwood'". Hollywood.com. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  11. ^ a b "Torchwood cast joined by Independence Day and ER stars". BBC Press Office. 1 January 2011. Retrieved 8 July 2011.
  12. ^ Jensen, Michael (9 August 2010). "More Details For "Torchwood: The New World"". After Elton. Retrieved 8 July 2011.
  13. Washington Informer
    . Retrieved 12 June 2011.
  14. ^ Berriman, Ian (1 June 2011). "Torchwood: Miracle Day – Russell T Davies Interview". SFX. Retrieved 8 July 2011.

External links

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