I think that Torchwood's reputations precedes it maybe a bit too much; I think people seeing it for the first time now expect more of that kind of thing than there actually is.

Most definitely. I've got to say that the only thing I think I saw on any Torchwood I've watched this far that I was somewhat shocked by was this scene were a baby carriage ran into the street when the Mom turned all zombie and then, off-screen, you hear tires screech and then a thump. I just didn't think there was any call for that at all.

Re: the Romanas === I could see that seeing II before I could lead to a preference such as yours. I saw I first, then watched her progression and so was able to see that she actually started off awesome.