While everyone has been flailing at press photos and dreaming of a Doctor Who Christmas, The Whoverse’s naughty sibling, Torchwood, has been stealthily creeping behind the scenes, hiring actors and producers and setting Twitter afire with rumors.Yesterday it was announced that Mekhi Phifer (ER, Lie To Me) was cast as CIA Agent Rex Matheson. Phifer joins Arlene Ture (Crash) who was announced in as playing surgeon Vera Juarez back in early November, and returning cast members John Barrrowman, Eve Myles and Kai Owens.  While fan favorite P.C. Andy has not yet been officially confirmed as returning to the show, actor Tom Price tweeted on December 10 that he was sorting out his U.S. Visa.  Hmmmm…..Behind the scenes, another Whedonerse alum has joined the merry band.  Kelly Manners (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Dollhouse has been announced as producer.  With writer Jane Espenson, Skip Schoolik (Post Production), Shawna Trpcic (Costume Designer) and Todd McIntosh (Make-up) the show is hefting some serious genre street cred.Unconfirmed rumors have filming beginning in mid-January with an airing date of mid-July.  While not a huge name, Phifer is respected and reasonably well-known actor.  His addition to the cast gives a bit of name recognition and, depending on the writing, could bring a dose of American grittiness the series.  Even better, he gets to clash with Captain Jack Harkness and if past performances are anything to go by, that’s one battle that will be worth the Starz subscription fee.So readers, to copy Jane Espenson’s tweet earlier today - will you be watching the new Torchwood?UPDATE:  Late yesterday it was announced that Bill Pullman (Independence Day) has been signed on to play the controversial Oswald Jones, a convicted murderer (and rumored pedophile).  Casting an actor who is known for his “nice guy” roles as a potentially loathsome character is genius.  Well played, Torchwood.