American actor Mekhi Phifer (ER, Lie to Me) is joining the cast of the fourth season of the Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood, which is being co-produced by Starz and the BBC for a run on both networks.  Phifer will be working with a trio of original cast members that includes John Barrowman, who plays the central role of con man Captain John Harkness, Eve Myles who portrays key team member Gwen Cooper, and Kai Owen who plays Gwen’s husband.

According to Deadline, Phifer will take the role of a new character, Rex Matheson, a CIA agent, “a fast-tracked, high-flyer with a lethal sense of humor” who will become the series’ third lead.

Titan Publishing has launched a Torchwood comic book series, which is based on the TV show, which has managed to build a strong following through its first three series (see “Torchwood #1”).