The War Between the Land and the Sea takes Doctor Who universe in a new direction
The latest spin-off from the Doctor Who universe, The War Between the Land and the Sea, is poised to offer a fresh narrative experience for fans, despite the absence of the titular Time Lord. The series, which premieres this weekend, arrives amid uncertainty regarding the future of its parent show, particularly following Disney’s decision to discontinue their partnership with the BBC. This strategic adjustment reflects broader changes within the franchise, as reported BritPanorama.
Fans have faced considerable upheaval over the past few years, including doubts about Disney’s commitment to the series and the abrupt exit of lead actor Ncuti Gatwa, which raised questions about the direction of his second series. Additionally, a cliffhanger involving former Doctor Who star Billie Piper remains unresolved, leaving audiences eager yet anxious about what lies ahead.
While The War Between the Land and the Sea was initially slated for release next year, the BBC accelerated the launch following Disney’s withdrawal from the collaboration. This spin-off, led by showrunner Russell T Davies, marks a notable departure from the franchise’s conventional style, offering more grounded storytelling reminiscent of the earlier series Torchwood.
Presented as a five-part narrative, the series features former guest actors Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who portray members of the Unified Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT) tasked with defending humanity against an ancient aquatic species known as the Sea Devils, now referred to as Homo Aqua. The series taps into contemporary environmental themes, as the Homo Aqua demand to reclaim Earth, citing the pollution caused by humanity as justification for their claims.
Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, portrayed by Jemma Redgrave, takes charge of UNIT during this crisis. The tension escalates when the Homo Aqua, led by Salt (Mbatha-Raw), confront the organization regarding past grievances. “They were here first, millions of years ago; the planet belongs to them,” states Lethbridge-Stewart. The series explores complex moral dilemmas and challenges traditional narratives by centering on characters driven by powerful motivations rather than the typical format of a rescue by the Doctor.
Despite the absence of the Doctor, The War Between the Land and the Sea succeeds in heightening the stakes and bringing a fresh perspective. It has been observed that the storytelling embraces a more mature tone, straying from conventional episodic formats to develop a cohesive, ongoing narrative that enhances character depth and thematic nuance.
Some may critique the explicit environmental messaging as divisive, particularly given previous complaints regarding perceived political stances in the franchise. However, the series is willing to blur the lines between right and wrong, presenting complex motivations and highlighting humanity’s impact on the environment.
The production values of the new series reflect significant investment despite budget limits following the Disney partnership. The visuals are complemented by a grand score, creating a compelling viewing experience that stands apart from the traditional Doctor Who format.
In moving away from familiar tropes and expectations, The War Between the Land and the Sea demonstrates Davies’ ambition to challenge the established norms of Doctor Who storytelling. With time to regroup before the main series returns, its leaders may find inspiration in this innovative spin-off.
The War Between the Land and the Sea starts on Sunday at 8.30pm on BBC One
