The BBC's latest expansion of the Whoniverse, The War Between the Land and the Sea, has premiered to a welcome sigh of relief from long-time fans. The new five-part spin-off, masterminded by returning showrunner Russell T Davies, successfully overcomes initial scepticism with a compelling story, rich characters, and a timely socio-political edge.
A Return to Form for Russell T Davies
For viewers who have found recent seasons of the main Doctor Who series uneven, this new venture marks a significant return to the sophisticated storytelling that made Davies a television legend. The series, which debuted its first two episodes on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 8:30pm, benefits from a focused five-episode arc. This structure allows for deeper narrative development, reminiscent of the writer's acclaimed work on shows like It's A Sin.
The plot centres on UNIT and an 'everyman' character named Barclay, played by Russell Tovey. His mundane life is shattered when he is thrust into the role of humanity's spokesperson. The cause of this upheaval is the awakening of the ancient Homo Aqua, better known as the classic Sea Devils. Led by the enigmatic Salt, portrayed by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, this aquatic race presents a formidable new threat.
Stellar Cast and Timely Themes
The series boasts a strong ensemble cast, featuring returning Doctor Who alumni alongside UNIT regulars. Jemma Redgrave reprises her role as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, with Ruth Madeley as Shirley and Alexander Devrient as Ibrahim. The core dynamic, however, lies between Tovey's Barclay and Mbatha-Raw's Salt, both of whom deliver nuanced performances that provide immediate depth and investment.
Where the show truly shines is in its seamless integration of pressing real-world issues. The themes of climate change and environmental responsibility are woven into the narrative without feeling forced or didactic. Davies opts to show rather than tell, allowing the story's moral commentary to emerge organically through dramatic action and character decisions. The reported Disney Plus budget is evident in grand set pieces, detailed costuming, and ambitious concepts like the 'Plastic Apocalypse' featured in the second episode.
Promise and a Note of Caution
While the opening two-parter is largely free of the clunky dialogue and narrative missteps that have plagued recent Who output, the review notes that occasional awkward moments remain. Furthermore, given Davies's recent track record with finales, the ultimate success of The War Between the Land and the Sea will hinge on how its story concludes on December 21, 2025.
For fans craving the edgier, high-stakes drama that spin-offs like Torchwood delivered, this new series shows immense promise. It successfully revives a classic villain for a modern audience, pairing spectacular visuals with intelligent, character-driven storytelling. The remaining episodes will air in blocks, with episodes three and four scheduled for Sunday, December 14 at 9:20pm, followed by the finale a week later.
