The ocean is rising, and it’s not bringing gifts. A storm is brewing, not of water and wind, but of ancient fury as a forgotten race emerges from the depths. The Homo Aqua, known to some as the Sea Devils, are back, and they’ve had enough.
Russell T Davies returns to the world of Doctor Who with a chilling new spin-off, “The War Between the Land and the Sea.” This isn’t a story about a lone hero; it’s about an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Barclay, a low-level UNIT staff member played by Russell Tovey, finds himself unexpectedly positioned as humanity’s voice in a desperate negotiation.
Leading the Homo Aqua is Salt, a captivating and enigmatic figure brought to life by Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Her people aren’t seeking conquest, but restitution – a reckoning for the damage inflicted upon their world, our oceans. UNIT, under the familiar command of Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, played once again by Jemma Redgrave, faces an international crisis unlike any seen before.
Early reactions suggest a significant shift in tone and quality. While the recent mainline Doctor Who series with Ncuti Gatwa divided audiences, this new venture is being hailed as a “return to form” for Davies. Critics are praising its ability to weave urgent themes of climate change into a thrilling, and often darkly humorous, narrative.
The series doesn’t preach; it explores. One reviewer noted the climate messaging feels “natural and explored in a genuinely fun way,” pushing ideas to their most “bonkers limit” – a hallmark of classic Doctor Who. Another commended the series for thoughtfully addressing the climate crisis with a level of urgency rarely seen in science fiction.
Russell Tovey’s performance is drawing particular attention, described as brimming with “buckets of charm.” He and Mbatha-Raw are being lauded as a “compelling duo,” navigating a tense and precarious dialogue between two worlds on the brink of conflict.
However, not all responses are entirely positive. Some critics find Barclay’s intentionally unassuming nature a little *too* subdued, lacking the heroic spark expected of a lead. The series is also described as occasionally “cringy and awkward,” yet ultimately “thrilling and delightful” for longtime fans.
Despite minor flaws, the overall consensus points to a bold and ambitious project. It’s a series that feels reminiscent of Davies’ earlier work, like “Years and Years,” while still firmly rooted in the Doctor Who universe. It’s a story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, a rare combination in modern science fiction.
The first two episodes of “The War Between the Land and the Sea” will premiere on December 7th, with subsequent episodes released weekly. Prepare to dive into a world where the greatest threat isn’t from outer space, but from the depths below.
The future of Doctor Who itself has seen recent shifts, with the BBC confirming the next series will not be a Disney+ partnership, and a Christmas special planned for 2026. But for now, all eyes are on the rising tide and the war that’s about to begin.
