The BBC’s new drama, The War Between the Land and the Sea, has sparked considerable debate among viewers. Penned by Russell T Davies, known for his work on Doctor Who, the series centers around UNIT, a recurring organisation within the Doctor Who universe, as they confront a global crisis triggered by an ancient aquatic species. The show has garnered attention for its ambitious narrative and performances, but has also faced criticism regarding its execution.
The premise of the show revolves around Barclay, played by Russell Tovey, an ordinary individual whose life is upended when he’s thrust into the role of humanity’s spokesperson. The emergence of a formidable underwater race throws the world into turmoil, forcing UNIT to spring into action. The cast includes familiar faces such as Jemma Redgrave as Kate Lethbridge Stewart, Ruth Madeley as Shirley, and Alexander Devrient as Ibrahim, alongside the return of Tish and Alonso, characters previously seen in Doctor Who.
Following the premiere of the first two episodes, social media platforms have been flooded with viewer reactions, both positive and negative.
Praises for the Series
Many viewers have lauded the series for its mature storytelling and its willingness to tackle complex themes within a science fiction framework. The performances of the cast have also been highlighted, with particular praise directed towards the returning Doctor Who actors and the core UNIT team.
One viewer described the show as “damn good,” praising its ability to act as a mirror to humanity’s worst aspects within a large-scale political thriller.
Another commended the drama for addressing the current state of the planet, appreciating its realism and down-to-earth approach.
A long-time Doctor Who fan expressed satisfaction with the spin-off, suggesting that regular, high-quality spin-offs like this could compensate for the main show concluding.
Other viewers described the series as “slick, well scripted, well acted,” and “superbly watchable.”
Criticisms Leveled Against the Show
Despite the positive reception from many, some viewers have expressed disappointment with The War Between the Land and the Sea. Criticisms have focused on various aspects of the production, including the acting, story, directing, and sound.
One viewer labelled the series as “abysmal,” deeming it a waste of resources and expressing hope that viewing figures would reflect their dissatisfaction.
Another described the series as “awful” and criticized the directing.
Some viewers felt that the series did not meet the standard set by other contemporary science fiction productions, finding it difficult to even finish the first episode.
Key Details About the Series
Here’s a breakdown of essential information about The War Between the Land and the Sea:
- Writers: Russell T Davies and Pete McTighe
- Cast: Russell Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jemma Redgrave, Ruth Madeley, Alexander Devrient, Mei Mac, Francesca Corney, Waseem Mirza
- Runtime: Five episodes, approximately 45 minutes each.
- Release Schedule: The first two episodes premiered on December 7th, with episodes three and four airing on December 14th. The finale is scheduled for December 21st.
Connection to Doctor Who
While The War Between the Land and the Sea is set within the Doctor Who universe, it distinguishes itself by not featuring the Doctor. The series brings back UNIT, with Jemma Redgrave reprising her role as Kate Lethbridge Stewart. The narrative is designed to be accessible to both Doctor Who fans and new viewers alike. The official synopsis emphasizes the focus on Barclay’s journey as he becomes humanity’s ambassador in the face of the Sea Devils’ emergence.
The series is available for viewing on BBC iPlayer.
