A gripping new drama from the mind of Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies is set to hit screens this weekend. The War Between the Land and the Sea launches with a double bill on Sunday, December 7 from 8:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
A World in Crisis Without the Doctor
This five-part series plunges viewers into an international emergency triggered by the emergence of a fearsome, ancient species from the ocean. The story follows Barclay, played by Russell Tovey, an ordinary man whose life is upended when this aquatic threat rises. He is joined by Gugu Mbatha-Raw as the enigmatic Salt.
While firmly part of the Doctor Who universe, this spin-off deliberately removes the show's iconic hero. Writer Russell T Davies explains that this absence creates a "tougher" narrative. "Normally the Doctor has a magic blue doorway they can take everybody safely through, that safety net has gone," he said. "You very much find these characters up against the wall and pushed to the limit."
Familiar Faces and New Threats
The series does feature a key link to the Whoniverse: the global organisation UNIT, with Jemma Redgrave reprising her role as its leader, Kate Lethbridge-Stewart. However, her entrance is delayed, allowing the story to establish itself from Barclay's civilian perspective first.
Davies, who lives by the sea, revealed the environmental inspiration behind the plot. The idea grew from imagining the sea was alive and reflecting on "the state of the environment and the awful things we're doing to the sea." He combined this with a desire to expand the Doctor Who world by removing its central figure, exploring how humanity copes alone.
Accessible to All Viewers
Prospective viewers need not worry about a prerequisite knowledge of Doctor Who. Davies has assured that the drama is designed for a broad audience. "You don't at all [need to have watched Doctor Who]," he stated. "It starts from Barclay’s point of view, the most ordinary man in the world who finds himself in the middle of a great big worldwide crisis by accident."
The writer confirmed that the show takes new viewers into consideration, refreshing established lore while adding fresh elements. For dedicated fans, the series promises a deeper look at Kate Lethbridge-Stewart. Jemma Redgrave teased that the crisis reveals new "strength and vulnerabilities" in her character as she navigates a potential world war without the Doctor's aid.
The story begins when an unknown species is killed after being caught in a Spanish fishing trawler's net, awakening its hibernating kin who demand justice. Kate and UNIT must then manage the ensuing diplomatic and existential crisis, balancing competing political factions and guiding the reluctant ambassador, Barclay.
Described by Davies as a "properly entertaining thriller" featuring monsters, romance, chases, and gunfights, The War Between the Land and the Sea offers a distinct and tense new chapter from one of television's most expansive fictional worlds.
