The BBC is set to launch a thrilling new chapter in the Whoniverse with The War Between the Land and the Sea, a major new drama series arriving on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Created by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, the series promises a grittier take on the beloved sci-fi universe, launching with a special double bill on Sunday, 7 December at 8:30pm.
A World Without The Doctor
While firmly part of the Doctor Who canon, this spin-off presents a unique premise: a global crisis unfolds without the safety net of the Time Lord. Russell T Davies explains the crucial difference, stating the series is "a little bit tougher" as the familiar "magic blue doorway" to safety is gone. "That safety net has gone. You very much find these characters up against the wall and pushed to the limit," he revealed. The story begins when an ancient, fearsome species is awoken from the ocean depths, triggering an international diplomatic and military standoff that threatens to escalate into world war.
Meet the Key Cast Members
The series boasts an impressive ensemble of British acting talent, led by several familiar faces from television and film.
Russell Tovey takes the central role of Barclay, described as "the most ordinary man in the world." Tovey, known for Gavin & Stacey and Being Human, portrays a divorced single parent and taxi booker thrust into an unimaginable global crisis by accident. "We find him at the beginning just suddenly thrust into a situation he wasn't expecting," said Tovey of his character's journey.
Opposite him is Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Loki, The Morning Show) playing the enigmatic and formidable Salt. She is an ambassador for Homo Amphibia, a dormant oceanic species demanding redress for humanity's treatment of the seas. "She's quite a fearsome character... and as the series goes on, she becomes more human," Mbatha-Raw explained of her complex role.
Providing a crucial link to Doctor Who is Jemma Redgrave, reprising her popular role as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart of the Unified Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT). In this crisis, Kate and UNIT are at the centre of managing competing political factions and keeping the peace "all without the Doctor." Redgrave teased that the five-episode arc allows her character to reveal "strength and vulnerabilities not explored before."
An Extensive Supporting Ensemble
The drama features a deep bench of supporting talent. Returning Whoniverse favourites include Ruth Madeley as Shirley Bingham, Colin McFarlane as General Austin Pierce, and Alexander Devrient as Colonel Christofer Ibrahim.
The star-studded cast is rounded out by Adrian Lukis, Patrick Baladi, Francesca Corney, Mei Mac, Vincent Franklin, Waleed Hammad, Iestyn Arwel, Hannah Donaldson, Manpreet Bachu, and Ann Akinjirin.
The War Between the Land and the Sea offers a tense, politically-charged drama set against a fantastical threat. With its compelling premise and stellar cast, the series is poised to be a major event for BBC viewers this December.
