Television viewers are in for a treat this evening with the launch of a major new science-fiction series and a poignant documentary about a pivotal moment in space history. The schedule offers a blend of high-stakes drama, real-life tragedy, and festive cheer.
A New Chapter in the Whoniverse
At 8.30pm on BBC One, acclaimed writer Russell T Davies expands the Doctor Who universe with the ambitious spin-off, 'The War Between the Land and the Sea'. The story presents a colossal challenge for UNIT, the military organisation that occasionally employs the Doctor. A fearsome aquatic species, the Sea Devils – last seen during Jodie Whittaker's era as the Time Lord – have risen from the ocean depths. Their motivation is one of environmental vengeance; humanity's relentless pursuit of oil has devastated their home.
The task of preventing a global conflict falls into the unlikely hands of Russell Tovey's character, Barclay, a bewildered clerk. He finds himself on a critical mission to make contact with the creatures purely due to an administrative blunder. While the series promises to include subtle nods to Doctor Who's future, it is designed to stand alone as both a classic Earth invasion epic and a compelling environmental allegory.
A Tragic Moment in Space Exploration
Later, Channel 4 at 9.30pm airs the gripping documentary 'Apollo 1: Destination Moon'. This film recounts the heartbreaking story of the three American astronauts who, in 1967, lost their lives during a launch pad test. These men were not destined to become the first humans to walk on the moon, as history might have intended, but instead became victims of a catastrophic accident.
The documentary delves into the crucial questions surrounding the event: how did the accident occur, and what lasting impact did it have on the safety protocols and mindset of subsequent generations of NASA engineers and astronauts? It's a sobering look at the immense risks inherent in the early days of space travel.
Further Evening Viewing
The evening's lineup offers a diverse range of programming. For those seeking festive preparation, ITV1 at 5.45pm broadcasts 'A Warwick Castle Christmas', where the castle staff tackle monumental festive preparations, narrated by Mel Giedroyc.
Nature enthusiasts can catch the penultimate episode of 'Kingdom' on BBC One at 6.55pm, following the dynamics of a lion pride and the plight of an ageing leopard. Over on ITV1 at 7pm, 'The Great Escapers' sees quiz champions from The Chase attempting to plan a relaxing holiday in Rhodes.
Channel 4 also offers the quarter-finals of 'Game of Wool: Britain's Best Knitter' at 8.30pm, featuring a challenging team task to create lace lampshades. Film choices include the mafia drama 'The Alto Knights' on Sky Cinema and the romantic drama 'Under the Stars' on Prime Video, the latter elevated by a standout performance from Toni Collette.
