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From: doctor@doctor.nl2k.ab.ca (The Doctor)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.drwho,uk.media.tv.sf.drwho,rec.arts.sf.tv,rec.arts.tv,can.arts.sf,rec.arts.sf.fandom
Subject: The War Between the Land and the Sea after 4 parts
Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:21:28 -0000 (UTC)
Organization: NetKnow News


So What do the audinces think in generaal?

Also, base that on popular review sites.

Google Gemini

I can synthesise the audience impressions for "The War Between the Land 
and the Sea" based on the search results related to your provided links 
and the first four episodes:Audience impressions for the first four 
episodes of The War Between the Land and the Sea are mixed to positive, 
with many viewers reporting they were "hooked" by the show's suspense, 
but with some key criticisms regarding pacing and thematic subtlety.

Audience Impressions (Episodes 1-4 Summary)

Impression Details Engagement & Hook

Many viewers were "hooked" and "gripped" after the two-episode premiere, 
noting it was visually terrific and put effort into world-building.

Thematic Subtlety

The most consistent criticism is the show's lack of subtlety. 
Its ecological and political commentary is often described as "didactic" 
or delivered with "zero subtlety," causing some viewers to "roll their eyes.

"Character Development

The character of Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (Jemma Redgrave) is generally praised
for receiving significant and much-needed development, stepping out of the 
main show's shadow to lead the narrative. However, some audience members felt 
that a major tragic event in Episode 4 lacked emotional impact because the 
relationship wasn't adequately established beforehand.

Pacing & Action

The series successfully transitioned from the "set up" of the first two 
episodes into a state of "full blown war" by Episodes 3 and 4, with one review
 calling the shift "exciting." The plot escalation is seen as compelling.
 
 Audience Retention
 
 Initial viewing figures suggest the show had a decent audience, 
 but dropped about a third of its viewers between Episode 1 and Episode 2, 
 indicating that the initial hook did not 
 translate into consistent viewing for everyone.
 
 Key RelationshipsThe romantic angle between the leads, Barclay and Salt, 
 was noted by some as feeling rushed or flat given the high-stakes, 
 world-ending disaster occurring around them.
 
 Overall, while the show provides solid, gripping entertainment 
 and strong moments for UNIT characters, its handling of heavy 
 political themes and some romantic subplots has been divisive 
 among the audience.
 
 For a deeper dive into the later episodes, you can check out this fan review:
 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6geXuHRfqB0">
 PaulWho Review's The War between the land and the sea episode 3&4.</a>
 
 ChatGPT
 
 Here's a **summary of *audience impressions* of *The War Between the Land 
 and the Sea* after 4 of its 5 episodes have aired - based mainly 
 on **IMDb audience reviews** and **Rotten Tomatoes user reviews**, 
 reflecting what viewers are saying so far:** ([IMDb][1])

---

## **Overall Audience Reaction — Mixed & Polarised**

### Negative Reactions

A **significant portion of viewers are strongly critical**, 
with many giving **1-3/10 ratings** on IMDb. These users describe the show as:

* **Badly written, poorly acted, or amateurish** - some blaming weak dialogue, 
  wooden performances, or low production quality. ([IMDb][1])

* **Uninteresting or dull**, with reviewers saying 
  it isn't compelling or engaging. ([IMDb][1])
* Some feel the **environmental or political messaging is heavy-handed** 
  or "preachy," detracting from the sci-fi premise. ([Rotten Tomatoes][2])

Typical negative sentiments include comments like "rubbish," "waste of time," 
and "terrible script," with several reviewers saying they *won't continue 
watching* the series. ([IMDb][1])

---

### Positive Reactions

At the same time, **many audience members enjoy the series**, 
praising aspects such as:

* **Strong start / hooked early:** Some say the first episodes were 
    interesting and kept them wanting more. ([IMDb][1])
* **Character and cast appreciation:** Fans highlight Russell Tovey and Gugu 
   Mbatha-Raw's performances as engaging and emotionally grounded. ([IMDb][1])
* **Ambitious concept:** A positive trend in user reviews notes that the 
    show's story, tone, and visual design feel fresh 
	and different - especially compared with 
	recent *Doctor Who* episodes. ([IMDb][1])
* **More mature or grounded tone:** Some viewers appreciate a shift toward 
    drama and politics rather 
	than traditional action-oriented sci-fi. ([Rotten Tomatoes][2])

Audience Rotten Tomatoes user comments similarly vary: some find the premise 
"very interesting," and feel the show is "tense, gripping, and compelling,"
 while others criticise performances and plot choices. ([Rotten Tomatoes][3])

---

## 🧠 **Key Themes in Audience Feedback**

### ⚖️ **Polarization Between Fans & Critics**

Audience impressions tend to fall into two camps:

* Those who **really enjoy** the show's 
  character-driven drama and new direction.
* Those who **strongly dislike** its script, 
  pacing, or execution, sometimes vocally. ([IMDb][1])

This polarization echoes broader discussion threads where some viewers argue 
strongly either for or against the series' quality and style. ([Reddit][4])

---

### 💔 **Common Criticisms**

Among the most frequently mentioned negatives:

* Tone and pacing issues.
* Feelings that the environmental messaging overshadows plot momentum.
* Comments that the “war” promised in the title isn't delivered 
  the way some expected. ([Rotten Tomatoes][3])

Some social media reactions specifically flagged uneven character development 
or shifts in writing quality later in the run of episodes. ([Reddit][5])

---

### 💡 **Common Praises**

Positive impressions often highlight:

* A **fresh break from typical *Doctor Who*** formats.
* **Actor performances** and relationships between key characters.
* **Visuals and world-building**, even when 
    effects are criticised by others. ([IMDb][1])

Some viewers say it *feels closer to other successful Davies spin-offs*, 
like *Torchwood*, in tone. ([Rotten Tomatoes][3])

---

## 🔢 **Final Take-Away**

**Audience reactions after 4 episodes are very mixed**:

* **Some viewers really like** the series and find it compelling, 
    particularly for its emotional aspects and performances. ([IMDb][1])
* **Many others are deeply dissatisfied**, criticizing writing, 
    production, or failing to meet expectations. ([IMDb][1])
* **Overall IMDb user rating is mediocre (~6.4/10),** meaning a significant
    spread of both positive and negative votes. ([IMDb][6])
* **Rotten Tomatoes audience (Popcornmeter) is much lower than 
    the critics' scores**, indicating that while critics may lean somewhat 
	positive overall, *regular viewers are more divided and trend toward 
	mixed/negative impressions*. ([Rotten Tomatoes][3])

---

If you'd like, I can break this down into **specific audience segments** 
- for example, Whoniverse fans vs. general TV viewers - since reactions 
can differ a lot depending on what viewers were *expecting* going in.

[1]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30645193/reviews/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 
     "The War Between the Land and the Sea 
	 (TV Mini Series 2025– ) - User reviews - IMDb"
[2]: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_war_between_the_land_and_the_sea
     /s01?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The War Between the Land and the Sea: 
	 Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes"
[3]: https://static.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_war_between_the_land_and_the_sea
     /s01?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The War Between the Land and the Sea: 
	 Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes"
[4]: https://www.reddit.com//r/gallifrey/comments/1ph6aka
     /the_war_between_the_land_and_the_sea_review/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 
	 "The War Between the Land and the Sea review - prepare to roll your eyes 
	 a lot at this fishy Doctor Who spinoff | Television | The Guardian"
[5]: https://www.reddit.com//r/doctorwho/comments/1pmousu
     /the_war_between_the_land_and_the_sea_1x04_the/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 
	 "The War Between the Land and the Sea 1x04 \"The Witch of the Waterfall\"
	 Live and Immediate Reactions Discussion Thread"
[6]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30645193/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 
     "The War Between the Land and the Sea (TV Mini Series 2025– ) - IMDb"

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