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 â 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])
---
## ð§ **Key Themes in Audience Feedback**
### âï¸ **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])
---
### ð **Common Criticisms**
Among the most frequently mentioned negatives:
* Tone and pacing issues.
* Feelings that the environmental messaging overshadows plot momentum.
* Comments that the âwarâ 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])
---
### ð¡ **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])
---
## ð¢ **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 2025â ) - 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 2025â ) - IMDb"
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