What’s in a Name?

Well, apparently a lot! If you’ve been calling the upcoming Doctor Who spinoff ‘that Sea Devils show’ or something equally vague, it’s time to step up your game. The creators have decided that the term ‘Sea Devil’ is offensive—yep, you heard that right! So, what’s their new name? Drumroll, please… it’s ‘Homo Aqua!’ Because, you know, who doesn’t love a little scientific flair, right?

A New Kind of Villain?

Now, before you start booing at the screen, this name change might actually make sense. The Sea Devils, those classic villains introduced back when Jon Pertwee was gracing our screens as the Third Doctor, aren’t necessarily the baddies anymore. They’re kind of like misunderstood creatures who just want better living conditions. Who can blame them, after all? Especially after years of humans mucking up their ocean hangout!

The Plot Thickens

While the specifics of the plot are still under wraps, it seems this latest adventure will dive into a climate-change-inspired showdown between humanity and our aqua friends. And frankly, it sounds like Homo Aqua are more than a little tired of our ocean pollution shenanigans. Will human negotiator Barclays (played by the charming Russell Tovey) and not-a-Sea-Devil diplomat Salt (the fabulous Gugu Mbatha-Raw) be able to broker peace? I wouldn’t bet on it!

Climate Crisis Drama

Screenwriter Russell T Davies is tackling a hot topic (pun totally intended) as he puts it: “How do you write about the climate crisis?” Spoiler: he’s doing it through aliens who are not excited about humanity’s actions. It’s a drama that’s bound to make us think, and maybe nudge us toward saving Mother Earth before she gets mad.

A Different Vibe

This isn’t your typical Doctor Who adventure. Oh no! According to Davies, this spinoff is going to pack a punch compared to the usual whimsical feel. We’re talking darker themes and grittier stakes, all while staying within the same universe. So, if you’re looking for cute aliens having tea parties, you might want to look elsewhere!

Expect Some Serious Tension!

And boy, does the trailer give off those ‘Torchwood: Children of Earth’ vibes! We might get a little tension brewing between Salt and Barclays—perfectly set for some serious character drama as they grapple with their species differences while probably saving the world. Could it turn into a quirky love story? Only time will tell!

Waiting Game

If you’re outside the UK, you might want to grab some popcorn and settle in for a long wait. Even though the show is slated to land in the UK this December, the rest of us won’t be joining the fun until sometime in 2026. Fingers crossed it’s worth the wait! And let’s all hope for some romantic fireworks between Kate Lethbridge-Stewart and her smoldering second-in-command! What else is a spinoff for, right?