REVIEW: ‘ The War Between the Land and the Sea’ Episode 4 – “The Witch in the Waterfall”

The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 4 is written by Pete McTighe and directed by Dylan Holmes Williams. The show stars Russell Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Jemma Redgrave. After a deadly night, Barclay and Salt have to go on the run, hunted by both humans and Homo Aqua.

The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 4 takes place in the immediate aftermath of the previous chapter. In fact, the last seconds of what came before are shown again to create a seamless transition. The explosions and gunshots rip through, and we see the deaths. It’s traumatic and ruthless. Losing so many crucial characters at once is excruciating and a horrifying surprise. Not just figures brought in this series, but characters from the nerve centre that started in the main Doctor Who series. It highlights the ruthlessness of McTighe and showrunner Russell T. Davies.

There’s a quiet moment in the second act of The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 4 that really lets the deaths sink in, portraying the deceased as humans rather than just numbers or bodies. As Salt (Mbatha-Raw) and Barclay (Tovey) go into hiding, the political commentary within The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 4 reaches an extraordinary level. It’s much more in-depth as the plot has progressed. The conversations are not solely about climate change or pollution. Water companies, think tanks, billionaires, and their connection to governments are all explored in fantastic detail. So many news stories that inspired the writing flashed into my mind whilst watching, which demonstrates how relevant these plotlines are.

The characters are scattered in The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 4, still reeling from the tragedy.

The major incident changes the world, leaving everyone in shock. So it’s back to the negotiation table, but everyone has changed since those last conversations. The anger is more severe, and the threats could cause even more damage.

What sets The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 4 apart is the greater movement and energy. The characters move around London, either running or investigating, which adds intensity and the feeling of an impending war. The ending is another heart-pounding confrontation; it reveals that the sides in this story are ever-changing. There are so many parties in play, trying to seize power or take control.

The characters are scattered in The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 4, many reeling from the tragedy that just befell them. One of those is Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (Redgrave), usually known as the cold, calculating leader. But the loss she suffered is one of the most personal. She’s shattered in every sense of the word, with a composure that’s held together with safety pins. It’s alarming to see her break down and sob. But in a pinch, she’s still capable, scary, and defiant.

Barclay and Salt are separated from everyone else, but happy together.

Shirley (Ruth Madeley), one of the few left in the command centre when everything goes wrong, quickly takes control and becomes the commander-in-chief. It’s a brief moment that makes you smile, even amid the intense, frantic chaos. The British Prime Minister (Vincent Franklin) is presented as a multifaceted character in a single scene. He’s rattled and malleable, but still respectful of Kate even after everything that’s happened. He is a kind man, but he is just susceptible to the manipulations of the nefarious forces around him.

And the Prime Minister is a coward, just wanting to make sure none of the disasters fall back on him and affect his ratings. All of the deaths are impactful and startling. But one of the major players is taken off the board very suddenly, which shakes things up and suspiciously reveals who the true ringleaders on Earth are.

Barclay and Salt are separated from everyone else, but happy together. Away from the rest of the world, the chemistry and evolution of the chargers is fascinating, especially Salt. Barclay is nervous and jittery, still pretty afraid of the amphibious creature he’s risked his life for. But she is energetic and comfortable around him, running around the abandoned warehouse they call home.

The production utilises space and variety in The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 4.

This lightens the mood significantly, which is needed. The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 4 is heavy and sad, so some relief and release are satisfying. Seeing Salt smile and laugh is so fun, and it’s delightful. The conversations they have about their lives are stunning, brilliant with emotion and intricacy. And it gets adult. Very adult. This isn’t just a love story; there’s lust, too. They are drawn together in a way that makes their bodies yearn for each other.

The comment at the end of the scene was utterly unexpected, stepping from innuendo to full sexual. The duo then becomes hopeful about escaping and finding paradise. It’s beautiful to see, but it’s evident that these wishes are going to be hard to achieve, likely false dawns.

The production utilises space and variety in The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 4. The city of London becomes a hostile location. There are soldiers everywhere, but when needed, it’s empty and desolate. The action above ground is understated yet effective. Apart from the fishy folk, the technology used has not been so extreme as to make an unrecognisable world. The way that Salt and Barclay get from the bottom of the sea to the surface looks fantastic. In fact, the explosion and the desolation that follow are sensational in general, which is necessary given how pivotal the moment is to the rest of the series.

The sadness with UNIT and the intoxicating exuberance of Salt give the episode fire, energy, and power.

The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 4 explores the consequences of catastrophe. It’s rare in a regular Doctor Who season because of how quickly the Time Lord moves on. But on Earth, people have died. Major characters, and those left behind, have to try to pick up the pieces and stop a war that seems inevitable.

The contrast between such haunting sadness with UNIT and the intoxicating exuberance of Salt gives the episode fire, energy, and power. The relationship, if you can call it that, between the two main characters is so immersive because of the incredible dialogue and acting. And whilst this show can be violent and lusty, it’s not taken to an obscene or vulgar extent.

The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 4 is available on BBC iPlayer and on Disney+ in 2026.

Previous Episode | Next Episode