The Deep

"Let's save the world."

Writer: Pete McTighe

Format: TV

Broadcast: 14 December 2025

Series: The War Between the Land and the Sea 1.03

Featuring: Kate, Barclay

Synopsis

Barclay makes a terrifying descent into the world of Homo Aqua. Back on the land, Kate stands alone as Downing Street conspires with the army to change the course of the war.

Verdict

The Deep was an average episode to continue The War Between the Land and the Sea. This was undoubtedly the weakest of the episodes to air so far which was a big shame as I was really anticipating this after a strong double opening last week. I just think this one fell short a little. It wasn't exactly bad or anything as it still gets a pretty solid rating from myself, but it just felt like it was always building toward something that never actually came. I do like the idea of Barclay and the rest of the human delegation meeting Homo Aqua on their own turf five miles below the surface and it's exciting to see what we formerly knew of as Sea Devils in their own domain. I do hope we get a proper look at that in the next episode because the glimpses we did get here were quite beautiful. I was intrigued by the descent into their domain but the scale of it seemed almost a little unbelievable. Would so many people go on one mission with such little experience and training in deep sea dives? I felt like we could have gotten a sci-fi explanation as to how they got there especially considering what we've already seen Homo Aqua demonstrate in returning the rubbish pollution to the streets on the surface. I am really keen to explore the technological advancement of the Aquakind in their own domain but I'm not entirely sure we'll have a chance with man's desire for war. The COBRA meeting was not exactly surprising in the rhetoric that Kate was having to fight because whilst she was out for discussing diplomacy, the businessmen at the table were out for war. The oceans were theirs. They looked down on Homo Aqua as they crawled out of the waters millennia ago which was actually something I could appreciate as a line from a villainous politician. Kate was clearly fighting a losing battle and she was going through a considerable amount in the episode. She was working flat out and needed a break but couldn't find the time. That sounds like life with two children when working from home! Of course, I'm only concerned with my own household there and keeping that together whereas Kate had the entire world and future of the human race to think about. It's almost impressive she managed six hours sleep in three days! Colonel Ibrahim was concerned though and was insisting she go home for rest while the crew were descending and off radar and contact. It made sense but it turned out to be a huge mistake. Ibrahim professing how he was sick and tired of hiding their relationship was admirable, but nothing compared to the sacrifice he made as Kate was told by Shirley about Severance. The concept of an assassination attempt on Kate is startling and really shows just how much the politicians want war and to eradicate Homo Aqua. They are not interested in the smallest bit of diplomacy! It was quite the cliffhanger there to coincide with Ted revealing that his supposed diplomatic gift was actually a weapon to use against Homo Aqua. That was a bit of a shock to say the least, but I'm not sure much damage would actually have been done had Barclay not tackled him to send the globe containing his pulse weapon flying. The relationship between Salt and Barclay nearly got romantic after an awkward interaction of touching that was just a bit weird, but they're going to struggle on a species scale to combine after this I imagine! Overall, a decent episode in parts but the build up and the actual descent without much actually happening took way too long. Some stunning visuals though! I'm looking forward to the next episode which I'm about to watch as I finish typing! 

Rating: 6/10