Could a UNIT Doctor Who Spin-Off Be Next? (Spoilers for the latest Doctor Who season)
Showrunner Russell T Davies confirms possible spin-off
Russell T Davies, the showrunner of Doctor Who has confirmed that there are several spin-offs in development. While specific details are still under wraps, there have been hints and speculation about potential spin-offs. As reported by Radio Times, plans are active for potential spin-offs, with Davies confirming: “There are offices that exist now for that.”
Doctor Who boasts a rich history of spin-offs exploring different corners of its universe. For instance, students faced alien threats in “Class” (2016), while Captain Jack Harkness investigated extraterrestrial events in “Torchwood” (2006-2011) – a testament to the vastness of the Whoniverse. Furthermore, “The Sarah Jane Adventures” (2007-2011) followed Sarah Jane Smith and her young friends fighting aliens, and even the robotic dog K9 starred in his own series (2009-2010), with an earlier pilot episode, “K9 and Company,” in 1981. More recently, “Daleks!” (2020) graced YouTube as an animated series. Interestingly, the latest season of Doctor Who strongly hints at another possible spin-off.
This season thrust UNIT into the spotlight, starting with the 60th-anniversary specials and continuing throughout the season. Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, UNIT’s head, returned alongside a mix of new and familiar companions. Their presence was prominent in the episode “73 Yards,” and the two-part season finale, “The Legend of Ruby Sunday” and “Empire of Death,” heavily featured UNIT. Moreover, the season finale also set the stage for the return of the classic villain, Sutekh, who posed a significant threat to both UNIT and the Doctor.
Indeed, the potential for a UNIT Spinoff seems likely.
This season marked a notable shift in the portrayal of UNIT members. Previously, UNIT soldiers often served as nameless plot devices, but in the two-part finale and 60th anniversary specials, their introductions were given more weight and significance.
Returning and New UNIT Characters:
- Jemma Redgrave as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart
- Bonnie Langford as Melanie “Mel” Bush, a former companion of the Doctor now working undercover for UNIT
- Susan Twist as Susan Triad, invited to work at UNIT in the season finale
- Yasmin Finney as Rose Noble, daughter of Donna Noble and Shaun Temple, who appears in the 2023 Doctor Who 60th anniversary special “The Star Beast.” Rose inherits Time Lord energy from her mother’s DoctorDonna experience.
- Genesis Lynea as Harriet Arbinger
- Lenny Rush as Morris Gibbons, UNIT’s new scientific advisor
- Alexander Devrient as Colonel Ibrahim
- Jasmine Bayes as Corporal Sullivan
- Aidan Cook as the Vlinx (voice by Nicholas Briggs)
The detailed introductions of these characters suggest a potential spin-off, similarly reminiscent of “The Sarah Jane Adventures,” which followed the adventures of one of the Doctor’s most beloved companions. The new UNIT team feels like a spiritual successor to this show. In “The Sarah Jane Adventures,” investigative journalist Sarah Jane Smith continued to protect Earth from alien threats with the help of her adopted son Luke, his friends Clyde and Rani, and her supercomputer Mr. Smith. The series successfully blended sci-fi themes with engaging storytelling, making it accessible to a younger audience. Likewise, this new team at UNIT features a younger cast that includes kids, teens, and an artificial life form. Therefore, they possess a similar potential for attracting a younger audience while exploring captivating sci-fi narratives.
The History of UNIT in the Doctor Who Universe
UNIT has a long and rich history in the Doctor Who universe, appearing in various forms of media. This provides ample content for a potential spin-off.
- Comics: UNIT has appeared in numerous Doctor Who comics over the years, primarily published by Titan Comics. Their role in the comics mirrors their role in the television series, combating alien threats and investigating paranormal phenomena.
- Audio Dramas: Big Finish Productions has produced a series of UNIT audio dramas that focus on the organization’s operations without the Doctor’s direct involvement. These dramas explore UNIT’s encounters with alien threats and paranormal activity, delving deeper into the characters and their relationships.
- Novelizations: UNIT features prominently in several Doctor Who novelizations, particularly those based on stories from the Third Doctor’s era. These novelizations offer expanded narratives, delving deeper into the characters of UNIT personnel and the events of the TV episodes.
With such a well-established history and a renewed prominence in the latest season, a UNIT spin-off seems like a natural progression for the Doctor Who universe. Ultimately, whether this potential spin-off becomes a reality remains to be seen.
