Legend of the Sea Devils

| caption2 = [[Flor de la Mar]] depicted in a 16th century illustration

| caption2 = [[Flor de la Mar]] depicted in a 16th century illustration

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"Legend of the Sea Devils" was the final episode produced as part of the eight episodes ordered for the [[Doctor Who series 13|thirteenth series]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. Despite this, it stands alone from the six-part series. Along with the [[Eve of the Daleks|previous episode]] and the [[The Power of the Doctor|following episode]], which was ordered later, it is the second and penultimate episode in a [[Doctor Who specials (2022)|trio of specials]].{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-series-13-six-episodes-three-specials-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who series 13 will be six episodes long – with trilogy of specials in 2022|last=Cremona|first=Patrick|date=29 July 2021|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729140635/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-series-13-six-episodes-three-specials-newsupdate/|url-status=live}} The episode was co-written by first-time writer for the programme, [[Ella Road]], along with the [[showrunner]], [[Chris Chibnall]].{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-sea-devils-episode-details-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who confirms new writer and director for Jodie Whittaker's next special|last=Fullerton|first=Huw|date=3 March 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=30 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530033638/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-sea-devils-episode-details-newsupdate/|url-status=live}} Road wrote the episode with Chibnall at his house in [[Wales]] over the course of three days. Road stated that she initially expected Chibnall to have an idea for the story drafted when she was hired, but this was not the case. [[Script editor]]s Becky Roughan and Caroline Buckley also participated in brainstorming sessions.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-sea-devils-production-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who's next episode had a "mad, accelerated" production|last=Hibbs|first=James|date=6 April 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=30 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530113925/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-sea-devils-production-newsupdate/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/doctor-who-legend-sea-devils-plot-writing-details/|title=Doctor Who's Spring Special Storyline Was Written In Just 3 Days|last=Cumner|first=Joseph|date=6 April 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[ScreenRant]]}} The [[Sea Devil (Doctor Who)|Sea Devil]]s make their return in the episode for the first time since the 1984 serial ''[[Warriors of the Deep]]''. It is their third major televised appearance, following their introduction in ''[[The Sea Devils]]'' in 1972.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/sea-devils-doctor-who-spring-special-newsupdate/|title=The Sea Devils will return to Doctor Who in Spring 2022 special|last=Jeffery|first=Morgan|date=1 January 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=1 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101201818/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/sea-devils-doctor-who-spring-special-newsupdate/|url-status=live}}

"Legend of the Sea Devils" was the final episode produced as part of the eight episodes ordered for the [[Doctor Who series 13|thirteenth series]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. Despite this, it stands alone from the six-part series. Along with the [[Eve of the Daleks|previous episode]] and the [[The Power of the Doctor|following episode]], which was ordered later, it is the second and penultimate episode in a [[Doctor Who specials (2022)|trio of specials]].{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-series-13-six-episodes-three-specials-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who series 13 will be six episodes long – with trilogy of specials in 2022|last=Cremona|first=Patrick|date=29 July 2021|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729140635/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-series-13-six-episodes-three-specials-newsupdate/|url-status=live}} The episode was co-written by first-time writer for the programme, [[Ella Road]], along with the [[showrunner]], [[Chris Chibnall]].{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-sea-devils-episode-details-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who confirms new writer and director for Jodie Whittaker's next special|last=Fullerton|first=Huw|date=3 March 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=30 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530033638/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-sea-devils-episode-details-newsupdate/|url-status=live}} Road wrote the episode with Chibnall at his house in [[Wales]] over the course of three days. Road stated that she initially expected Chibnall to have an idea for the story drafted when she was hired, but this was not the case. [[Script editor]]s Becky Roughan and Caroline Buckley also participated in brainstorming sessions.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-sea-devils-production-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who's next episode had a "mad, accelerated" production|last=Hibbs|first=James|date=6 April 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=30 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530113925/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-sea-devils-production-newsupdate/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/doctor-who-legend-sea-devils-plot-writing-details/|title=Doctor Who's Spring Special Storyline Was Written In Just 3 Days|last=Cumner|first=Joseph|date=6 April 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Screen Rant]]}} The [[Sea Devil (Doctor Who)|Sea Devil]]s make their return in the episode for the first time since the 1984 serial ''[[Warriors of the Deep]]''. It is their third major televised appearance, following their introduction in ''[[The Sea Devils]]'' in 1972.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/sea-devils-doctor-who-spring-special-newsupdate/|title=The Sea Devils will return to Doctor Who in Spring 2022 special|last=Jeffery|first=Morgan|date=1 January 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=1 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101201818/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/sea-devils-doctor-who-spring-special-newsupdate/|url-status=live}}

Chibnall revealed that he did not always have intentions to bring the Sea Devils back to ''Doctor Who''.{{cite AV media|title=Behind the Sea Devils' Return {{!}} Legend of the Sea Devils {{!}} Doctor Who|type=Behind the scenes featurette|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryZyWBJl0b4|date=18 April 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|publisher=[[BBC Studios]]|archive-date=17 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317010526/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryZyWBJl0b4|url-status=live}} One of Road's contributions was the addition of the historical figure [[Zheng Yi Sao]], also known as Madam Ching, to the special.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-sea-devils-plot-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who boss reveals new plot details for Legend of the Sea Devils|last=Cremona|first=Patrick|date=4 April 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=3 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003152919/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-sea-devils-plot-newsupdate/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a39631589/doctor-who-sea-devils-return-explained/|title=Doctor Who boss teases return of classic monsters in Easter special|last=Harp|first=Justin|date=4 April 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Digital Spy]]|archive-date=1 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901144404/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a39631589/doctor-who-sea-devils-return-explained/|url-status=live}} Also depicted is the [[Flor de la Mar]], a [[sailing ship]] that sunk off the coast of [[Indonesia]] with stolen goods that were never recovered.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/real-history-legend-of-the-sea-devils-doctor-who/|title=Who was Madame Ching? The real history behind Doctor Who: Legend of the Sea Devils|last=Garrett|first=Olivia|date=17 April 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=5 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105203908/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/real-history-legend-of-the-sea-devils-doctor-who/|url-status=live}} Chibnall wanted to use these elements after a pirate-themed story had been planned for the thirteenth series but did not come to fruition.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/doctor-who-legend-of-the-sea-devils|title=Doctor Who's Legend of The Sea Devils cast tease sword fights, serious conversations and "something big around the corner"|date=11 April 2022|accessdate=6 September 2024|work=BBC Media Centre|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906083431/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/doctor-who-legend-of-the-sea-devils|archive-date=6 September 2024|url-status=live}} The episode also continued to explore the [[Same-sex relationship|same-sex romance]] between [[the Doctor]] and her companion [[Yasmin Khan (Doctor Who)|Yasmin Khan]].{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-thasmin-mandip-gill-legend-sea-devils-exclusive-newsupdate/|title=Mandip Gill teases Thasmin development in Doctor Who's next special|last=Fullerton|first=Huw|date=3 April 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=16 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416234517/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-thasmin-mandip-gill-legend-sea-devils-exclusive-newsupdate/|url-status=live}} Road said that she and the producers insisted on handling the situation "delicately", but that they recognized the story needed to be told.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-same-sex-romance-exclusive-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who writer says same-sex romance will be handled "delicately"|last=Fullerton|first=Huw|date=13 April 2022|accessdate=6 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=6 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606080937/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-same-sex-romance-exclusive-newsupdate/|url-status=live}} She further explained this aspect of her writing in an edition of ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'', "I think it's good to be able to include these real relationship questions that people can relate to, outside the whole sci-fi aspect of the show. The question of whether or not to enjoy a relationship for what it is now, versus worrying about the future – that's a very universal thing."{{cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/tv/doctor-who-sea-devils-writer-on-exploring-doctor-yaz-relationship/#google_vignette|title=Doctor Who "Sea Devils" Writer on Exploring Doctor/Yaz Relationship|last=Flook|first=Ray|date=3 April 2022|accessdate=9 January 2025|work=[[Bleeding Cool]]|archive-date=27 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427213325/https://bleedingcool.com/tv/doctor-who-sea-devils-writer-on-exploring-doctor-yaz-relationship/#google_vignette|url-status=live}} As part of the promotion for the episode, Scottish musician [[Nathan Evans (singer)|Nathan Evans]] released a ''Doctor Who''-themed adaptation of the sea ballad "[[Wellerman]]".{{cite web|url=https://nerdist.com/article/doctor-who-sea-shanty-legend-of-the-sea-devils-nathan-evans-wellerman/|title=Doctor Who Sea Shanty Celebrates Legend of the Sea Devils|last=Walsh|first=Michael|date=14 April 2022|accessdate=6 September 2024|work=[[Nerdist]]|archive-date=22 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222084347/https://nerdist.com/article/doctor-who-sea-shanty-legend-of-the-sea-devils-nathan-evans-wellerman/|url-status=live}}

Chibnall revealed that he did not always have intentions to bring the Sea Devils back to ''Doctor Who''.{{cite AV media|title=Behind the Sea Devils' Return {{!}} Legend of the Sea Devils {{!}} Doctor Who|type=Behind the scenes featurette|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryZyWBJl0b4|date=18 April 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|publisher=[[BBC Studios]]|archive-date=17 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317010526/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryZyWBJl0b4|url-status=live}} One of Road's contributions was the addition of the historical figure [[Zheng Yi Sao]], also known as Madam Ching, to the special.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-sea-devils-plot-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who boss reveals new plot details for Legend of the Sea Devils|last=Cremona|first=Patrick|date=4 April 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=3 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003152919/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-sea-devils-plot-newsupdate/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a39631589/doctor-who-sea-devils-return-explained/|title=Doctor Who boss teases return of classic monsters in Easter special|last=Harp|first=Justin|date=4 April 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Digital Spy]]|archive-date=1 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901144404/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a39631589/doctor-who-sea-devils-return-explained/|url-status=live}} Also depicted is the [[Flor de la Mar]], a [[sailing ship]] that sunk off the coast of [[Indonesia]] with stolen goods that were never recovered.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/real-history-legend-of-the-sea-devils-doctor-who/|title=Who was Madame Ching? The real history behind Doctor Who: Legend of the Sea Devils|last=Garrett|first=Olivia|date=17 April 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=5 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105203908/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/real-history-legend-of-the-sea-devils-doctor-who/|url-status=live}} Chibnall wanted to use these elements after a pirate-themed story had been planned for the thirteenth series but did not come to fruition.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/doctor-who-legend-of-the-sea-devils|title=Doctor Who's Legend of The Sea Devils cast tease sword fights, serious conversations and "something big around the corner"|date=11 April 2022|accessdate=6 September 2024|work=BBC Media Centre|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906083431/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/doctor-who-legend-of-the-sea-devils|archive-date=6 September 2024|url-status=live}} The episode also continued to explore the [[Same-sex relationship|same-sex romance]] between [[the Doctor]] and her companion [[Yasmin Khan (Doctor Who)|Yasmin Khan]].{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-thasmin-mandip-gill-legend-sea-devils-exclusive-newsupdate/|title=Mandip Gill teases Thasmin development in Doctor Who's next special|last=Fullerton|first=Huw|date=3 April 2022|accessdate=5 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=16 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416234517/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-thasmin-mandip-gill-legend-sea-devils-exclusive-newsupdate/|url-status=live}} Road said that she and the producers insisted on handling the situation "delicately", but that they recognized the story needed to be told.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-same-sex-romance-exclusive-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who writer says same-sex romance will be handled "delicately"|last=Fullerton|first=Huw|date=13 April 2022|accessdate=6 September 2024|work=[[Radio Times]]|archive-date=6 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606080937/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-same-sex-romance-exclusive-newsupdate/|url-status=live}} She further explained this aspect of her writing in an edition of ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'', "I think it's good to be able to include these real relationship questions that people can relate to, outside the whole sci-fi aspect of the show. The question of whether or not to enjoy a relationship for what it is now, versus worrying about the future – that's a very universal thing."{{cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/tv/doctor-who-sea-devils-writer-on-exploring-doctor-yaz-relationship/#google_vignette|title=Doctor Who "Sea Devils" Writer on Exploring Doctor/Yaz Relationship|last=Flook|first=Ray|date=3 April 2022|accessdate=9 January 2025|work=[[Bleeding Cool]]|archive-date=27 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427213325/https://bleedingcool.com/tv/doctor-who-sea-devils-writer-on-exploring-doctor-yaz-relationship/#google_vignette|url-status=live}} As part of the promotion for the episode, Scottish musician [[Nathan Evans (singer)|Nathan Evans]] released a ''Doctor Who''-themed adaptation of the sea ballad "[[Wellerman]]".{{cite web|url=https://nerdist.com/article/doctor-who-sea-shanty-legend-of-the-sea-devils-nathan-evans-wellerman/|title=Doctor Who Sea Shanty Celebrates Legend of the Sea Devils|last=Walsh|first=Michael|date=14 April 2022|accessdate=6 September 2024|work=[[Nerdist]]|archive-date=22 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222084347/https://nerdist.com/article/doctor-who-sea-shanty-legend-of-the-sea-devils-nathan-evans-wellerman/|url-status=live}}