The Hungry Earth (TV story)

The Hungry Earth is the eighth episode of Series Five. It is the first part of a two-part story. It marks the re-appearance of the Silurians for the first time in 26 years.

Synopsis
It’s 2015 and the most ambitious drilling project in history has reached deeper beneath the Earth’s crust than man has ever gone before – but now the ground itself is fighting back. The Doctor, Amy and Rory arrive in a tiny mining village and find themselves plunged into a battle against a deadly danger from a bygone age.

Plot
to be added

Cast

 * The Doctor - Matt Smith
 * Amy Pond - Karen Gillan
 * Rory Williams - Arthur Darvill
 * Dr. Nasreen Chaudhry - Meera Syal
 * Alaya/Restac - Neve McIntosh
 * Tony Mack - Robert Pugh
 * Elliot - Samuel Davies
 * Mo - Alun Raglan
 * Ambrose - Nia Roberts
 * Malohkek - Richard Hope
 * Eldane - Stephen Moore

Production crew
to be added

Story notes

 * The title was confirmed on the cover of Doctor Who Magazine 421.
 * A review for the episode by Beehive City states that the year is actually 2020 despite the press release saying 2015. It may have been changed due to some events of the previous episode happen in 2015.

Ratings
To be added

Rumours

 * It is rumoured that there will be two types of Silurians (the original and a new evolved type). This is with the appearance of 2 similar but different types seen in many of the trailers. This was proven false as in the trailer at the end of Amy's Choice, we saw that one of the types previously seen was in fact a mask covering the Silurian beneath.
 * It is also rumoured that the Sea Devils will appear as one of the races seen in the trailers. This was proven false as in the trailer at the end of Amy's Choice, we saw that one of the types previously seen was in fact a mask covering the Silurian beneath.
 * Melanie Walters will appear in this episode and in Cold Blood. This is likely as Walters has been confirmed as a guest star. Also, she is Welsh, and The Hungry Earth and Cold Blood are set in a Welsh village.

Filming locations
to be added

Production errors
to be added

Continuity

 * The Doctor has met the Silurians in DW: The Silurians, DW: Warriors of the Deep.
 * The Silurians return after a 26 year absence, having last appeared in DW: Warriors of the Deep.
 * In reply to the question "Are you scared of monsters?" The Doctor says "No, they're scared of me." Similar to something he says in DW: The Girl in the Fireplace to Reinette

DVD and Blu-ray releases
BBC Video - Doctor Who Series Five - Volume Three will feature Amy's Choice, The Hungry Earth, Cold Blood and Vincent and the Doctor. It will be released on Monday 2nd August 2010 (UK Only) on DVD and Blu-ray.