Doctor Who (TV Series) The Daleks (1964) User Reviews

A solid build up, with good references to the past.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 7 June 2017]

The Doctor a Ian now prisoners of the Daleks learn how the Earth was conquered, meteor showers, followed by a deadly virus. The Daleks sat, waiting to attack a weakened Earth. They also learn that the Daleks are mining Bedfordshire for something.

The Daleks craft looks very effective, it's also great to see multiple Daleks, not just two. Lots of extras too, I imagine this was a very costly project, and answers where the budget from other surrounding stories went.

Something very chilling about the Dalek messages to the rebels, there was a definite attempt to recreate the propaganda messages that poured out from the Nazis. They also managed to create a very bleak future Earth, one ravaged by plague and disease. The band of unlikely rebels are also given a bit of story, although they're perhaps a bit too clean cut looking.

Some nice references to the past also, with mentions of static electricity, although it's made clear that as a timeline of events, this encounter with the Daleks happens many years prior to the events of the last encounter.

The story continues to develop, some great themes. 8/10

The Daleks

[guswhovian · 7/10 · 4 July 2020]

The Doctor and Ian are prisoners of the Daleks, who have conquered Earth. Barbara and Susan meet a small group of rebels who are planning a daring attack on one of the Daleks flying saucers.

"The Daleks" is rather disappointing after the fantastic opening episode. Most of the episode is rather dull exposition, but there is a wonderful scene with the Doctor and Ian escaping their prison cell. It's a great scene, with Hartnell on top form.

Richard Martin continues to direct incompetently though; at various points crew members and boom mics are seen. However, the musical score by Francis Chagrin is excellent.

The Dalek Invasion of Earth Part 2: Imperfect but still a brilliant classic

[A_Kind_Of_CineMagic · 10/10 · 6 July 2014]

Review of all 6 episodes:

This story running from World's End for 6 episodes marks the return of the Daleks and was an extremely important story in establishing Doctor Who's popularity. This time the Daleks are more frightening because not only have they got additional powers of movement in different terrains and new levels of evil ambition but they are also the invaders of Earth. To show them on Earth and in fantastic, iconic scenes around famous London landmarks with London and apparently the world turned largely to ruins, provides real fear and drama. The human race has been reduced to hiding or serving the Daleks. This is all powerful stuff even now, let alone in the early sixties so near in memory to similar threats of the Nazis.

The story also marks the first departure of one of the Doctor's companions, his grand-daughter Susan. Her character has a decent last story and while she had lost her appeal somewhat, her leaving scenes provide moving and lovely magic from William Hartnell with a superbly written and acted speech of incredible dignity and pathos.

There are various imperfections such as strange elements to the scientific explanations and plans of the Daleks and far less effective Dalek voices than the first or later stories. However there is is so much else to recommend this story that these issues pale to insignificance. Plot issues and less well executed elements mainly occur in the 4th and 5th episodes, the rest of the episodes are 10/10 quality, exciting, menacing, absorbing and with striking ideas and imagery. The story is written by Terry Nation but David Whitaker as script editor deserves some credit for this and all previous stories. This marks the last story before the departure of Whitaker from that role, he would only return as a guest writer.

A must see story in the history of Doctor Who.

My Ratings: Episodes 1-3 and 6 - 10/10, Episode 4 - 8.5/10, Episode 5 - 9/10