Doctor Who (TV Series) Genesis of the Daleks: Part Two (1975) User Reviews

The brilliance continues.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 10/10 · 22 April 2018]

Fortunately the second part continues in the same fantastic way as the first started. So much is packed into this episode, Sarah has witnessed the weapon testing of an early Dalek, Davros is fully introduced as the Scientific genius, The Doctor, Sarah and Harry are each placed in true danger throughout, plus we learn more about the Thaals.

Production values are superb, they certainly made the most of the budget, the music is fabulous, truly adds to the story, creating tension. The pacing is excellent, but it's the performances that strike me most of all, the entire cast are incredibly, notably Michael Wisher and Peter Miles. That cliffhanger at the end, sheer brilliance.

It's no wonder this story is still seen by many fans as the high point from Classic Who, it is superb. I don't think the Daleks ever recaptured this form, the threat here was very real.

Brilliant 10/10

Keeps up the tight pace

[spib2002 · 10/10 · 12 October 2006]

Although he features in episode one, this is the episode where we really get to grips with Davros. He is clearly modelled on a Dr Mengele-type figure but instead of just being ugly on the inside his twisted form is an expression of his twisted ideology. Hey! but don't let that put you off, this episode is great fun, moving along at a fair clip.

The situation becomes more tricky for our heroes as The Doctor and Harry are separated from their time-ring (and thus unable to get back to the Tardis) and poor Sarah Jane has her own adventures with Mutos, Thals and Distropic weaponry. The freeze frame cliff-hanger is particularly effective.

"It was a mutant, what a waste of good ammunition." Great story.

[poolandrews · 8/10 · 26 March 2007]

Doctor Who: Genesis of the Daleks: Part 2 starts with the Doctor (Tom Baker) learning that he is in fact on Skaro at the point of the Daleks creation by the evil Davros (Michael Wisher) to help win the 1000 year war between the Kaleds & the Thals, he realises that he now has the opportunity to fulfill the Time Lords task along with hep from his companion Harry (Ian Marter). Meanwhile Sarah Jane (Elisabeth Sladen) has been captured by the Thals & has been put to work on a special project to create a huge missile to destroy the Kahleds, but the substances being used are highly toxic & she has no protection against them...

This Doctor Who adventure was episode 12 from season 12 that aired here in the UK during early 1975, directed by David Maloney this is one of the great stories. The script by Terry Nation has lots going on & could be said to be divided into two with the Doctor & Harry involved with the Kaleds & Sarah off with the Thals & by switching between them it's a nice way of keeping things fresh & not repetitive. The busy plot is good as it involves political corruption, a war, genetic experiments & the creation of the Doctors most well know enemy. The character's are quite good & the dialogue is more serious in tone than usual as is this story in general I'd say. My only real gripe so far is that I've now reached the end of Part 2, the Doctor & Harry have been separated from Sarah Jane since the middle of Part 1 & neither of them have mentioned her or shown any concern about her whatsoever which seems a little cold if you ask me. This is a top story that is moving along at a great pace, it's certainly not boring & Part 2 has a terrific cliffhanger ending as well.

We get our first good look at Davros in this episode & he doesn't disappoint, it's a surprisingly good special make-up effects job on him & he looks quite creepy & menacing actually although he does seem to contradict the Kaleds policy on nothing but the elite & only psychical perfection will do, I mean he looks more like a mutant than the mutants do!

Genesis of the Daleks is a classic Doctor Who story that is a must for fans as well as anyone looking for some sci-fi, well worth a watch.

Rightly considered one of the true classic stories in Doctor Who.

[A_Kind_Of_CineMagic · 10/10 · 19 November 2014]

Review of all 6 episodes:

One of the most famous and most loved stories in Doctor Who history, this really deserves the fame and praise it receives. It is a fabulous story with brilliance in every aspect of its production.

The Doctor, Sarah and Harry are intercepted by the Time Lords as they try to return to the Nerva space station via Transmat. The Time Lord who speaks to The Doctor gives him a mission to interfere with the creation of the Daleks as they are considered a threat to the Universe. He is told he can stop their creation or influence their nature for the better. They find themselves in the middle of a war on Skaro between the Thals and the Kaleds. The war has gone on for a very long time and scientist Davros has created the Daleks in order to bring the war to an end. Davros is power crazed and has evil intent for his Daleks to become all powerful creatures. There are adventures as The Doctor seeks to interfere with Davros' plans. Finally when he has the chance to destroy the Daleks, The Doctor has a moral dilemma as to whether to destroy the Dalek race is excusable due to their evil or if it makes him as bad as the Daleks with such a genocidal act.

The script, story and acting are top class throughout. Davros is an inspired creation, a villain of the finest quality and acted amazingly well by Michael Wisher. Baker is on top form and his scenes with Davros and their intellectual duelling is gripping. The scene with the dilemma of conscience for The Doctor trying to decide whether to destroy the Daleks is genius and the story as a whole is exceptionally well written.

One of the most exceptional stories in Doctor Who and therefore television history.

Land of Mutants...

[Xstal · 9/10 · 21 June 2022]

Davros is the great all seeing eye, has his fingers in all Kaled pies, he introduces a Dalek, to the latest mark 3 spec, Sarah Jane needs to learn how to fly.