Destiny of the Daleks: Episode One

The "Doctor" (Tom Baker) is fiddling about with the TARDIS when in walks "Romana" - except, well it isn't her. Or is it? Can she regenerate too? Appears so and so now Lalla Ward picks up the slack. Luckily, there's still the old quarry to set this story in as they emerge in the middle of an inter-galactic scuffle between the "Movellans" and their (and everyone else's) arch enemy - the "Daleks". "Tyssan" (Tim Barlow) represents the indigenous human population who are being used by the latter to excavate deep under the surface - but why? Well it doesn't take our time travelling duo long to realise that they are back on "Skaro" and the diggers are looking for something, or someone, that could be uniquely placed to alter the stalemate between their battle fleet and that of their opponents. It seems the "Movellans" know of this strategy too, and co-opt the pair to help them. Of course, the "Doctor" is aware that he isn't supposed to take sides - but can he stay neutral, especially when it seems that neither party is any more scrupulous that the other. Terry Nation was one of the better series writers on "Dr. Who" and coupled with a decent effort from Baker and plenty of action, this is quite a watchable drama that uses a solid story and reliable baddies to support the new arrival. Ward was never my favourite "assistant" - something just a little too preppie about her contributions for me, but she gets off to an adequate start here as the bombs go off and a battle royal looms. Not the best, but not bad.

Despite presenting a handful of great ideas, such as the revivification of Davros following Genesis of the Daleks, a stalemate war between two machine races, and Romana's inexplicable regeneration, Destiny of the Daleks has always been among my least favourite Dalek stories. It begins well, with the Doctor and Romana sharing an amusing rapport and K9 having laryngitis, but the execution of the rest of the story leaves a lot to be desired. It ends up feeling like a self-conscious parody, no doubt a symptom of the pop culture joke the Daleks had become by this point, opting to go for cheap gags and slapstick in place of intrigue or tension. Furthermore, the Movellans look plain ridiculous, some of the direction is laughable (the way falls to the ground in confusion is hilarious), and David Gooderson's stand-in for Michael Wisher's Davros is underwhelming at best. An interesting story, in spite of itself.

You can definitely see Graham Williams influence in this episode, lots of humour, Romana's regeneration especially. There's a place for humour in Doctor Who, and in Part 1 I think they get the balance right, those that harp on about canon, I urge you to look here, they literally make it up as they go along.

I loved Mary Tamm, but Lalla is equally brilliant as Romana, she starts off so well. The first of her many outfits, she looks brilliant as a contrast to Tom. She gave Romana a very different personality and truly did inject a new interest in the character.

To this day I'm still not sure what to make of the Movellans, they look very disco, all they need is a disco ball and Donna Summer's 'I feel love.' Parts of their ship look good, the large screen in the background looks great, the guns and headsets perhaps not so.

The episode clearly looked to build on the huge success that came from Genesis of the Daleks, I know this episode is often poorly regarded in many fan circles, but I think it starts off really well. I really like the opener, there is lots going on, it's wonderfully atmospheric, and the cliffhanger makes you want to see what happens next.

Part 1, good, 7/10

Who knew spontaneous regeneration was a thing, that you could pick and choose your next torso, and all that it will bring, there's a perfect incarnation, to a pink flowery carnation, but the last one wasn't all that bad, I quite enjoyed her zing.

This 1979 Doctor Who four part serial is one of the best Dalek stories from the 1970's.

It has got a tense feeling within the plot of the story, which is back up by good dialog and excellent acting.

The pace and the setting is very good, and the director Ken Grieve did an excellent job of getting a good performance from the actors, who stared in this Dalek serial. He also did a wonderful job of getting some excellent camera shots, on location and in the studio.

Winspit Quarry in Dorset was a ideal location to use for the Dalek planet Skaro.

This story is nicely written and it is an excellent sequel to the 1975 classic Genesis Of The Daleks.

On the acting side Tom Baker as usual is excellent as Doctor Who. The interplay between him and his leading costar Lalla Ward is a superb double act in this long running television series.

Tim Barlow gives a good performance as the hero Tyssan.

While Peter Straker is excellent as the villain Commander Sharrel. These two actors are supporter well by David Gooderson who plays Davros.

The only bad side to this television serial is the awful performance of Suzanne Danielle as Sharrel's second in command. She moves gracefully, but her acting is wooden.

I recommend this Doctor Who serial, it is worth watching if you have nothing to do on a Saturday afternoon.