Genesis of the Daleks: Part Six

Although I am gradually watching Doctor Who from the start, I am no great fan and there is an element of OCD in my decision to watch it all in order. So, in the case of this serial, although I had been aware of Davros as a character, I certainly had not seen this serial before. In addition to this, the previous Dalek stories, and their use in the modern seasons, had taught me that they were almost a novelty, brought in as a series favorite to help boost ratings whenever a brand-name villain was needed. So, when I saw the next serial in season 12 was one relating to the Daleks, I really did not expect anything particularly special – which is why I think it caught me off guard about just how strong it was.

The plot provides a very strong bed, with a plot which has plenty of drama (as opposed to manufactured cliff-hangers), and yet also plenty of thoughtful material around morality, fascism, and other elements. The Daleks are really supporting players next to the character of Davros – who is essentially Hitler. His is such a strong presence that it is hard not to be taken by every scene he is in. Baker's Doctor matches this approach with a quite serious performance throughout; and the whole thing is played straight and means that the Daleks are genuinely more menacing due to the context. Of course it helps that the serial has a particularly mean streak in its specifics and in its general delivery.

Specifically we see cruel deaths, Nazi-style characters, scenes that are genuinely unsettling in their tone and content, and a delivery that never plays it for laughs or comedic japes. This is continued by the design of the sets, characters, and general 'feel' of the serial; it is futuristic but yet industrial – and a type of industry build on the suffering of many for the benefit of the few. It feels grimy, cruel and dark – and it combines this very well with the material. I had never seen this serial before even if I was aware of Davros et al from later seasons; nor had I heard the hype for this as one of the best of the show. I was glad I had not because I came in without any knowledge or preconceptions, and it grabbed me from the start to the end by how well done it was. I'm not sure how long it can keep this up, but at the minute this season is shaping up to be one of the strongest of the lot thus far.

Whos that run longer than 4 episodes tend to be weak in the middle, but this seriel was strong all the way through. The action is crisp, the writing is good and the fourth doctor was in good form early in his career. The story is dark especially for what was a kid's show, but it isn't much by modern standards. Definitely an essential Who.

This fantastic, gripping, engaging, fast paced classic ends in some style, the cliffhanger in the previous episode was one of the show's best, meaning this one starts off brilliantly, and ends in the same manner. It oozes quality from start to finish, it truly is everything Dr Who should be, wonderful drama, gripping, and scary enough to have the kids hiding behind the sofa. Definite Nazi inspired torture, a context that would have been very memorable for many of the older viewers, the cruelty, uniforms, salutes, style of torture etc. all chilling. I love the way that the ending of Genesis ties into both 'The Daleks' from Hartnell's era, and Destiny of the Daleks, which Tom would appear in a few years later. The writing is impeccable, the performances first rate, Baker shining through in commanding fashion, he's definitely playing this one with a straight bat, I've criticised him a little in stories like Creature in the Pit and Destiny of the Daleks, as I didn't feel he was taking it all that seriously, in these early years he was definitely on point and some. Some pretty decent special effects for the time too.

Perfect finale to the perfect story, would The Daleks ever reach these heights or level of impact again? I genuinely don't think so. If new executive producer Chris Chibnall plans to use the Daleks, I urge him to watch this.

Perfect, 10/10

The Daleks have control of the asylum, new walls are built to contain and surround them, the start has been delayed, but they will still have all their days, all their torture, torment, cruelty, carnage, mayhem.

Definitely one of the best of old Who.

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.