The Daleks
Ian, Susan, and the Doctor are captured by the Daleks
Original Air Date: December 21, 1963 – February 1, 1964
Number of Episodes: 7
Rating: 3 and 1/2 of 4 Stars
Plot Summary:
The TARDIS has brought the travellers to the planet Skaro where they meet two indigenous races – the Daleks, malicious mutant creatures encased in armoured travel machines, and the Thals, beautiful humanoids with pacifist principles. They convince the Thals of the need to fight for their own survival.
Doctor Caleb’s Review:
So, I liked the plot because the old Daleks were nicer than the new Daleks. The Daleks were nicer because instead of shooting right away they wanted to talk about what they were going to do. It wasn’t scary because Daleks were shooting special effect lasers and you could see the Thals throwing fake punches. Ganatus was my favorite character in this episode because he was protective and gentile. My favorite part of the episode was when the Doctor tricked Barbara and Ian into thinking the TARDIS was broken. This showed the Doctor’s true nature as a trickster who would say and do anything to get what he wants.
Eggstirmen8’s Review:
So it is a bit intimidating to write a review of such a historically important episode in the history of Doctor Who. The Dalek’s story marks the first appearance of The Daleks. While the seeds of what the malevolent race will mean to the series exist in this story, the are certainly more of a xenophobic lot obsessively focused on their own survival. While the trip and scream factor is stilll present in this episode, it is not nearly as bad as in An Unearthly Child. All in all this is a historically important episode, but possibly not the most enjoyable story in this season.
Where to Watch:
- Netflix DVD Service: As Part of Doctor Who: The Beginning
- Amazon:
doctorcaleb
eggstirmen8
Doctoring The Tardis 
Caleb, I love the way you related this episode to future episodes. The doctor as the “trickster” is such an important personality feature.
Brian, will we ever have a cuddle factor above one?
Love the postings….keep them coming!