Mission to the Unknown

"The Daleks are planning the complete destruction of our galaxy. Together with the powers of the outer galaxies, a war force is being assembled."

Writer: Terry Nation
Format: TV
Broadcast: 9th October 1965
Season: 3.02

Synopsis

On the planet Kembel, Space Security Service agent Marc Cory is investigating a recent sighting of a Dalek spaceship. His suspicion that the creatures may have established a base proves well-founded. He learns of a plot by the Daleks to invade and destroy the Solar System, be he is discovered and exterminated. The Daleks and their allies vow to conquer the universe, beginning with Earth...

Verdict

Mission to the Unknown is a tremendous little 'cutaway' episode. With the Doctor, Vicki and Steven having a well deserved rest in the TARDIS after recent encounters with the Daleks, the Monk and the Drahvins, Vicki is wondering what is happening on a planet seen on the TARDIS scanner (this was seen in the final moments of Galaxy 4) and we, the viewer, get to see what is happening on the planet that turns out to be Kembel. I liked the Kembel setting with the jungle and danger closing around the Space Security crew. Cory, along with Lowery were great characters and they also allowed us to gain the knowledge of what the Daleks have been doing since the Doctor thwarted their invasion of Earth in The Dalek Invasion of Earth. I liked how Terry Nation didn't have the Dalek Supreme voyage on the chase through time the last time we saw the Daleks in The Chase, as now there is still a Dalek of rank amongst the cosmos, and boy does he have a plan on his hands (or sucker)! I adored the idea of an alliance between the Daleks and six delegates of planets from the Outer Galaxy, to conquer the entire galaxy as a single alliance! A majestic concept. I thought the Varga plants were an excellent species and it was typical that a half-plant, half-animal creature was native to Skaro! Cory's attempts to get his message out via the rescue beacon must've been emotional to try and record after killing his friend Lowery who'd become a Varga plant, and learning of the horrific Dalek plan! He was exterminated. Will his message be found and cause the saviour of the universe to come forth to Kembel, or will the Dalek alliance conquer the universe? I look forward to seeing the unfolding in a future serial that this episode has obviously served as a prequel for, a brilliant one of that.

Rating: 9/10