The Evil of the Daleks

"I was merely telling my friend that the day of the Daleks is coming to an end."

Writer: David Whittaker

Format: TV

Broadcast: 20th May - 1st July 1967

Series: 4.09

Featuring: Second Doctor, Jamie, Victoria

Synopsis 

The Daleks draft the Second Doctor into distilling the Human Factor. Once implanted, it will make the Dalek race invincible. Jamie's faith in the Doctor is stretched to the limit as the Doctor appears to be collaborating with the Daleks. The Doctor has a few tricks up his sleeve, but then again so might the Daleks...

Verdict 

The Evil of the Daleks is a brilliant serial to conclude what has been a memorable and momentus fourth season! We've had the very first regeneration, the Cybermen debut and then return, the Daleks, the arrival of Jamie, departures of Polly and Ben and now we witnessed what seemed to be the final end of the Daleks as we know them, and in quite spectacular fashion. I really enjoyed this story from start to finish although I did think that episode four was pretty uneventful. But the other six parts more than made up for that! We had Victorian time travel, the origins of a new companion and the Daleks trying to make themselves like humans! I liked how the story directly followed on from The Faceless Ones, the previous serial of course which was neatly referenced. The TARDIS was being abducted after its misplacement at Gatwick and I loved the irony of the signature being from a 'J. Smith'. The mystery behind the beginning with Kennedy, Bob and Perry was terrific and I was very intrigued to know where Edward Waterfield got the pictures of the Doctor and Jamie and also knew that Polly and Ben wouldn't be with them so soon after departing. After the reference at the end of the last serial it dawned on me that the first couple of parts of this story take place simultaneously with The War Machines! A brilliant thought! And perhaps it explains the Dalek reference by the First Doctor in that very story. The use of time travel through mirrors was an intriguing concept and after I completed the seventh and final part I found myself looking in the mirror and being mightily intrigued by the concept. It was of course recycled in Turn Left but I preferred its effectiveness here. The abduction of Victoria was a good way to introduce her and it was great how Jamie immediately took a shine to her. Had he forgotten all about Samantha already? I was surprised by how much of the story was set in 1866 but I did really like it. The idea of taking genuine artefacts 100 years into the future and selling them as mint condition antiques is brilliant! Edward Waterfield was a fantastic character and I liked his relationship with the Doctor in the latter stages of the story after his dealings for the Daleks were over. The arrival of the Daleks into the story was done very well and I loved the episode 2 cliffhanger with the Doctor learning who was behind the scheme to kidnap him and the TARDIS. The references to The Daleks with the static electricity were tremendous. The idea behind the Daleks wanting the human factor was quite a shock! It seemed the Daleks were still bitter at failing to conquer the planet in The Dalek Invasion of Earth and after other attempts to take over the human race they'd failed and whatever it was that had prevented them defeating the human race they wanted it. And I thought that was majestic. The way the Doctor created the human factor from the actions of Jamie was very good but for me it was the Scotsman who was the highlight of the serial! We saw a brand new side to the young companion and after Polly and Ben's departure he was the lone companion but he was disgusted with some of the Doctor's actions and his reaction was fantastic. The way the Doctor and Jamie tied up the problems was nice as the Dalek plans advanced they joined forces to push through a Dalek revolt. Alpha, Beta and Omega were spectacular Daleks! Yes, Daleks had names! They were given the human factor and they were just everything a Dalek isn't. Questioning orders, playing games and calling the Doctor they're friend! The return of the Black Dalek was intriguing as I didn't know there was more than one at a time and gave a bigger insight into the ranking of the Dalek society. The return to Skaro was something I very much welcomed! Seeing the similar forests and city landscapes from the Doctor's last visit was magnificent. I adored the debut of the Dalek Emperor! Looking mighty, undefeatable and all powerful it really was outstanding. The voice was marvellous and really asserted its authority. And then came the destructive climax. After the failings of the Dalek factor thanks to the Doctor, destruction soon ensued in masses after the Doctor tricked the Emperor and produced the human factor into every Dalek! The Daleks were completely obliterated and despite Edward and Kemel dying in the process, the Daleks were nothing but dust on their own planet. The Doctor promised her father that he'd look after Victoria and now it's clear we have a brand new companion, again someone with beauty! But it'll take something special for her to top Polly. Overall, a fantastic serial full of shock and brilliance. 

Rating: 9/10