"Dalek"

As I pointed out before, if there is any doubt that the programme you are watching is indeed Doctor Who, there is one guaranteed solution, as the production team first decided with the arrival of Patrick Troughton. This episode was (next to "Rose") the one we were all waiting for. Rob Shearman's script is based on a base-under siege type plotline which has, in the past, led to some of the least interesting stories in Doctor Who's history. However, Shearman is out to do much more than tell a tale that adheres to tried and tested formulae. Doctor Who's most iconic monster is back and it has to be as frightening for the children of 2005 as the 1964 version was, so there are many scenes of the Dalek being awesome, using the very things that it has been mocked for- the plunger, apparent stair impairment- and turning them on their head. The Dalek is a nightmare in chrome, able to kill hundreds of people with little effort. There is a great piece of dialogue where Van Statten asks what the Dalek wants and the Doctor replies that it wants to kill any human that it sees:

- 'But why would it do that?'
- 'Because it honestly believes that they should die.'

"Dalek" also explores the character of the Doctor. It is revealed that the Time War which destroyed the Time Lords was fought against the Daleks. The Doctor acts in a way that we have never seen him act before, gleefully taunting the Dalek and even torturing it. In the end, he is actually pointing a gun at it. For the first time ever, we see the Doctor actually hate his enemy, the first time ever that the Doctor's motivation is primarily his own self-interest and desire and the skill of the writing is such that it doesn't seem like a betrayal of the character. As a contrast, Rose has no preconceptions of the Dalek, which contrasts well with the Doctor's hatred and, perhaps, helps in the healing of the Doctor. The story takes the contentious step of humanising the Dalek, which is done very well and the added twist that it is this humanisation which makes the Dalek want to commit suicide is excellent. There are a few clunky bits ('Thank you, Doctor, but I think I know how to handle one single tin robot') but they are very few and far between.

The writing of the other characters is not as complex, but this is compensated for by some witty dialogue and some excellent performances. Corey Johnson, a very talented American stage actor, plays Van Statten to perfection and is ably supported by Anna-Louise Plowman. Bruno Langley is quite effective as Adam and Nicholas Briggs is flawless as the Dalek voice- we finally hear what a Dalek sounds like when it isn't shouting. However, the regulars are absolutely phenomenal, especially Christopher Eccleston who fully conveys degrees of pain and rage that the Doctor has never shown before.

The episode also benefits from the fantastic direction of Joe Ahearne. Not only does he command a great cast, but he knows exactly what angles to choose, how the camera should move etc which, when one compares it with "Aliens of London"/ "World War Three" doesn't leave one with the best impression of Keith Boak. The production is flawless, with a special mention for the Dalek- instantly recognisable, but spruced up with subtle touches to make it more visually interesting. The scenes of the Dalek mutant opening its casing and reaching for the Sun are sublime, a triumph of effects and direction.

I watched this story three times in a row when it was broadcast and, watching it again, I realised that it is still a very strong story and well worth the time.

NEXT: "The Long Game"