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“DALEK WAR 1: A CONFLICT ON TWO FRONTS”

The Dalek Empire saga continues with Dalek War, a five-part series picking up six years after the events of Series 1. Given the complexity of the previous instalment, Part 1 wisely begins with a much-needed recap before diving straight into the ongoing war between two Dalek factions. One side is led by Kalendorf and his allies, who are now deeply entrenched in the struggle.

Kalendorf takes charge, guided by the enigmatic Mentor computer, while Alby and Mirana hold key positions in the war effort—though Alby is still reeling from the apparent loss of Suz. Much of this opening chapter revolves around strategic discussions and war room manoeuvres, with much of the action unfolding through monitors, computers, and distress signals. However, things shift when one such signal leads to the shocking discovery of Suz, setting the stage for major revelations.

A SLOW START, BUT A PROMISING PREMISE

Dropping us into the conflict years after the last season’s climax, Dalek War demands patience as it establishes new character positions and fills in the narrative gaps. Initially, it struggles to find its footing, bogged down in reorienting the audience. Kalendorf remains a strong presence, Mirana steps up as a commanding fleet captain, and Alby is somewhat sidelined in the grand scheme of things.

However, the series finds its momentum once Suz re-enters the picture. Having been in cryogenic sleep for six years, her reawakening provides a fresh perspective, aligning the audience with her as we uncover the current state of the war. Her return also brings forth the most intriguing plot element—the revelation that the Dalek Emperor hid his consciousness within her, making her a highly valuable asset for both factions.

DALEK VS. DALEK: AN UNEXPECTED TWIST

The war itself presents an intriguing twist: the prime-universe Daleks are now facing off against a superior breed from another universe. These Daleks, created through Project Infinity—an experiment designed to find the ultimate, universe-conquering version of the Daleks—prove to be an unexpected challenge. For once, the Daleks find themselves outmatched, and the concept of them being overwhelmed by their own kind is a fascinating development.

Adding to the complexity, these new Daleks, with their lighter voices and origins tied to the Mentor, come across as more reasonable—or at least, less outwardly monstrous. This leads Kalendorf and his allies to side with them against the prime Daleks, only to discover that their version of "peace" is just as fanatical and oppressive as the regular Daleks’ obsession with conquest.

THE WAR’S HUMAN COST

Suz's return also highlights the personal cost of this war. She is no longer just a soldier or a survivor—she has become a weapon, a living key to the Dalek Emperor’s survival. As both factions seek to control her, it’s clear that her role in this conflict will only grow more significant.

📝VERDICT: 6/10

Dalek War gets off to a slow but intriguing start, re-establishing characters and setting the stage for a complex conflict. The idea of a Dalek-on-Dalek war is fresh, and the introduction of the Mentor’s Daleks adds an unexpected layer to the usual extermination-fuelled chaos. While the story initially struggles with pacing, it picks up once Suz returns and the stakes become clearer. With political manoeuvring, shifting alliances, and the looming threat of the Dalek Emperor’s hidden consciousness, this is a war with far more than just survival at stake.