A bit of an odd one to review, considering it is a prologue to a bigger tale.

This story focuses on Mark Cory, a secret agent for the SSS. They’ve landed on a small planet in our solar system, where they discover Varga plants. The thorns of this plant turn anyone who touches them into a mindless killer, before finally turning into a Varga plant themselves.

The problem is, these plants are native to only 1 planet: Skaro. Which means the Daleks are back in our solar system. We soon see them discussing plans with other allies to take over and destroy all planets. Including, of course, Earth.

After losing his allies, Mark Cory is the only one left to warn the universe of the Daleks’ return. Sadly, before he can send a message into outer space, he is discovered and shot dead. The recording of the final message is left behind on the ground, and we end the episode.

There’re some really fun ideas in here, like Dalek allies, the Varga plants and the whole premise of a prologue episode. While not self-contained, it is a fun side story.

There’s also some joy to be found in the way this episode can be watched. There’s of course the Loose Cannon adaptation. And it got animated as well, but we get a rare third TV option.

In 2019, this story was remade by students of the university of Lancashire. While not exactly 1 to 1 (different actors after all), it hits almost exactly like a 60s story would and was apparently made on a 60s budget as well. This recreation is probably the most modern, definitive way to experience the story. I have to give them props for their work.

Since the character are all one-offs, there’s not that much development or interaction to be found here. But that’s not the intention of the story anyway. It’s a setup episode, while still doing some fun stuff on its own.

And it is that fun stuff that makes this worth watching. It has some unique circumstances as a recreation. It has some fun with ideas like Varga plants, and it is setup for something big! Definitely worth checking out.