📝10/10

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"Remembrance of the Daleks: A Masterpiece That Redefines the Seventh Doctor"

Remembrance of the Daleks stands as a monumental achievement in Doctor Who's classic era, blending nostalgia with a bold reimagining of the series' tone and its most iconic enemies. It not only honours the show’s roots but also reintroduces the Daleks as the terrifying and complex force they were always meant to be while elevating the Seventh Doctor into a darker, more mysterious figure.

The serial cleverly ties back to Doctor Who’s very beginnings by placing the story in 1963 London, near Coal Hill School, where Susan and the first Doctor debuted. The Dalek civil war, first hinted at in Revelation of the Daleks (1985), is given depth here as two factions of Daleks—Imperial and Renegade—battle for supremacy, with humanity caught in the crossfire. The Daleks don’t simply serve as invaders or destroyers; their internal conflict and reliance on logic vs. emotional manipulation elevate their story beyond the typical fare.

The narrative is tight, action-packed, and brimming with mystery, especially around the Doctor's involvement with the Hand of Omega. The ending takes a chilling turn, showcasing a manipulative and morally ambiguous side of the Doctor as he orchestrates the destruction of Skaro—a dark moment that perfectly foreshadows his evolution in the final two seasons.

This story solidifies Sylvester McCoy’s Doctor as a force to be reckoned with. Gone is the bumbling clown; instead, we see a fierce, calculating, and enigmatic Doctor, capable of manipulating events with a quiet ruthlessness. His philosophical musings (“Do you think I would carry something of such importance if I didn’t mean to use it?”) add layers to his character. This is the story where McCoy fully becomes the Doctor, blending charm, cunning, and authority into a compelling performance.

Sophie Aldred’s Ace immediately proves her worth as one of the most dynamic and courageous companions in Doctor Who history. Her iconic fight with a Dalek in Part Two—beating it with a baseball bat infused with Time Lord science—is nothing short of legendary. Ace’s confidence, grit, and refusal to back down make her an immediate fan favourite, and her bond with the Doctor already feels deep and natural. She is a perfect foil for the Seventh Doctor's darker persona.

The Daleks have rarely felt as menacing or as fresh as they do here. The action sequences—particularly the Dalek assaults—are among the most epic since The Power of the Daleks (1966). The Special Weapons Dalek, a hulking, destructive behemoth, is a brilliant addition, emphasising the brutal ingenuity of the Daleks. The story cleverly addresses their logical limitations by introducing the girl as a tool for their plans—something chilling and innovative.

The Part One cliffhanger—a Dalek ascending the stairs—stands as one of the most iconic moments in Doctor Who. It shatters the myth of the Daleks’ greatest weakness and elevates their menace to terrifying new heights.

The guest cast is uniformly strong, with standout performances from Simon Williams (Gilmore) and Dursley McLinden (Mike). Michael Sheard delivers a chilling turn as the violent Coal Hill headmaster, while Peter Halliday (the blind vicar) provides a subtle nod to the series’ rich history. Even Davros’ small role in the climax feels fitting—restrained, yet impactful.

The production team excels in crafting an ominous and action-packed atmosphere. The 1963 setting feels both nostalgic and authentic, while the lighting and cinematography add a darker, more cinematic tone to the serial. The new Dalek ray effects and the explosive action sequences look fantastic, with the Special Weapons Dalek delivering some of the most visually impactful moments of the era.

The music blends tension with a sense of grandeur, matching the story’s scope perfectly. It adds to the sense that Remembrance of the Daleks is not just another Dalek story—it’s something special.

This serial plays a key role in the Cartmel Master Plan, which aimed to restore mystery to the Doctor’s origins and make him a more mythic figure. Hints of the Doctor’s deeper knowledge, particularly regarding Gallifreyan technology like the Hand of Omega, add layers to his character and build anticipation for future revelations.

The story also modernises the Daleks, showcasing their civil war, their ingenuity, and their threat in a way that revitalises them for the classic series' final stretch.

Remembrance of the Daleks is one of the best-paced four-parters in Doctor Who history. The story launches straight into action and maintains an energetic momentum throughout. The mystery, the thrilling action, and the ominous atmosphere keep viewers on edge, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. The dark undertones in the final part elevate the story even further, leaving a lasting impact.

Final Thoughts:

Remembrance of the Daleks is a near-perfect celebration of the series and a brilliant reintroduction of its most iconic enemies. It solidifies Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor as a darker, more manipulative figure and establishes Ace as a groundbreaking companion. The Daleks feel fresh, dangerous, and inventive, while the story pays tribute to Doctor Who’s origins without being weighed down by nostalgia.

This serial stands as one of the finest of the classic era—a fast-paced, action-packed adventure with a dark edge and unforgettable moments. It is, simply put, a masterpiece.

Random Observations:

• You know a series has been going on for a long time when it starts making historical episodes set within a time when the show has aired.
• The Dalek origin story presented here seems like some sort of mix of the backstories given in The Daleks and Genesis of the Daleks (1975).
• Ace picks up the same book about the French Revolution that Susan reads in the first episode of An Unearthly Child (1963).
• The Part One cliffhanger is one of those iconic and classic ones. Gone is the "OH MY GOD! IT'S A DALEK!" cliffhanger, and instead has arrived the "OH CRAP! IT ASCENDS STAIRS!" cliffhanger.
• I find it interesting that fans are so mad about writers changing established events in the show's history in the revived show when JNT and Cartmel did the very same thing here.
• Part Two almost drops a reference to the show within the show when the TV in Ace's room announces the first episode of Doctor Who right when Ace shuts it off.
• The blind vicar is played by Peter Halliday, who is better known among fans as Packer from The Invasion (1968).
• The Doctor now has a flashy calling card!