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"The Dalek Invasion of Earth: The Daleks Take Earth by Storm"

The Dalek Invasion of Earth begins with a chilling and unforgettable image: a Roboman walking into the Thames to drown itself. From these opening moments, Terry Nation crafts one of Doctor Who’s most unsettling and dystopian Earth settings. Achieved through simple yet effective measures, the bleak backdrop sets the tone for an ambitious, action-packed story. The iconic reveal of a Dalek emerging from the Thames at the end of Part One is a classic Nation moment—predictable, but undeniably effective.

In Part Two, the story shifts to exposition as the Doctor tackles basic problem-solving and the resistance fighters plot their next moves. While it doesn’t match the atmospheric intensity of the opening, it effectively builds the story's foundation.

Nation introduces intriguing concepts, such as the Daleks’ robotic enforcers, the Robomen, who eerily foreshadow the Cybermen. Themes of dystopia and authoritarianism run deep, and the sprawling narrative filled with survivors and resistance fighters gives the serial a sense of scale unprecedented in the series. The focus isn’t entirely on the Daleks but rather on the oppressive society their invasion has created—and the human spirit's resilience in rising against it.

The serial boasts high production values for the time, with stunning location footage showcasing a deserted, dystopian London. These haunting images, such as Daleks roaming Westminster Bridge, likely struck a chord with contemporary viewers, mirroring the horrors of WWII. The atmosphere, bolstered by Francis Chagrin’s splendid and only Doctor Who score, is bleak yet captivating, keeping the tension high despite the occasional narrative filler.

Barbara and Jenny’s encounters with the eerie old ladies in Part Five or the Slyther cliffhanger might seem like diversions, but they enrich the world and sustain the oppressive mood. The story flows more smoothly than most six-parters of the Hartnell era, never feeling overlong or bloated.

The serial features thrilling action sequences, even if they’re sometimes clumsy or stiffly directed. Barbara shines as a resourceful hero, whether crashing a truck into Daleks or wheeling Dortmun through perilous streets. Her journey through deserted London with Dortmun and Jenny is a standout moment, steeped in tension and iconography. Seeing Daleks next to familiar landmarks evokes a surreal and haunting power.

While Richard Martin’s direction occasionally falters, particularly with his overuse of quick zooms, the serial’s many iconic sequences—Daleks crossing bridges, humans rebelling, and climactic battles—more than compensate for the occasional visual awkwardness.

This story solidifies William Hartnell’s Doctor as a heroic protector of Earth. His defiance against the Daleks and his heartfelt interactions with Susan showcase his evolution into a more grandfatherly and compassionate figure. The Doctor’s final monologue, bidding farewell to Susan, is one of the most touching moments in Doctor Who history, perfectly delivered by Hartnell.

The main cast shines, with Ian and Barbara both taking on active, heroic roles. Susan, though underutilized and saddled with complaints about her sprained ankle, gets a bittersweet send-off. Her romance with David is rushed, but her departure is handled with care, marking the first emotional goodbye of the series.

Among the guest cast, Bernard Kay stands out as Carl, the fearless resistance leader, and Ann Davies’ Jenny proves to be a compelling and strong supporting female character. Dortmun, the archetypal mad scientist, leaves a lasting impression with his foolhardy bravery.

The Dalek Invasion of Earth is Doctor Who’s first true blockbuster, with high stakes, iconic moments, and a sprawling narrative that balances action, dystopian themes, and character development. While Terry Nation’s writing occasionally leans on filler and clichéd monsters (the Slyther), the serial’s atmosphere, ambition, and emotional depth more than make up for its shortcomings. It remains a cornerstone of the Hartnell era and a defining moment in the show’s history.