📝7/10

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"The Daleks: The Birth of an Icon"

Returning to the spirit of mystery and exploration from the series' very first episode, The Daleks kicks off with a strong tone-setting opener. Part One masterfully establishes the eerie, alien setting of Skaro, with a cliffhanger so iconic it remains one of the most talked-about moments in Doctor Who history. I wish I could have experienced its impact firsthand.

This serial marks the TARDIS crew’s first real moment of cohesion, showcasing teamwork while still pushing each other’s boundaries. The Doctor, as portrayed by William Hartnell, retains his manipulative and stubborn edge here. However, by the end of the story, we catch the first glimpses of the warmer, more heroic figure he will grow into. Even Susan gets a touch of character development—though it's minimal, it’s a step in the right direction.

The Daleks themselves make a strong debut. Inspired by the Nazis, they are simple yet terrifying, even if they aren't at their most menacing here. Their design and the way they interact with the world set the foundation for the cultural phenomenon they would become.

Behind the scenes, Christopher Barry and Richard Martin share directing duties, with Barry’s work clearly standing out. His direction is creative and effective, particularly in how he creates a sense of scale and atmosphere within the studio confines. Martin's contributions, by contrast, feel less polished.

The set design deserves special mention. The alien city and petrified forest are both excellent examples of Doctor Who’s ability to craft convincing, immersive worlds on a tight budget. From the start, the stakes feel monumental, almost as if this were a series finale rather than just the second story.

That said, the pacing falters towards the end. At seven episodes, The Daleks could have easily lost one without harming the narrative. The cave sequence in Part Six drags considerably, draining much of the energy and tension built up over the earlier episodes. Its clumsy direction and reliance on suspension of disbelief don't help matters.

Lastly, the food dispenser is a delightful piece of sci-fi world-building. It’s a shame it doesn’t see much use in later stories.

The Daleks is a landmark serial, introducing not only the show’s most iconic villains but also setting a new standard for tension, teamwork, and atmosphere. Despite its minor flaws, it remains a vital part of the First Doctor's legacy and the foundation of Doctor Who’s enduring appeal.