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“DALEK WAR: CHAPTER 4: A QUIET END TO A GRAND CONFLICT”

Dalek War concludes with Chapter 4, taking an interesting narrative approach by presenting much of the story through a framing device set thousands of years after the events themselves. This perspective, centred on the legends surrounding Kalendorf’s final stand against the Daleks, offers a unique way to explore the fallout of the war. However, despite this intriguing setup, the finale itself is surprisingly understated, focusing more on character-driven resolutions than on the large-scale spectacle one might expect from the conclusion of such an ambitious arc.

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON THE WAR

Rather than diving straight into the events of the final battle, the story unfolds through the lens of future generations on Velyshaa, who recount the catastrophe that ended the Dalek War. This allows for a sense of mythmaking, as we dip into key moments from the past to witness how Kalendorf, Suz, and Alby played their final roles in the conflict. It’s an interesting way to structure the story, adding a layer of historical perspective to the narrative.

That said, if you haven’t been deeply engaged with the Dalek War arc throughout, this approach might feel somewhat detached. Since I hadn’t kept close track of all the details leading up to this finale, I found myself struggling to recall some of the finer points—something that suggests the story, as a whole, may not have been as gripping or memorable as it should have been.

A LACK OF ACTION AND A CHARACTER-FOCUSED ENDING

Surprisingly, this final chapter dials back the action significantly. The Daleks themselves take a step back, leaving much of the plot to unfold through conversations—particularly between Kalendorf and what remains of the Mentor, as well as his exchanges with the Dalek Emperor, now fully inhabiting Suz’s body. The decision to make the conclusion more introspective rather than explosive is an intriguing one, and while it does allow for some strong character moments, it also means the story never reaches the dramatic heights one might have hoped for.

Instead of a grand, cinematic showdown, the conflict is resolved in a relatively subdued manner, tying up loose ends without much fanfare. Given the weight of the preceding episodes, it feels like Dalek War should have built up to something bigger—a final confrontation that left a lasting impact. Instead, it quietly concludes, leaving me feeling more indifferent than satisfied.

A PROMISING PREMISE THAT NEVER QUITE DELIVERS

From the beginning, Dalek War had an exciting premise, but as the story unfolded, it struggled to maintain its momentum. What started with great potential gradually lost its energy, never quite reaching the heights it aimed for. While this final chapter does offer a fitting end in terms of character arcs, it lacks the intensity and payoff that a saga of this scale truly needed.

📝 VERDICT: 6/10

While Dalek War: Chapter 4 attempts a unique storytelling approach with its framing device and character-driven focus, it ultimately feels like an underwhelming conclusion. The lack of action, combined with a finale that fizzles out rather than ignites, makes it difficult to feel truly satisfied. The arc had so much potential, but it never fully capitalised on its premise, leaving this ending feeling more like a quiet whimper than a triumphant crescendo.