📝9/10

Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time! 

"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.

“Until then, there must be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties”

L’horreur fasciste surgit dans les rues de Londres, alors Doctor Who parle de survie et de résistance puis explose carrément en révolution sociale jubilatoire. 

En fait c’est définitivement la fin d’un cycle. Le Docteur et la famille qu’il a bricolée ont appris à se battre, et à refuser l’injustice. Maintenant ils sont les héros d’une Angleterre hantée par son passé, et ils sont autant l’âme patriotique des anglais qu’une force de transgression face à l’ennemi fasciste.

L’épisode représente alors toute une époque, et ses guerres traumatisantes et ses luttes. 

Mais quand en plus, les cloches sonnent, et les que opprimé(e)s dansent et sourient, il est carrément cathartique. 

Really putting the "series" in "serial" with this one. The Dalek Invasion of Earth was less a story and more a sequence of plot point set in a common location. The characters went to a place, did a thing, then moved on again. Not a bad way of doing things, but not necessarily a compelling one.

It was a very post-WWII work of fiction, a lot like Day of the Triffids if you've ever read that

On the surface, this story should be one that isn't my bread and butter. Hell, I only watched it for context for the 4th season of EDAs. A 6-part Dalek 60's story should very much not be my cup of tea... on a surface level that is. This story, while starting off slow, is a gritty, atmospheric romp through a London almost reminiscent of a Fallout game. We follow the resistance trying bravely to save their city - and the world - from Dalek invaders. While the 'plucky group of not-British rebels fight the Daleks' storyline is one familiar to any classic who fan, this one has done it the best of those I've seen thus far.

But for all the Daleks and Robomen and spaceships, it's the emotional core that elevates this story. Susan's farewell, whilst feeling slightly questionable to the modern eye (leaving her with some random guy she's just met? fr?) the cast sells it with such earnestness that it's impossible not to like it. Hartnell's "I shall come back" monologue is so poignant, and I hope that the Doctor does come back for her - in the main show, that is. Far better than I expected.

An Improvement over the OG Dalek Story. Susan's Departure is iconic for a Reason. The Myth of the Daleks gets explored very well with Things like the Roboman. Overall, I enjoy it a lot, especially the Parts with the Doctor and Susan.