📝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.

Dalek Invasion Of Earth: 9.5/10 - it was amazing!!! The daleks were at their best in this episode and the pacing felt so good. I loved how the episode wasn’t afraid to get really dark at times (eg. Larry’s brother killing him). The speech at the end was amazing. The robomen almost feel like precursors to the cybermen. There are so many great things about this episode, but I don’t quite think it’s better than Marco Polo (my current favorite). I give this story 9.5/10

This episode is so much better for the daleks to be feared and with the first companion exit this story stands on high.

For the first time the show was working within an epic landscape. The huge sets and real locations look amazing on screen. The bravery in a children's television programme taking on a post-apocalyptic London in the early 1960s is considerable, but pays off massively. They made the Dalek's even more formidable through turning them into a worldwide threat.

All of non-regular cast in this story are fantastic. It gives you a strong idea of how different characters would react to this kind of invasion. Some would group together, some would screw others over.

Sure, susan's relationship with some random character develops a bit to quickly for most fan's liking. After only a couple of days they have to spend their whole life together, but in the context of a show from this time, I can forgive this. Susan's leaving scene is fantastic, a perfect piece of Doctor Who history. It is always odd to hear the Doctor's famous "one day I'll come back" speech within its original context. The first companion leaves, and the show's mechanism for continual renewal is set in motion.

I’m very conflicted on this one. The Daleks are back! And this time, it’s personal!

Well, not really. Since apparently, these daleks are older models that haven’t met the doctor yet. At the same time, they’re also more advanced and can move without magnets. So, they’re both older, and newer…?

Putting that aside, this keeps in line with the “bigger species” thing that classic who has going on. In modern who, it is pretty safe to assume that, once a species has been met, they’ll remember the Doctor in every future encounter. I like that, since it makes the universe feel bigger. At the same time, maybe this story could do with a more personal touch.

The Daleks being on earth is a bit of a stretch for the same robots that wouldn’t function if they didn’t touch the ground anymore. So they put a satellite dish on their backs and called it a day. I wish their drive for invasion was a bit stronger. What if these daleks wanted revenge on the Doctor and his companions for overthrowing their civilization? So they decide to go for earth, the planet these outsiders came from, and that’s why they upgraded. It would be in context with their nazi-esque behavior and aesthetic (which is stronger than before), and it would allow for more investment.

Instead these daleks are mining for the magnetic core of the earth and are trying to turn the earth into some kind of spaceship. That’s fine. They decide to do so with the help of robo-men and some kind of strange pet. That’s… less fine. A lot of time is spent on these superficial foes instead of the main threat. Sadly, they aren’t all that interesting, and they distract from the enemy we all want to see. They’re like obstacles for the actual entertainment. Just look at how this story is remembered. It’s with Daleks walking across London, not with robo-men marching through the streets.

That’s enough complaining for now, let’s look at the character work. Ian does not get a lot to do this time, that’s okay. Something I noticed in this story and the previous one, is that he seems more stern and strict. Not sure why, but it isn’t too distracting. The Doctor gets some nice moments, and still feels very energetic. I like the direction they’re taking with him. Let’s see where that goes.

Barbara gets a lot of the limelight, maybe even too much if we consider what’s coming up, but she handles it well. A highlight is her distracting the Daleks with random history facts. Who said those don’t come in handy?

However, then we come to Susan. This is her last episode. Let me start out by saying that her leaving the Tardis was heartfelt and very well presented. It felt natural and understandable, more than I expected. These dalek stories might not always be the best, but they know how to do their endings for sure.

Susan’s motivation for leaving can be arguable, since it isn’t presented that strongly either here or in previous stories. Sadly, the audio’s haven’t really bothered to expand on it either. There just isn’t that much setup towards it. Even within this own tale.

What they could’ve done, was swap the roles of Barbara and Jenny with Susan and David. This would show them interacting a bit more and could build up to them creating a place for themselves to call home. It would also show Susan as being more capable thanks to her travelling (Instead of one of the most childish portrayals she’s had in quite a while, which is kind of awkward). Oh well, at least I still believe to romance and conflicting emotions are heartfelt. It could’ve been worse.

The Dalek Invasion of Earth is a lot. That’s why I’m still typing. At the same time, it doesn’t feel like it reaches for much in its storytelling. It’s pretty mundane stuff with very little actual Dalek, and an ending that could be seen as half-hearted. Still, it hits some nice personality beats and end on one of the most famous, sweetest notes in the entire history of the show, so it scrapes by because of that. I’m glad I’ve seen it, but I’m never gonna watch it again (except for that ending).

Dark, moody, gripping and a relentless downer, The Dalek Invasion of Earth explores the concept, 'What if the Nazis won', with crazed aplomb, well-rounded, compelling characters and a fleshed-out setting that is fantastic for the time. It is little wonder that this is the same mind that would eventually bring us the Dalek magnum opus Genesis of The Daleks, even if it did take a few duds along the way, this is the seed of that magnum opus.
10/10