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Classic Who S1 • Serial 2 · (7 episodes)

The Daleks

Other variations of this story: The Daleks in Colour

3.64/ 5 502 votes

First aired Saturday, December 21, 1963
Production Code B
Written by Terry Nation
Runtime 175 minutes
Time Travel Future
Tropes: (Potential Spoilers!) Monster Vision
Inventory: (Potential Spoilers!) Fluid Link Food Replicator
Locations Skaro
Synopsis

The TARDIS has brought the travellers to the planet Skaro where they meet two indigenous races — the Daleks, malicious mutant creatures encased in armoured travel machines, and the Thals, beautiful humanoids with pacifist principles. They convince the Thals of the need to fight for their own survival.

7 Episodes:

First aired Saturday, December 21, 1963
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Terry Nation
Directed by Christopher Barry
UK Viewers 6.9 million
Appreciation Index 59

Synopsis

Time Unknown, Planet Unknown. The TARDIS lands in an eerie petrified forest overlooking a magnificent steel city. The Doctor wants to explore the city – but what is waiting there?

First aired Saturday, December 28, 1963
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Terry Nation
Directed by Christopher Barry
UK Viewers 6.4 million
Appreciation Index 58

Synopsis

The dead planet is not uninhabited after all. The Doctor is about to meet what will become his greatest enemies. And he and his crew are dying of radiation sickness.

First aired Saturday, January 4, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Terry Nation
Directed by Richard Martin
UK Viewers 8.9 million
Appreciation Index 63

Synopsis

Imprisoned on Skaro by the scheming Daleks, the Doctor and his companions work to escape their clutches.

First aired Saturday, January 11, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Terry Nation
Directed by Christopher Barry
UK Viewers 9.9 million
Appreciation Index 63

Synopsis

The time travellers work desperately to both escape the Dalek city and prevent a bloody massacre.

First aired Saturday, January 18, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Terry Nation
Directed by Christopher Barry
UK Viewers 9.9 million
Appreciation Index 63

Synopsis

The time travellers have escaped from the Daleks, but left a vital piece of the TARDIS behind. Getting it back will mean pushing the Thals to mount a dangerous operation.

First aired Saturday, January 25, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Terry Nation
Directed by Richard Martin
UK Viewers 10.4 million
Appreciation Index 63

Synopsis

Ian, Barbara and the Thals struggle through the caves to reach the Dalek city. Will they get there in time? Is there even a way through the treacherous caves? And what are the Daleks planning?

First aired Saturday, February 1, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Terry Nation
Directed by Richard Martin
UK Viewers 10.4 million
Appreciation Index 65

Synopsis

Time is running out as the Doctor and his companions try to defeat the Daleks before they wipe out all life on Skaro.

Ratings are from TARDIS Guide members only.

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