| THE POWER OF THE DALEKS by David Whittaker |
| Story 30 Synopsis: Ben and Polly are amazed at the change in the Doctor. The TARDIS lands on Vulcan, and the Doctor witnesses the murder of an Earth Examiner, who he pretends to be when taken into the human colony. A scientist named Lesterson has discovered a capsule, which the Doctor realises contains Daleks. Lesterson denies taking a missing third Dalek. Despite the Doctor's pleas, he gets the Dalek alive again, and it claims to be servile. Lesterson provides the Dalek with a power cable, and raw materials. The Doctor claims the Daleks will reproduce themselves, but Bragen, co-Governor, has plans to take over the colony. He incites rebels to launch an attack, during which he kills the Governor, blaming it on them. The rebels try to use the Daleks, but they have their own agenda. Too late, Lesterson realises what he has done. The Doctor overloads the power controls, neutralising the Daleks. He slips away with Ben and Polly. |
| Review:- Back in November 1966, the whole future of Doctor Who hung in the balance. If a change of lead actor didn't work now, there would never be a next time. For that alone, there is a lot to be grateful to this story for. It's also one of the better Dalek stories, and manages this by keeping it simple. With only a single Dalek for the most part, the drama comes from the power struggle in the colony between Bragen and the rebels. It creates an effective result when the Daleks turn up in the last episode and comprehensively exterminate all and sundry, making the intrigues futile. Power is strength, and the Daleks have it. The new Doctor convinces well by affirming that the Daleks are bad news. Not since Jonah went to Nineveh has a prophet of doom been so tragically ignored (although the Doctor's pleas to beware the Daleks often feature in these stories). At least he never gives up, and escapes from a cell by use of his knowledge. The Daleks' greatest nemesis remains true to form. Ben and Polly are less involved, although Ben's scepticism at the change of the Doctor is understandable, and his pragmatic acceptance of the Dalek's opinion is a moment of joy. As for the Vulcan colonists... Bragen is a clever schemer, blind to the chance that someone might out-scheme him. He manipulates and murders without hesitation, and his plan to double-cross the rebels emphasises his villainy. Lesterson's journey from eager scientist to broken failure is well developed, as he realises quite what a fool the Daleks have made of him, and the enormity of what he has allowed to happen. The Daleks keep it simple, desperate to destroy the Doctor, but cunning enough to string everyone along to get what they want. One of their finest stories. Overall, a story to be recommended. |
| Disclaimer: I've read the book, and the script book. |