The episode “Dalek,” positioned perfectly within the first series of revived Doctor Who, masterfully reintroduced one of the series’ most iconic villains: the Dalek. However, this episode transcends mere fan service. It’s a profound exploration of heroism and villainy, challenging our perceptions of the Doctor and the Dalek, and delving into the extreme measures they will undertake for survival. Many consider “Dalek” to be a standout episode of the entire series, and for good reason.
Christopher Eccleston delivers what is arguably his most compelling performance as the Ninth Doctor in “Dalek”. Within a concise forty-five minutes, Eccleston showcases a breathtaking range of emotions. While the Doctor’s characteristic wit and levity are present in the opening scenes, a palpable darkness, previously hinted at, rises to the surface. This transformation is ignited in a scene widely regarded as one of the show’s finest: the tense confinement of the Doctor and the Dalek within a single room. In this pivotal moment, Eccleston’s portrayal is a tour-de-force, seamlessly transitioning from concern to palpable fear – a fear that genuinely convinces the viewer of the Dalek’s terrifying threat. He chillingly appropriates the Dalek’s infamous catchphrase, turning it against the creature itself. Further adding to the intensity are moments where the Doctor commands the Dalek to die, and the episode’s closing scenes depict a Doctor visibly scarred by battle, culminating in a surprising and unsettling weapon-pointing act. While Eccleston consistently delivered strong performances throughout his tenure, “Dalek” remains his definitive moment in the role.
The Dalek itself is not merely resurrected; it’s reimagined and revitalized for a new era. The redesign is visually striking, presenting a formidable and contemporary version of the classic foe. Crucially, writer Robert Shearman delves deep into the Dalek’s core, moving beyond the simplistic image of a “tin robot with a whisk and a plunger.” This Dalek is a sophisticated killing machine, cunning and manipulative, as evidenced in its early interactions with the Doctor and Rose Tyler. For perhaps the first time, viewers witness the chilling effectiveness of the Dalek’s weaponry in visceral detail. Shearman, along with Nicholas Briggs, the voice of the Dalek, achieves something even more remarkable: they evoke sympathy for this relentless engine of destruction. We witness a gradual evolution within the Dalek, a transformation that culminates in something tragically profound before its ultimate demise. This nuanced portrayal, achieved within the constraints of a single episode, is a testament to the episode’s writing and performance.
The supporting cast also contributes significantly to the episode’s success. Billie Piper delivers a nuanced performance as Rose, effectively conveying both fear and burgeoning sympathy for the Dalek in her interactions. Her chemistry with Bruno Langley as Adam is also noteworthy; Langley’s performance adds weight to Adam’s later storyline developments. Corey Johnson’s portrayal of the eccentric billionaire Henry van Statten is intentionally over-the-top, yet it fits the heightened reality of the Doctor Who universe. Anna-Louise Plowman and Nigel Whitmey provide solid performances as Van Statten’s employees, rounding out a strong ensemble cast.
Behind the camera, the episode showcases exceptional craftsmanship. The CGI effects bringing the Dalek to life are seamless and impactful, enhancing key moments of its return. Ernie Vincze’s cinematography creates a palpable sense of claustrophobia, even in larger sets, amplifying the episode’s tension. This tension is further heightened by Graham Walker’s editing and Murray Gold’s score, which transitions from relentless action to haunting introspection in the episode’s latter half. Robert Shearman’s script is the cornerstone, showcasing some of the finest writing in the revived series and seamlessly integrating all these elements.
“Dalek” stands out as the best episode of series one not just for Eccleston’s career-defining performance, the triumphant return of the Dalek, strong supporting performances, and excellent behind-the-scenes work, particularly Shearman’s script. Its true brilliance lies in its thematic depth. “Dalek” is a powerful exploration of survival, pushing both hero and villain to their limits in the name of self-preservation. It masterfully inverts our preconceived notions of good and evil, forcing us to question the very nature of these concepts within the context of Doctor Who. This thematic richness elevates “Dalek” beyond a simple monster-of-the-week episode, cementing its place as a highlight of the revived series and a benchmark for compelling Doctor Who storytelling.
