Jonathan Morris, the writer behind the Doctor Who audio drama “We Are The Daleks,” offers a fascinating glimpse into the story’s creation in his writer’s notes. Recorded in January 2015, these notes reveal the surprising origins and deeper meanings embedded within a tale featuring the Doctor’s most iconic foes: the Daleks. For fans of Daleks Doctor Who, this story provides more than just thrilling sci-fi; it’s a sharp, satirical look at ourselves.
The genesis of “We Are The Daleks” is delightfully accidental. Initially tasked with crafting a 1987-set thriller about “the Big Bang in the City,” Morris humorously admits to misinterpreting the brief. Instead of stripy shirts and financial intrigue, his mind veered towards “the big contemporary political satire they never actually did at the time.” This misreading proved serendipitous, transforming a potential thriller into a story with far more to say about society and power. The notes subtly hint at the political undertones, even playfully suggesting a connection between Andrew Cartmel’s script editing ambitions and Margaret Thatcher’s resignation.
Morris is quick to clarify the nature of the satire in “We Are The Daleks.” It’s not about cheap, topical jokes. Instead, it aims for something more profound and enduring. He emphasizes that it’s not simply a partisan jab at any particular political party, but a broader commentary on the “moral compromises politicians of all parties are forced to make” when dealing with powerful global entities. This gives the story a timeless quality, moving beyond the specific context of the 1980s to resonate with contemporary audiences concerned about the influence of multinationals and oppressive regimes.
While the term “satire” might conjure images of comedy, Morris cautions against expecting a “laugh riot.” He describes the story as a “black comedy,” aligning it more with the surreal and pointed works of Lindsay Anderson or even the subversive humor of “Comic Strip Presents,” if they were to tackle Doctor Who in 1987. This sets the tone for a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, using the familiar framework of Doctor Who Daleks to explore serious themes. He deliberately distances it from pastiche or other specific Doctor Who stories, aiming for something unique and unexpected.
Crucially, Morris reveals the deeper inspiration behind bringing the Daleks into this satirical landscape. It stems from his 2014 Doctor Who Magazine article, also titled “We Are The Daleks,” which delved into the enduring fear and effectiveness of these monsters. His conclusion? The Daleks are frightening because they reflect “the dark side of human nature.” They embody prejudice, xenophobia, and a chilling lack of compassion for the weak. This is the core of what makes the Daleks Doctor Who monsters so compelling – they aren’t just alien threats; they are distorted reflections of our own potential for darkness.
“We Are The Daleks” uses the science fiction lens of Doctor Who Daleks to hold up a mirror to humanity. It suggests that the true horror of the Daleks isn’t their technology or their ruthlessness, but the chilling realization that their capacity for cruelty and indifference resides within us all. Morris concludes with a stark message: “if we act without compassion or conscience, we are the Daleks.” This powerful statement transforms a science fiction story into a potent political and moral allegory, making “We Are The Daleks” a compelling listen for anyone interested in Daleks Doctor Who with a deeper, thematic resonance.
