Doctor Who serial, offers a fascinating, if somewhat flawed, journey back to the origins of the Doctor’s most iconic adversaries. Penned by Terry Nation, the creator of the Daleks themselves, this book provides a unique perspective on the story that cemented the Daleks’ place in science fiction history. As the first authorized Doctor Who novelization, it holds a significant position within the franchise, although it also presents some curious deviations from established canon.
One of the most immediately noticeable aspects of this novelization is its narrative choice. Instead of the Doctor himself, or an omniscient narrator, we experience the story through the eyes of Ian Chesterton, one of the Doctor’s companions. This decision, while unusual for Doctor Who novels, offers a grounded, human perspective on the fantastical events unfolding on the planet Skaro. However, as noted in the original review, Ian’s narration can feel somewhat limited and occasionally tedious, preventing a full, panoramic view of the narrative. This subjective lens, while adding a layer of personal experience, may detract from the epic scale of the Daleks’ introduction.
Furthermore, the novelization takes liberties with the initial meeting of the Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara. While the need to establish their backstory for a novelization is understandable, the author opts for a completely new origin story, diverging from the established television canon. This inconsistency could be jarring for devoted Doctor Who fans familiar with the televised version. For newcomers, it might present a slightly confusing entry point into the TARDIS crew’s dynamic.
(Alt: Daleks emerge from their city on Skaro, approaching the Doctor’s TARDIS in a scene from the Doctor Who and the Daleks book.)
The narrative also presents subtle yet noteworthy alterations to the scientific elements of the story. In the TV serial, radiation is a key concern, a recurring motif from the very first Doctor Who episodes. The Doctor consistently monitors radiation levels, highlighting the dangers of the alien environments they encounter. However, the novelization shifts this focus to “poisonous air,” a less scientifically specific threat. This change, while seemingly minor, diminishes the established emphasis on radiation within the early Doctor Who universe. Similarly, the novelization’s inconsistent capitalization of “TARDIS,” referring to the Doctor’s time and space machine, is a minor stylistic quirk that might irk purists, as it is generally accepted as an acronym and thus written in full capitals.
Despite these deviations and narrative choices, “Doctor Who & The Daleks” successfully captures the core essence of the original serial. The First Doctor, still in his early, more abrasive incarnation, is portrayed as less overtly compassionate than later Doctors. Barbara’s moral compass shines as she advocates for empathy towards the Thals, contrasting with the Doctor’s initial detachment and self-serving curiosity. This dynamic highlights the evolving nature of the Doctor’s character and the important role his companions play in grounding his morality.
The introduction of the Daleks themselves is handled effectively, building suspense and intrigue. Initially presented as mysterious controllers of their city, their inherent malevolence gradually unfolds. The story cleverly delays the full reveal of their evil nature, allowing the reader to experience the initial encounters with a degree of uncertainty, mirroring the characters’ own perceptions. The chilling manner in which the Daleks deal with the Thal leader is a stark and memorable moment, firmly establishing their ruthless and merciless nature.
(Alt: The First Doctor and his companions, Ian Chesterton, Barbara Wright, and Susan Foreman, confront the Daleks inside their metallic city in Doctor Who and the Daleks.)
One of the most compelling aspects of “Doctor Who & The Daleks” is the ethical quandary it presents. The Doctor and his companions inadvertently influence the pacifistic Thals to embrace warfare against the Daleks. This raises profound questions about interventionism and the morality of encouraging violence, even against a seemingly evil enemy. Are the Thals truly the “good guys” if they resort to extermination to defeat the Daleks? This moral ambiguity is a hallmark of classic Doctor Who, prompting reflection on the complexities of conflict and the shades of grey that exist even in seemingly black and white scenarios. The novelization, like the TV serial, excels at presenting these thought-provoking themes, inviting readers to consider the ethical implications of the characters’ actions.
In conclusion, “Doctor Who & The Daleks” novelization is a valuable, if imperfect, companion piece to the iconic TV serial. While it takes liberties with canon and suffers from some narrative limitations, it successfully brings the origin story of the Daleks to the page. It captures the atmosphere of the original, explores the moral complexities inherent in the narrative, and provides a unique perspective through Ian Chesterton’s narration. For fans of classic Doctor Who and those interested in the genesis of the Daleks, this novelization offers an intriguing, if slightly altered, journey into the heart of Skaro and the dawn of an enduring science fiction legend.
