The 10th adventure in Doctor Who history, The Dalek Invasion of Earth (1964), is a landmark serial in every sense. Broadcast in six parts from November to December 1964, it was the series’ first attempt at a full-scale alien invasion of Earth, bringing the Daleks—the villains who had catapulted the show to fame—into a near-future dystopian setting.
This ambitious story isn’t just notable for its scale and cinematic flair; it also serves as a turning point for the show’s narrative structure and character development, featuring the emotional departure of the Doctor’s granddaughter, Susan. Revisiting this serial today, it’s clear why it’s regarded as one of the most significant moments in Doctor Who’s early years.
The Story: A Ravaged Earth
The TARDIS lands in London in the 22nd century, where the crew discovers a world under Dalek occupation. Humanity is enslaved, their cities in ruins, and resistance groups scattered. The Daleks are mining Earth’s core for a sinister purpose, and the Doctor, Ian, Barbara, and Susan find themselves at the heart of the rebellion to reclaim the planet.
From the haunting opening shot of a decayed London with the iconic Daleks gliding past recognizable landmarks, the tone is immediately more mature and darker than anything the series had attempted before. This is Doctor Who on an epic scale, blending science fiction with a dystopian war story, drawing heavily on post-war anxieties and imagery.
A Cinematic Vision
Director Richard Martin’s work on The Dalek Invasion of Earth is a standout, particularly given the technical limitations of 1960s television. Filming on location in London lends the serial a sense of realism and urgency, with shots of Daleks crossing Westminster Bridge or patrolling Trafalgar Square becoming some of the most iconic images in the show’s history. The juxtaposition of these familiar settings with the Daleks’ alien menace underscores the story’s unsettling premise: that Earth itself is no longer safe.
The production’s ambition shines in the depiction of the Dalek saucer, the use of practical effects for the mining operation, and the eerie atmosphere of a deserted city. While some of the effects—such as the robo-men—may appear dated to modern eyes, the effort to create a fully realized world under occupation is undeniable and largely successful.
The Daleks: A More Complex Threat
This serial deepens the characterization of the Daleks, establishing them not just as relentless exterminators but as calculated conquerors capable of strategic manipulation and resource exploitation. Their plan to drill into the Earth’s core and pilot the planet as a giant spacecraft is audaciously grand in scale, perfectly matching their ambition as villains.
For the first time, we see the Daleks interacting with human collaborators—specifically, the brainwashed robo-men—highlighting the psychological horror of their control. This dimension of the Daleks’ tyranny adds layers to their menace, making them more than just one-dimensional antagonists.
The TARDIS Crew: United Yet Changed
Each member of the TARDIS crew is given significant moments to shine in this story:
The Doctor is at his most commanding and determined, rallying the human resistance and using his intellect to outwit the Daleks. William Hartnell delivers a passionate performance, balancing the Doctor’s stubbornness with his growing sense of responsibility and compassion.
Barbara once again proves herself as resourceful and brave, leading a group of rebels in a daring plan to infiltrate the Dalek forces. Jacqueline Hill’s performance adds depth to Barbara’s character, emphasizing her growing confidence and leadership.
Ian takes on the role of action hero, engaging in physical challenges and helping to disrupt the Daleks’ operations. His partnership with Barbara remains a cornerstone of the crew’s dynamic, their teamwork a testament to their growth as characters.
Susan has a significant arc, her growing maturity and desire for independence coming to the forefront. While she often plays the role of the damsel in distress in earlier episodes, here she begins to assert herself, forming a bond with resistance fighter David Campbell that ultimately leads to her departure.
Themes of Resistance and Sacrifice
At its heart, The Dalek Invasion of Earth is a story about resistance and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. The ragtag rebellion against the Daleks echoes real-world struggles for freedom, with the human characters embodying different facets of courage and defiance.
The serial doesn’t shy away from the cost of rebellion, with casualties on both sides. Characters like Dortmun, a scientist dedicated to developing a weapon against the Daleks, sacrifice themselves for the greater good, reflecting the grim realities of wartime resistance movements. This willingness to explore darker, more mature themes sets the story apart from earlier serials, signaling the show’s growing ambition.
Susan’s Departure: A Defining Moment
The final moments of The Dalek Invasion of Earth feature one of the most emotional scenes in Doctor Who’s early history: the departure of Susan. After the Daleks are defeated and Earth is freed, Susan falls in love with resistance fighter David Campbell. Recognizing her need for a life of her own, the Doctor locks her out of the TARDIS and bids her farewell with a heartfelt speech:
"One day, I shall come back. Yes, I shall come back. Until then, there must be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties. Just go forward in all your beliefs, and prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine."
This moment is groundbreaking for several reasons. It’s the first time a companion leaves the Doctor’s side, marking a significant evolution in the series’ format. Susan’s departure establishes the idea that the Doctor’s companions are not permanent fixtures, but individuals with their own lives and agency. This decision adds emotional depth to the series, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of the Doctor’s travels.
Susan’s departure also underscores the Doctor’s own character development. His decision to leave her behind is both selfless and heartbreaking, reflecting his understanding that she needs a life beyond the TARDIS. This moment sets the precedent for future companion departures, each of which would echo Susan’s in its mix of sadness and growth.
The Legacy of Companions
Susan’s departure marked the beginning of one of Doctor Who’s most enduring traditions: the ever-changing roster of companions. Over the decades, companions have come and gone, each bringing their unique perspective to the Doctor’s adventures and leaving an indelible mark on the series.
This evolving dynamic is one of the show’s greatest strengths. The companions act as audience surrogates, grounding the fantastical elements of the series in human emotion and experience. Their departures—whether bittersweet, tragic, or triumphant—remind viewers that the Doctor’s world, for all its wonder, is also one of loss and impermanence.
Susan’s farewell set the standard for this tradition, demonstrating that Doctor Who is greater than the sum of its parts. No matter how beloved a companion or even the Doctor himself may be, the series endures because it is constantly evolving, always moving forward into new territories.
The Evolution of the Series
The Dalek Invasion of Earth is a pivotal moment in the evolution of Doctor Who. It builds on the series’ early success, using the Daleks’ return to expand the show’s scale and deepen its themes. The move from historical and small-scale sci-fi to a dystopian epic demonstrates the show’s growing ambition and confidence.
This serial also sets the stage for the idea that Doctor Who is a story in flux. The departure of Susan, coupled with the story’s willingness to tackle mature themes, signals a shift toward a more complex and layered narrative structure. This adaptability would later become one of the show’s defining characteristics, allowing it to survive and thrive for decades.
Perhaps most significantly, The Dalek Invasion of Earth foreshadows the show’s ultimate evolution: the regeneration of the Doctor. While this innovation would not come until the First Doctor’s departure in 1966, Susan’s farewell hints at the show’s willingness to let go of its most significant elements in service of its broader narrative. This ability to embrace change is what has allowed Doctor Who to remain timeless, constantly reinventing itself for new generations.
Final Thoughts
The Dalek Invasion of Earth is a milestone in Doctor Who history, combining thrilling science fiction with emotional depth and narrative innovation. Its iconic imagery, mature themes, and groundbreaking character moments make it one of the most significant stories of the Hartnell era.
Susan’s departure, in particular, marks a turning point for the series, establishing the template for companion exits and reinforcing the show’s central theme of change and impermanence. As the Doctor himself would later say, “Everything ends, and it’s always sad. But everything begins again, and it’s always happy.”
With its blend of epic storytelling and emotional resonance, The Dalek Invasion of Earth exemplifies the spirit of Doctor Who—a show that is always evolving, always greater than the sum of its parts, and always ready to embrace the next adventure.
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