Today, this marathon takes on the first half of The Daleks’ Master Plan, one of the most ambitious stories in Doctor Who history. Spanning twelve episodes and first broadcast between November 1965 and January 1966, this epic sees the Doctor and his companions battling the Daleks’ grand scheme for universal domination. Episodes 1 to 6—The Nightmare Begins through Coronas of the Sun—set the stage with intrigue, high stakes, and unforgettable moments.
For this rewatch, I listened to off-air audio recordings of episodes 1, 3, 4, and 6, complete with Peter Purves’ excellent narration, and watched episodes 2 and 5, which survive and were included in the Lost in Time DVD set. Experiencing the story in this mixed format highlights both the scale of its ambition and the challenges of engaging with a fragmented piece of Doctor Who history.
The Story So Far: The Daleks’ Grand Scheme
The adventure begins with The Nightmare Begins, where the Daleks are revealed to be forming a universal alliance with a group of alien delegates. Their plan centers on the Time Destructor, a weapon of unimaginable power that requires the rare mineral taranium to function. Meanwhile, Space Security Agent Bret Vyon (played by Nicholas Courtney in his first Doctor Who role) discovers the Daleks’ activities and crosses paths with the Doctor, Steven, and new companion Katarina.
As the Doctor and his companions attempt to thwart the Daleks by stealing the taranium core, they become fugitives pursued across space. The action-packed first half of the serial sees them escaping the clutches of the Daleks on Earth, the planet Kembel, and the swamps of Mira, where they encounter the monstrous Visians. The stakes are raised as the Daleks demonstrate their ruthlessness, and the Doctor’s efforts to undermine their plans take a heavy toll on everyone involved.
The Doctor: A Determined Adversary
William Hartnell’s Doctor is at his most driven in The Daleks’ Master Plan. He’s determined to stop the Daleks at any cost, and his defiance of them, particularly in Day of Armageddon (episode 2), is a powerful reminder of his growing sense of moral responsibility.
Hartnell’s performance, particularly in the surviving episodes, is commanding and layered. The Doctor’s cunning and resourcefulness are on full display, from his theft of the taranium core to his use of the hostile Visians on Mira to evade the Daleks. There’s also a palpable sense of weariness as the serial progresses, underscoring the immense pressure he’s under.
Steven and Katarina: A Test of Resolve
Steven, played by Peter Purves, is the dependable action hero in this serial. His loyalty to the Doctor and his quick thinking are vital assets, particularly as they navigate the many dangers of the Daleks’ pursuit. Purves’ narration in the audio episodes provides insight into Steven’s inner struggles, adding depth to his character.
Katarina, introduced in The Myth Makers, is the first companion to originate from a historical setting. Her naivety and belief that the TARDIS is a celestial chariot make her a unique presence, but her limited understanding of the futuristic events around her creates tension. Tragically, her journey ends in The Traitors (episode 4), when she sacrifices herself to save the Doctor and Steven. Her death is a shocking and emotional moment, marking the first time a companion dies on-screen and setting a darker tone for the story.
The Daleks: At Their Most Menacing
This serial cements the Daleks as Doctor Who’s ultimate villains. Their strategic brilliance, willingness to form alliances, and relentless pursuit of the Doctor make them a formidable threat. The Dalek delegates, while visually striking, add a layer of complexity to the narrative, emphasizing the vast scope of the Daleks’ ambitions.
The Daleks’ cold ruthlessness is evident throughout, particularly in The Traitors, where they execute Bret Vyon without hesitation. This moment, combined with their manipulation of other races, underscores the Daleks’ single-minded pursuit of power and their utter disregard for life.
Highlights of the Surviving Episodes
Day of Armageddon (Episode 2): Seeing this episode in its original form is a treat. The Dalek council scenes are visually impressive, with an array of alien delegates that convey the scale of the Daleks’ plans. The Doctor’s defiance as he infiltrates their meeting is a standout moment, showcasing Hartnell’s determination and wit.
Counter Plot (Episode 5): The vibrant visuals of the Mira swamp and the invisible Visians add a sense of danger and tension to this episode. The interaction between the Daleks and their unwilling allies provides insight into the power dynamics at play, while the Doctor’s clever use of the Visians to create chaos is a testament to his ingenuity.
Themes of Sacrifice and Resistance
The first half of The Daleks’ Master Plan is defined by its exploration of sacrifice and resistance. Katarina’s death is the ultimate act of selflessness, while Bret Vyon’s loyalty to the cause costs him his life. These moments remind us of the heavy price of defying tyranny and the moral complexity of fighting for what’s right.
The Doctor’s resistance to the Daleks also takes a toll on him and his companions, as they face danger at every turn. The constant pursuit and the loss of allies emphasize the high stakes of their mission and the resilience required to continue.
Revisiting in 2024: A Personal Perspective
Listening to The Daleks’ Master Plan in its fragmented form is both fascinating and bittersweet. The surviving episodes offer a glimpse of the serial’s visual grandeur, while the audio recordings allow me to appreciate the performances and dialogue that bring the story to life.
Katarina’s death hit me harder than I expected. Her character may have been underdeveloped, but her sacrifice is a poignant reminder of the dangers of traveling with the Doctor. It’s a moment that lingers, adding weight to the story’s darker tone.
Legacy and Significance
The Daleks’ Master Plan is a landmark in Doctor Who history. Its epic scale, high stakes, and willingness to take risks—such as killing off companions—set it apart from other stories of the Hartnell era. The introduction of darker themes and the exploration of moral ambiguity would influence the series for years to come.
Final Thoughts on Episodes 1–6
Rewatching the first half of The Daleks’ Master Plan has been an intense and rewarding experience. Its ambitious narrative, compelling characters, and unrelenting tension make it one of the most memorable stories of the Hartnell era.
Despite the challenges of experiencing it through a mix of audio and surviving visuals, the story’s power remains undiminished. I’m eager to see how the second half unfolds, knowing that even more twists and sacrifices lie ahead. The Daleks’ Master Plan is truly a testament to the storytelling ambition of early Doctor Who.
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