February 2nd, 2025, and it's adventure 30 in the television series, The Power of the Daleks, which marks the beginning of the Patrick Troughton era and the first full story to feature the Second Doctor. Originally broadcast in November and December 1966, this six-part serial pits the newly regenerated Doctor and his companions, Ben and Polly, against the Daleks on the planet Vulcan.
All six episodes are missing from the BBC archives, but in 2016, The Power of the Daleks was reconstructed as a fully animated production using the original audio recordings and detailed research into the original visuals. Rewatching this 2016 animated version provides an engaging and vivid way to experience this pivotal story, offering both a thrilling Dalek adventure and an intriguing introduction to Patrick Troughton’s interpretation of the Doctor.
The Story: Deception and Danger on Vulcan
The newly regenerated Doctor, still adjusting to his new identity, arrives on the planet Vulcan with Ben and Polly. They discover a human colony plagued by internal power struggles, where an ambitious scientist has uncovered a crashed Dalek spaceship. Mistaking the Daleks for harmless, servile machines, the colony’s leaders attempt to use them to gain political power.
The Doctor recognizes the Daleks’ true nature and warns the colonists of the impending danger, but his warnings go unheeded. As the Daleks begin to rebuild their forces, chanting their chilling refrain, “We are your servants,” the Doctor and his companions must race against time to prevent a full-scale Dalek takeover.
Patrick Troughton: A New Doctor, A New Era
Before Doctor Who, Patrick Troughton was an established actor known for his work in film, television, and theater. His notable roles included the title character in the BBC adaptation of Robin Hood (1953–1955) and a memorable turn as Father Brennan in the classic horror film The Omen (1976). Troughton was also a skilled character actor, adept at portraying diverse roles, from historical figures to comedic parts. This range and depth of experience informed his portrayal of the Doctor, setting a precedent for the dynamic and varied interpretations that followed, and his debut here is a masterclass in reinvention. Troughton's interpretation is markedly different from William Hartnell’s, bringing a more playful, mercurial energy to the character. The Second Doctor is mischievous and curious, often using his eccentricity and apparent bumbling to disarm enemies and lull them into underestimating him.
Troughton’s performance in The Power of the Daleks is both subtle and bold, as he gradually establishes his version of the Doctor while navigating the inherent challenges of stepping into such an iconic role. His quieter, observational moments are balanced with bursts of energy and improvisation, showcasing the depth and versatility he brought to the character.
Ben and Polly: Adjusting to the New Doctor
- Ben Jackson (Michael Craze) struggles to trust the newly regenerated Doctor, questioning whether this new person is truly the same man they once knew. His skepticism adds tension to the story, mirroring the audience’s own uncertainty about the regeneration.
- Polly Wright (Anneke Wills), by contrast, is more open-minded and supportive, embracing the Doctor’s new persona and urging Ben to do the same. Polly’s warmth and pragmatism help bridge the gap between the First and Second Doctor’s eras, providing a sense of continuity amid the change.
Together, Ben and Polly serve as the audience’s proxy, guiding us through the Doctor’s transition and grounding the story with their emotional reactions to the unfolding events.
The Daleks: Masters of Manipulation
The Power of the Daleks is a masterclass in showcasing the Daleks’ cunning and adaptability. Their ruse as obedient servants to the humans on Vulcan is chillingly effective, highlighting their ability to manipulate and exploit human weaknesses such as greed and ambition.
The slow buildup to the Daleks’ eventual uprising is filled with tension and unease, as the audience knows the danger that the colonists refuse to see. The moment when the Daleks chant, “We are your servants,” while secretly plotting their rebellion, remains one of the most memorable and terrifying sequences in the show’s history.
Themes of Trust and Hubris
At its core, The Power of the Daleks is a story about trust, hubris, and the dangers of underestimating a known enemy. The colonists’ refusal to heed the Doctor’s warnings reflects humanity’s tendency to prioritize short-term gain over long-term consequences, while the Daleks’ manipulations underscore the peril of underestimating those who appear weaker or subservient.
The story also explores the companions’ evolving trust in the Doctor, mirroring the audience’s journey as they adjust to Patrick Troughton’s portrayal. This theme of trust and adaptation adds depth to an already gripping narrative.
The Animation: Bringing the Story to Life
The 2016 animated reconstruction of The Power of the Daleks is a triumph, capturing the atmosphere and tension of the original episodes while enhancing the story with dynamic visuals. The stark, industrial design of Vulcan’s colony is rendered in moody detail, emphasizing the isolation and danger of the setting.
The Daleks are particularly effective in animation, their movements and lighting adding to their menace. The voice performances, paired with the animation, convey the growing tension and stakes, making the story as impactful as it must have been when it first aired.
Revisiting in 2025: A Personal Perspective
Rewatching The Power of the Daleks today, I was struck by the seamless transition from Hartnell to Troughton and how the story uses this change to deepen the narrative. Troughton’s Doctor is instantly captivating, balancing familiarity with freshness, while the Daleks’ manipulative tactics feel as chillingly relevant now as they did in the 1960s.
The animated reconstruction brought a renewed vibrancy to the story, allowing me to appreciate its pacing, atmosphere, and thematic depth in a way that felt immersive and engaging.
Legacy and Significance
The Power of the Daleks is a pivotal story in Doctor Who history, introducing the concept of regeneration to a full serial and proving that the series could survive—and thrive—through change. Patrick Troughton’s performance set the tone for future Doctors, showcasing the character’s potential for reinvention and ensuring the show’s longevity.
The story also cemented the Daleks’ place as the Doctor’s most iconic foes, demonstrating their intelligence and adaptability in a way that would influence their portrayal in later stories.
Final Thoughts
Revisiting The Power of the Daleks has been a thrilling and nostalgic experience. Its combination of a bold new Doctor, a tense and intelligent narrative, and the chilling menace of the Daleks makes it one of the most memorable entries in Doctor Who history.
Patrick Troughton’s debut is a testament to the strength of the show’s premise, proving that change is not only possible but essential to its survival. As the Second Doctor takes the TARDIS into new adventures, The Power of the Daleks stands as a timeless reminder of Doctor Who’s enduring power to adapt, reinvent, and captivate.
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