The Daleks’ return to Doctor Who after a five-year absence is nothing short of triumphant. Day of the Daleks, first broadcast in January 1972, not only brings back the series’ most iconic villains but also weaves a compelling tale of time travel, rebellion, and moral complexity. As the 60th adventure in the series, it kicks off Season 9 with a story that feels bold, inventive, and remarkably prescient.
The narrative begins with a political crisis: a prominent diplomat is being targeted by a group of guerrilla fighters who have travelled back in time to prevent him from causing a catastrophic future ruled by the Daleks. The Doctor and Jo Grant are drawn into the conflict, quickly uncovering that the Daleks are manipulating the timeline for their own gain. What follows is a layered exploration of causality, resistance, and the unintended consequences of even the noblest intentions.
Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor is perfectly suited to this story’s intricate plot and moral dilemmas. His authoritative presence anchors the narrative, while his moments of levity and empathy remind us of the Doctor’s enduring humanity. Pertwee excels in scenes of tension and negotiation, particularly as the Doctor pieces together the truth of the Daleks’ scheme. His defiance of the Daleks is as rousing as ever, his righteous fury cutting through their cold, calculating menace.
Katy Manning’s Jo Grant continues to develop as a companion, her courage and determination shining through. Jo’s ability to adapt to extraordinary circumstances while maintaining her compassion and resolve adds an emotional depth to the story. Her interactions with the guerrilla fighters and her unwavering trust in the Doctor further establish her as an integral part of the team.
The Daleks themselves are as chilling as ever, their cold logic and ruthless efficiency contrasting sharply with the desperation of the human resistance. The inclusion of the Controller, a human collaborator working for the Daleks, adds a fascinating dimension to the story. His moral ambiguity and internal conflict mirror the broader themes of the narrative, challenging the audience to consider the lengths to which survival can push individuals.
What makes Day of the Daleks stand out is its use of time travel as a narrative device. The story’s exploration of paradoxes and causality is both thought-provoking and elegantly handled. The guerrillas’ mission to prevent a dystopian future inadvertently sets the events of that future in motion, a twist that underscores the story’s central theme of unintended consequences. It’s a sophisticated approach that elevates the serial beyond a straightforward adventure.
The production design and direction further enhance the story’s impact. The contrast between the opulence of the 20th-century settings and the bleakness of the future Earth under Dalek rule is stark and effective. The use of locations, such as the tunnels and factories that serve as the Daleks’ stronghold, adds a sense of realism and urgency. While the Dalek voices and some effects may show their age, the story’s ambition and creativity shine through.
From a 2025 perspective, Day of the Daleks feels remarkably ahead of its time. Its themes of rebellion, political intrigue, and the ethics of resistance resonate deeply in an era grappling with global conflict and systemic challenges. The story’s critique of collaboration and its exploration of how fear and survival can compromise morality remain as relevant as ever.
Watching this story again, I was struck by how well it balances its darker, more complex themes with moments of action and character-driven drama. The interplay between the Doctor, Jo, and the guerrilla fighters provides a strong emotional core, while the Daleks’ presence ensures a constant undercurrent of tension and danger. The story’s resolution, which sees the Doctor confronting the implications of the guerrillas’ actions, is both satisfying and thought-provoking.
Day of the Daleks exemplifies the Pertwee era’s strengths: its ability to tackle weighty themes while delivering thrilling and engaging stories. The return of the Daleks is handled with care and creativity, ensuring that their menace remains intact while allowing for new dimensions of storytelling. This adventure is a standout in the series’ history, showcasing Doctor Who’s capacity to evolve and surprise while staying true to its core identity.
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