The stark and eerie opening of Death to the Daleks immediately sets it apart as a unique entry in the Doctor Who canon. First broadcast in February and March 1974, this four-part serial, the 72nd adventure in the series, brings the Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith to the desolate and deadly planet of Exxilon. Here, they confront ancient mysteries, deadly traps, and, of course, the ever-menacing Daleks.
The story begins with the TARDIS losing all power and making an emergency landing on Exxilon, a barren world plagued by an enigmatic energy drain. The Doctor and Sarah Jane soon discover they are not alone: a stranded Earth expedition, a city of advanced but decaying Exxilons, and a squadron of Daleks are all vying for control of the planet’s mysterious power source. As alliances shift and dangers multiply, the Doctor must uncover the secrets of Exxilon’s ancient city while outwitting the Daleks at every turn.
Jon Pertwee’s Doctor thrives in this stark, survivalist setting. His sharp intellect and resourcefulness are on full display as he navigates the hazards of Exxilon and its enigmatic civilization. Pertwee brings a mix of gravitas and wry humour to the role, particularly in his interactions with the Daleks. His disdain for their relentless cruelty is evident, but he never underestimates their cunning. The Doctor’s determination to protect both Sarah Jane and the Earth expedition adds emotional weight to his actions.
Elisabeth Sladen’s Sarah Jane Smith continues to solidify her role as one of the series’ strongest companions. From her harrowing escape through the treacherous Exxilon wilderness to her brave defiance of the Daleks, Sarah’s courage and ingenuity shine throughout the story. Sladen’s ability to convey both vulnerability and resilience makes Sarah Jane a deeply relatable and inspiring figure. Her partnership with the Doctor remains one of the era’s highlights, their mutual trust and camaraderie anchoring the narrative.
The Daleks themselves are given a slightly different dynamic here, forced to adapt to the energy drain that renders their advanced technology useless. Watching the Daleks resort to more rudimentary methods—including arming themselves with projectile weapons—adds an intriguing twist to their usual portrayal. Their ruthless pragmatism and willingness to exploit the Exxilons reinforce their role as one of the Doctor’s most dangerous adversaries.
The Exxilons, with their dual nature as both primitive savages and the creators of a hyper-advanced city, provide a fascinating backdrop. The ancient city, with its self-sustaining systems and deadly traps, is a standout feature of the story. Its role as both a technological marvel and a cautionary tale about unchecked progress adds thematic depth, underscoring the dangers of over-reliance on automation and the loss of human connection.
The production design, while constrained by the limitations of 1970s television, creates a suitably foreboding atmosphere. The desolate Exxilon landscape, with its rocky terrain and oppressive darkness, feels genuinely alien and inhospitable. The visual effects, particularly the glowing patterns of the Exxilon city and the menacing presence of the Daleks, enhance the story’s sense of tension and danger.
Rewatching Death to the Daleks in 2025, its themes of survival, cooperation, and the perils of technological hubris resonate with contemporary concerns. The uneasy alliance between the Doctor and the Daleks highlights the complexities of conflict, where even the bitterest enemies must sometimes work together to overcome greater threats. The story’s critique of technological dependence feels remarkably timely in an era grappling with the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and automation.
The pacing of the story is brisk, with each episode introducing new challenges and revelations. The interplay between the various factions—the Earth expedition, the Exxilons, and the Daleks—keeps the narrative engaging, while the Doctor’s efforts to solve the mysteries of the city provide a strong throughline. The resolution, which sees the Doctor restoring power to the TARDIS and thwarting the Daleks’ plans, is both satisfying and thematically resonant.
Death to the Daleks is a quintessential example of Doctor Who’s ability to blend action, suspense, and thought-provoking ideas. Its stark setting, compelling performances, and exploration of complex themes ensure its place as a memorable and engaging entry in the series’ history.
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