The moment the Doctor sends a desperate warning to the Time Lords at the conclusion of Frontier in Space, the stakes for Planet of the Daleks are set. Broadcast in April and May 1973, this six-part adventure dives straight into the action, with the Doctor and Jo Grant arriving on the hostile, jungle-covered planet of Spiridon to face one of the most enduring threats in Doctor Who history. Adventure 68 in the series is both a continuation of the Daleks’ grand schemes and a return to the roots of their chilling menace.
The story begins with the Doctor gravely injured, recovering in the TARDIS while Jo ventures out alone to explore the alien jungle. Spiridon’s environment is beautifully hostile, with its deadly plant life and mysterious, unseen inhabitants. Jo’s initial encounter with the native Spiridons sets the tone for the adventure’s tension and danger, as their invisibility becomes both a tool for survival and a source of terror. Soon, the Doctor and Jo find themselves allied with a group of Thals, the Daleks’ ancient enemies, who have arrived on a desperate mission to prevent the Daleks from unleashing a massive army hidden on Spiridon.
Jon Pertwee’s Doctor brings his trademark charisma and resourcefulness to the forefront. His determination to stop the Daleks is underscored by a sense of responsibility and urgency, particularly as the scale of their threat becomes clear. Pertwee’s performance balances the Doctor’s scientific ingenuity with his moral conviction, particularly in moments where he inspires the Thals to resist the Daleks’ overwhelming power. His quieter interactions with Jo and the Thals offer a glimpse of the Doctor’s empathetic side, reminding us of the depth of his character.
Katy Manning’s Jo Grant once again proves her mettle as a companion. Jo’s bravery and quick thinking are highlighted early on, particularly in her interactions with the Spiridons and her efforts to aid the injured Doctor. Manning brings warmth and determination to the role, making Jo a vital and active participant in the story’s unfolding drama. Her rapport with the Doctor remains a cornerstone of the series, their mutual trust and respect adding emotional weight to the narrative.
The Thals, reintroduced for the first time since The Daleks in 1963, provide a fascinating perspective on the ongoing conflict with their ancient foes. Their courage and resolve contrast with moments of vulnerability, particularly as they face the enormity of the Daleks’ plan. Their leader, Taron, grapples with the burden of command, while his team’s dynamics reflect the complexities of resistance and sacrifice. These elements add depth to the story, emphasizing the personal costs of war.
The Daleks themselves are a formidable presence, their menace heightened by the revelation of their hidden army. The use of the Spiridons as enslaved operatives underscores the Daleks’ cruelty, while their pursuit of invisibility technology demonstrates their relentless drive for dominance. The scenes where the Daleks hunt the Doctor and his allies through Spiridon’s jungle are particularly effective, combining suspense with the eerie atmosphere of the alien landscape.
From a production standpoint, Planet of the Daleks achieves an impressive sense of scale and danger. The jungle setting, with its dense foliage and glowing, luminescent plants, creates a vivid and immersive backdrop. The use of miniatures and practical effects to depict the Dalek army’s massive storage chamber is ambitious, capturing the enormity of their threat. While some effects, like the Spiridons’ invisibility, rely on simplicity, they effectively contribute to the story’s tension and mystery.
Rewatching Planet of the Daleks in 2025, I was struck by how well it balances its action-packed sequences with moments of introspection and character development. The story’s exploration of resistance, sacrifice, and the enduring hope for a better future resonates strongly. The Thals’ struggle against the Daleks mirrors the larger themes of resilience and unity, while the Doctor’s unwavering belief in the power of courage and intelligence provides a beacon of hope.
The pacing of the story, while deliberate, allows for the tension to build naturally as the stakes escalate. Each episode introduces new challenges and revelations, keeping the narrative engaging. The resolution, which sees the Daleks’ plans thwarted but leaves the threat of their return looming, underscores the cyclical nature of their menace and the ongoing need for vigilance.
Planet of the Daleks is a quintessential Doctor Who adventure, blending thrilling action with thoughtful storytelling. Its exploration of heroism, resistance, and the enduring fight against tyranny ensures its place as a standout entry in the series’ history. The Daleks remain a timeless symbol of fear and oppression, while the Doctor and his allies stand as a testament to the power of courage and hope in the face of overwhelming odds.
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