In September 1979, Doctor Who launched its 17th season with Destiny of the Daleks, a long-awaited return for one of the show’s most iconic adversaries. Written by Terry Nation and directed by Ken Grieve, this adventure pits the Fourth Doctor against the Daleks once more, while also introducing Lalla Ward as the second incarnation of Romana. The result is a curious mix of classic action, new beginnings, and uneven execution that leaves much to ponder.
The story begins as the newly regenerated Romana and the Doctor arrive on a war-torn, desolate planet that the Doctor quickly recognizes as Skaro, home to the Daleks. They discover that the Daleks are locked in a millennia-long war with the Movellans, a race of logical, android beings. Both sides are at a stalemate, each attempting to outthink the other, until the Daleks uncover their creator, Davros, hoping he can provide the strategic advantage they need to achieve victory. The Doctor, of course, has other ideas.
Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor is as energetic and unpredictable as ever, his humour and disdain for the Daleks on full display. Baker’s performance captures the Doctor’s moral outrage at the Daleks’ relentless pursuit of destruction, while also infusing the character with an almost flippant confidence. His interactions with Davros (David Gooderson) are a particular highlight, laden with philosophical debates and biting repartee that underline their mutual contempt.
Lalla Ward’s debut as Romana is immediately striking. Replacing Mary Tamm, Ward’s interpretation of the character is more playful and dynamic, with an energy that complements Baker’s eccentricity. Romana’s regeneration scene—played for laughs as she tries out different appearances before settling on the likeness of Princess Astra (from The Armageddon Factor)—sets the tone for her spirited portrayal. Throughout the adventure, Ward’s Romana proves resourceful and quick-witted, a perfect foil for the Doctor.
The return of Davros is central to the story’s dramatic weight. While David Gooderson’s portrayal lacks the raw intensity of Michael Wisher’s original performance, he succeeds in conveying Davros’s single-minded obsession with power and his unyielding belief in the Daleks’ supremacy. The scenes between Davros and the Doctor are charged with tension, their ideological clash driving much of the story’s thematic exploration.
The Movellans, with their sleek silver costumes and emotionless demeanour, present an intriguing counterpoint to the Daleks. However, their potential as adversaries is undercut by a lack of development, and their ultimate role as a plot device leaves them feeling underwhelming. The story’s depiction of the Movellans as a logical, machine-like race mirrors the Daleks’ own mechanistic nature, raising questions about the dangers of over-reliance on pure logic.
Visually, Destiny of the Daleks struggles to convey the scale of its ambitions. The barren landscapes of Skaro, while atmospheric, often feel repetitive, and the production design lacks the grandeur of earlier Dalek stories. The Daleks themselves are a mixed bag; their iconic presence remains effective, but their movements and voices lack the menace that once made them so terrifying. The climactic battle between the Daleks and the Movellans, though conceptually compelling, suffers from lackluster execution.
Despite these flaws, the story’s themes remain engaging. The stalemate between the Daleks and the Movellans underscores the limitations of pure logic in warfare, suggesting that adaptability and creativity—qualities embodied by the Doctor—are essential for overcoming conflict. The Doctor’s refusal to destroy Davros outright, despite the obvious threat he poses, reflects the character’s moral complexity and commitment to offering even the most dangerous adversaries a chance at redemption.
Rewatching Destiny of the Daleks, one can’t help but appreciate its ambition and its attempts to recapture the grandeur of earlier Dalek stories. While its execution falters in places, the dynamic between the Doctor, Romana, and Davros provides enough intrigue to carry the narrative. The regeneration of Romana and the introduction of the Movellans add fresh elements to the series, setting the stage for further adventures.
The resolution, which sees the Doctor sabotaging the Daleks’ plans and leaving Davros to face the consequences of his actions, is fittingly bittersweet. As the TARDIS dematerializes, the Doctor and Romana’s banter offers a lighthearted coda to an otherwise intense story, reminding viewers of the joy and resilience at the heart of Doctor Who.
Destiny of the Daleks may not rank among the greatest Dalek adventures, but it remains a significant chapter in the Fourth Doctor’s tenure. Its exploration of logic, morality, and the cyclical nature of conflict ensures that it retains its place in the series’ rich tapestry, offering both nostalgia and new ideas for fans to enjoy.
No comments:
Post a Comment