First broadcast in February 1984, Resurrection of the Daleks is the 133rd adventure in Doctor Who and a significant entry in the series’ history. Written by Eric Saward and directed by Matthew Robinson, this grim and action-packed story brings back Davros, the Daleks, and the ever-present threat of total extermination. Dark, violent, and unusually ruthless for Doctor Who, Resurrection of the Daleks stands as one of the most intense serials of the classic era. It also marks the departure of long-running companion Tegan Jovanka, whose exit provides one of the most emotionally charged moments of Peter Davison’s tenure.
The Doctor, Tegan, and Turlough find themselves caught in the crossfire between a decaying Dalek empire and the remnants of Earth’s military. The Daleks, desperate to recover from their defeats in the wars against the Movellans, attempt to rescue their creator, Davros, from imprisonment. Meanwhile, a shadowy faction within their own ranks seeks to replace the Doctor with an unwitting duplicate, adding an additional layer of intrigue. As battles rage across London and a futuristic space station, the story quickly becomes a desperate fight for survival.
Peter Davison delivers a measured but deeply affecting performance as the Fifth Doctor, who is thrust into a world of brutality and betrayal. Unlike previous encounters with the Daleks, where the Doctor finds ways to outthink his enemies, Resurrection sees him forced to confront the harsh reality of war, leading to moments of uncharacteristic anger and moral conflict. The weight of the Doctor’s decisions is evident, particularly as he faces the ethical dilemma of whether to execute Davros.
Tegan’s arc reaches its breaking point in this story. Janet Fielding gives a powerful performance as her character finally reaches the limit of what she can endure. Her decision to leave the TARDIS, stating, “It’s stopped being fun,” is one of the most poignant and grounded companion departures in the show’s history. Unlike past goodbyes, which often involve romantic exits or dramatic heroism, Tegan’s farewell is rooted in trauma—she simply cannot continue. This moment, delivered with raw emotion, adds significant weight to the serial’s themes of war and loss.
Mark Strickson’s Turlough is given comparatively less focus, but his survival instincts remain on display as he maneuvers through the chaos. The supporting cast is filled with doomed military personnel, notably Rula Lenska’s Colonel Archer and Maurice Colbourne’s Lytton, the latter of whom makes a striking impression as a cold and pragmatic mercenary working with the Daleks but with unclear allegiances.
Terry Molloy makes his first full appearance as Davros, bringing a more sinister and scheming presence than his predecessor, Michael Wisher. Davros is presented here as a bitter figure, seething with hatred for the Daleks who betrayed him and eager to regain control over his creations. His speech about unleashing a virus that could destroy all life in the universe is a chilling highlight, reinforcing his twisted philosophy.
Visually, Resurrection of the Daleks benefits from its urban Earth setting and the oppressive atmosphere of the Dalek-controlled space station. The use of real London locations, including warehouse districts, gives the serial a grounded and cinematic quality. The Daleks themselves, though still prone to the occasional clunky movement, are presented as an overwhelming force, their relentless advance adding to the sense of hopelessness.
Thematically, the story explores the futility of war, the cost of violence, and the moral compromises that come with survival. The Doctor is pushed into darker territory, forced to consider killing Davros and ultimately witnessing the widespread death caused by both humans and Daleks alike. Unlike many Dalek stories where hope prevails, Resurrection ends on a note of exhaustion and disillusionment, further emphasized by Tegan’s departure.
Rewatching Resurrection of the Daleks in 2025, its impact remains potent. The story’s bleak tone, high body count, and relentless pacing make it a unique entry in the Doctor Who canon. While the excessive violence sometimes overshadows the narrative’s depth, the serial’s commitment to portraying war as a futile and tragic endeavor ensures it leaves a lasting impression.
The climax, which sees Davros once again plotting his rise while the Daleks succumb to their internal conflicts, is both satisfying and bleak. The Doctor’s final realization—that the endless cycle of violence is taking its toll on those around him—sets up a shift in tone that will carry through to the remainder of his tenure.
Resurrection of the Daleks is a brutal, thought-provoking entry in Doctor Who, offering a stark and sobering take on the show’s most iconic villains. It is a story that lingers long after the credits roll, not because of triumphant heroics, but because of the emotional and moral scars it leaves behind.
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