“Day of the Daleks” is a four-part serial from the classic era of Doctor Who that originally aired in 1972. The story was written by Louis Marks and directed by Paul Bernard, and it features the Third Doctor (Jon Pertwee) and his companion Jo Grant (Katy Manning) as they travel to the 22nd century to prevent a group of time-traveling guerrillas from assassinating a politician and inadvertently triggering a devastating war.
The Daleks, the Doctor’s arch-nemesis, are also involved in the plot, and they are shown to be more cunning and dangerous than ever before. The serial is notable for its action-packed set-pieces, including a thrilling car chase, as well as its exploration of themes such as time travel paradoxes, the ethics of violence, and the nature of free will.
One of the strengths of “Day of the Daleks” is its strong supporting cast. The guerrilla leader, played by Aubrey Woods, is particularly memorable, as he struggles to balance his convictions with the violent methods he feels are necessary to achieve his goals. There are also some impressive performances from the guest actors who play the various officials and scientists that the Doctor and Jo encounter in the future.
Another highlight of the serial is the impressive design of the Daleks and their base, which is built into a creepy abandoned mansion. The tension builds steadily throughout the story, culminating in a tense showdown between the Doctor and the Daleks.
One of the interesting aspects of “Day of the Daleks” is the way it plays with time travel paradoxes. The Doctor and Jo find themselves caught in a time loop, where events keep repeating themselves until they can find a way to break the cycle. This creates a sense of urgency and tension as they race against time to prevent the assassination and stop the Daleks from exploiting the situation.
The serial also raises questions about the ethics of violence and the use of terrorism to achieve political goals. The guerrilla group, known as the “Ogrons,” are willing to use extreme measures to change the course of history, including assassinating a key figure in the government. However, their actions ultimately lead to unintended consequences, and it becomes clear that violence only begets more violence.
While “Day of the Daleks” may show some signs of its age, particularly in terms of its special effects, it remains a classic Doctor Who adventure that should be of interest to fans of the show and newcomers alike. Its complex plot, strong characterizations, and exciting action sequences make it a standout example of the best that classic Doctor Who has to offer.
