Day 2 - The Daleks (Part 1)

Episode 1 - The Dead Planet

And here we are on our first alien planet. A strange new world, which sums up a lot of what I feel right now; being somewhere new, that is very alien to me. However, this petrified jungle puts the bravura design work of the 1^st story to shame. Raymond Cusick and his team have constructed a set that looks unlike anything on earth, and it’s a treat to explore it with the TARDIS crew. I especially like the petrified lizard-type creature. Then the team top themselves once again with the city design, both through the Doctor’s glasses and the perspective shots. I constantly marvel at how they did this in the confines of the studio that they were working in.

Ian and Barbara have the Doctor pegged now. He needs them to keep an eye on him, even if he is not willing to admit it himself. It’s a realization that many companions have on their travels with the Doctor, and something that will be especially emphasized in the 9^th Doctor’s single series, where, more often than not, he is the one who inspires people to save the day, rather than doing so himself. And at this point they also have to accept that he is headstrong and willful, and at this stage of his life will put his own interests first, among the safety of his companions, who are not yet his friends.

The food machine scene is a great bonding experience. Susan is so eager to please her erstwhile teachers, and despite himself the Doctor loves showing off (some things never change!) We also get our first taste of the absolute Englishness of the show, with the Doctor’s comment on the saltiness of bacon. No sooner than the camaraderie is established, we get reminded of the Doctor’s manipulative nature. He wants to see the city and will stop at nothing, even deception, to do so.

There’s more design brilliance once we reach the city. Just as the jungle seemed strange, the city design takes it to the next level. It’s clearly not designed for the humanoid form. And Barbara’s journey through them, culminating in that famous cliffhanger, is full of tension.

Episode 2 - The Survivors

And so we get our first look at the Daleks, They look magnificent as they glide around effortlessly, intimidating the TARDIS crew. It is such an amazing design. And they are clearly the same creatures that we encounter today, even with the progenitor device revamp. However, for all my earlier praise of the design team, it’s nice of the Daleks to print English words on their instruments.

Once they are captured, Ian’s number one concern is Barbara. It is clear he feels protective of her, and wants to be sure that she is all right. He is chivalrous and full of concern. And his frustration and fear at being unable to walk, and so being unable to go and get the anti-radiation drugs, is brilliantly conveyed by William Russell’s performance.