Dalek

"You would make an excellent Dalek". After several episodes, we FINALLY get a story that really takes us back to the old series. What we have is the most simple, yet effective Doctor Who story to date. We have a Dalek and a Doctor. I realized watching this episode that most people would compare it to "Star Trek" or a bunch of other Sci-Fi series, but I was left thinking about this: The last time we saw the Daleks, we had the 7th Doctor explaining to the last remaining Dalek on earth that it was alone. The Dalek could not accept this so it self destructed. Really was this episode any different? Well, yes and no.

First off, we have AMAZING special effects. Second, we have probably the fastest moving story yet. Yet at the same time one of the most moving. I have said before that Chris E. as the Doctor is probably the darkest portrayal since Colin Baker, but for once, it feels right in this episode. Not only do we have years of hate against the Daleks, but also we learn a little more about what happened with the "Time War". Whether or not I agree with the way the series is going with this "Time War", I have to admit the continuity is being upheld.

I also have to say Billie Piper once again wins the award for the best actor in the series. I feel she is the best companion to grace our TV screens in 20 years. If you watch her facial expressions and her reactions in this episode you will really see that she is an amazing actor who understands the amazement of traveling in time and space that is required for a companion. She shows no regrets but is human enough to show fear. That to me is what makes an amazing REAL human role. I can relate and understand the character more than any other companion. If she has a good agent, she should ask for double what she is being paid. There has been a lot of press about her not watching the original series and therefore not having done enough research to portray a proper companion. Well, folks, she puts you to shame here.

Christopher E. fares better than the other episodes (That silly grin for once doesn't appear.) but he lacks something all the other Doctors had - a sense of wonder and compassion, not only for the people around him, but for all living creatures. I honestly don't see Sylvester McCoy aiming a gun at a lonely Dalek who is the last of his race, trying to kill it. What Chris E. needs is a sense of humour and a light heart, somebody who is in control of a situation, and I just feel he is never in control of it. But while he is getting better, unfortunately I feel he might reach his full potential when too late, and once again we will be left with a Doctor who did a couple of episodes and then is gone before we knew him.

Finally, I can't help myself - The Dalek looked great! It’s been about 17 years since we have seen one, and my God, it was worth the wait. Just think - a whole new generation of children will be hiding behind sofas and having nightmares. Many of us were kids watching the old episodes, and now we have our own children, and this episode I hope scared them to death. And that's the way it should be! Doctor Who isn't always safe, isn't always secure, and certainly it will shock, but it's always entertaining. So sit back, open a bottle of wine, get your friends around and enjoy because we waited so long for something like this, and it was worth it and we are all here to see it together. I give five stars to the new series, for even throwing in the Cyberman in this episode.

It’s a cracking story with great acting and the production team finally knows that the old fans are watching and they give a generus nod and smile in our direction. So I guess what I can say to them is "Thank You"! And also one note to a debate I KNOW lots will be talking about: Doctor Who did not rip-off "I Borg" from "Star Trek". They ripped off tons of ideas from "Doctor Who" and you know what? Their cancelled......and we’re not!) (Apologies to Star Trek fans, of which I am one of). Keep them coming people, it just gets better!