Dalek

Dalek had once again given me expectations. The best Doctor Who scriptwriter of the audio years combined with the most anticipated on-going episode of the new series.

Did it work? Well in summary, yes and in more words without doubt.

Dalek had everything, an exceptional start, a well-driven middle and a memorable end. In a series that starts with Doctor returning from a 16-year regular TV gap and ends with a regeneration this still will be the one to remember. Whilst I hope I am wrong, I doubt any episode will beat this in 2005.

The Doctor and Christopher Eccleston grew up in this episode more that I could have anticipated. The hate and remorse in the Doctor is a new side to our beloved lead character. Even with what was to come I was moved by the Doctor’s emotion before a Dalek had been seen. The scene with the Cyberman was a bonus beyond belief.

The average viewers feeling of hate before the episode would be expected to be aimed at our Dalek, but by the end would be torn between the ruthless Van Statten and the hate filled Doctor.

All the cast worked, and the production reached a new level of professionalism. From the radio lead up I heard that the design team had taken the Dalek design apart to understand it. To rebuild it traditionally on the outside, but to be so fresh on the inside was refreshing.

I could continue to wax lyrical about this episode. But in summary give the man an Oscar. The man who deserves it most however I am undecided, and will let you choose. The nominees however are Robert Shearman, Christopher Eccleston and the head of design.