Evolution of the Daleks

This episode had a lot to do. It had to follow on from a fine first part, and tie all the loose ends...dot all the i's and cross all the t's. It just about managed, and in doing so became the strongest thus far in 2007.

I won't write too much about the plot, instead I shall comment on it. I was pleased and relieved that the remaining three daleks (and then there were three...) turned against Dalek Sec, their erstwhile leader. It seemed entirely in character even for daleks who are supposed to posess imagination.

I found the dalek Sec/human character to be strangely endeering, and I am sure that is what writer Helen Raynor wanted. He had depth to his character, he could imagine dalek/human hybrid race that could continue but perhaps not be the scourge of the galaxy. I almost wanted him to succeed and the Doctor to take them in the TARDIS to some suitable planet where they could have their chance.

I was thrilled to hear the daleks counting down in rels, a nice look back at old Who...and the human daleks were quite reminiscent of robomen.

Ultimately the story could have filled three episodes, there was a lot to resolve in the final 15 minutes. But Raynor's script and James Strong's direction just about managed to tie everything up without feeling rushed. Very clever. The Doctor remains true to his principles throughout, trying to save lives and see to the daleks without un-necessary destruction.

If I had a complaint it would be that there seems little logic in the idea of Time Lord DNA somehow getting into the "human daleks" when all the Doctor did was hang onto a lightning conductor. I understand the lightning could give enough power for their laboratory to administer the DNA prepared by Sec and the Doctor, but when there was no direct connection between the conductor and the tubes of blue gunk...how could the bodies recieve Time Lord DNA?

Oh and as a scientist I was a bit bemused to see the Doctor using gas syringes and gas jars for liquids...but I am sure the crew just had a job lot of laboratory glassware and thought that looked more cool than hypodermics!

Over all hugely enjoyable, did what it needed to do and was clever.

9/10