SUPERFAN (OLD TIER) | FULL REACTION | DOCTOR WHO | 1x6 | Dalek
Added 2022-02-18 13:00:06 +0000 UTCPlease no spoilers beyond this episode unless you see that later episodes have already been released. In that case, no spoilers beyond those episodes.
PLEASE NOTE: Full reactions will not include the full footage from the shows due to copyright/legal reasons. Some portions of the footage will either have video and no audio or audio and no video. The portions have been carefully selected in an effort to (hopefully) minimize the impact of the edits on the viewing experience.
Comments
Yeah, the genocide aspect of this episode was unexpected and intense and it's incredibly intriguing to think about the Doctor being responsible for the end of the Time Lords. It makes me very eager to learn more details about how all that happened. I mentioned in a comment on YouTube something about how only DW could make me cry over a genocidal squid-looking alien in a hunk of metal armor, but here we are. lol I have to admit, when I first saw the Dalek, I wasn't particularly impressed (from an intimidation standpoint). But Eccleston's reaction/performance completely sold it. To see him in such a fearful and then manic state was unnerving and powerful. And then to see him at the end basically have become like the Dalek while the Dalek was becoming more like Rose (who fully represents compassion and morality) was amazing.
Britany Felix
2022-02-19 02:25:22 +0000 UTCWell, I haven't seen a single Star Wars or Star Trek thing so I don't get those specific analogies, but I get what you're implying. lol I love how knowledgeable you are about all this and, once again, I'm grateful you're here and sharing this information with me. :) That is so fascinating about the show not having the rights to a character (for lack of a better word as that doesn't feel quite right). Knowing the importance of the Daleks in the history of both the show and the Doctor do help to make the episode feel more significant. Eccleston's performance in this was unnerving in the best way possible. I didn't have the words in the moment to explain it properly and I all could manage to get out was that his emotions were all over the place. But, he was basically in a manic state (which makes more sense now) and that took the scene to a whole other level. I was literally stunned into silence by his performance. Even without knowing the backstory of the Daleks, it was VERY clear this was a BIG deal to him.
Britany Felix
2022-02-19 02:14:29 +0000 UTCAs many have probably heard numerous times, episode six reintroduces one of the most iconic alien races from the Doctor Who universe. This episode, while not flashy or important, really grabs hold of mature themes and distills them in emotionally charged story-telling. The Daleks, the “ultimate in racial cleansing,” are fascinating. They believe that the only way to survive and thrive is if everyone else were dead. In classic, they were countless. They were everywhere. Now, it’s just one. A survivor of a war that the Doctor fought in, and apparently committed genocide in killing the Daleks and the Time Lords in order to end the Time War. For a “kid’s” show, this episode shows a darker, angrier side of the Doctor, literally crazed in his hatred for the Daleks, changing this arrogant, but wholesome and charming man into someone that he would normally preach against. This unveiling of the layers is what makes this episode great. That, and the ending with the Dalek. So much maturity. It also really established the legitimacy of the Daleks to new fans, as just by a glance, the Daleks don’t look that impressive, but by showing how dangerous they can be adds weight to the Doctor’s feelings and actions. I’m glad you are enjoying your journey so far!
Steve Combs
2022-02-18 20:56:04 +0000 UTCDaleks. They are to Dr Who what, as an example (insert your most popular franchise here) what the Klingons are to Star Trek; or The Jedi to Star Wars. The ratings for the show way back in 1963 were not great; and it was almost certainly going to be cancelled after the initial run of 13 episodes....but the second story featured the first appearance of the Daleks, and suddenly the BBC was getting audiences of over 11 million viewers - which,for a drama series,was unprecedented back in the day! It was the Daleks more than anything else which ensured the longevity of the show. Unfortunately (unlike every other aspect of Dr Who) the BBC didn't own the rights to the Daleks. These were held in the estate of the late Terry Nation,who created them back in 1963. For a while,it looked as though the BBC weren't going to be able to use them in the revival; which would be unthinkable for old-school fans - as Dr Who without any Daleks would be a neutered thing. The writer of this story wasn't even certain he could use them,and even had one draft titled 'Absence of the Daleks', just in case! Fortunately,an agreement was settled upon; and this was the result: a great re-introduction for new viewers;and a terrific treat for old fans. At last,the revival is explicitly digging into its past,but with an interesting new development in the Time War -something to intrigue old and new fans alike. For me,the ending is a little too sentimental. A Dalek would NEVER feel self-pity,whatever the circumstances - but i'll give it a pass anyway,because the rest of the story is just so right. This was arguably the first time in the shows history when the lead actor was giving a truly scary 'warts-and-all' performance - bare chest, spittle and all. No one does 'angry' better than Ecclestone :) BTW,you were right about the exhibit in the glass. That was very much a Classic Fan-pleasing visual.
Ian Smith
2022-02-18 15:24:55 +0000 UTC
