Flashpoint

Ian manages to sabotage the Daleks bomb, while the Doctor turns the Roboman on the Daleks.

"Flashpoint" is an excellent conclusion to the story. There's some very nice model work, and I particularly enjoyed William Russell's performance.

However, the best part of "Flashpoint" is the final scene between William Hartnell and Carole Ann Ford. The Doctor's final speech to Susan is touching, and brilliantly performed by Hartnell; it's probably his finest moment on the show. Susan's departure is probably the best handled companion exit in the history of the show.

Overall, The Dalek Invasion of Earth has lots of ups and downs. "The Daleks" and "The End of Tomorrow" are disappointing in comparison to the other episodes. Richard Martin's direction is inspired in some places, but horrible in others. Jacqueline Hill is unfortunately sidelined for most of the episodes, and the cynicism of Jenny and Carl Tyler gets grating after a while.

However, there's a reason this is one of the best remembered episodes of 60s Doctor Who. It's tightly paced, with plenty of memorable imagery from Terry Nation. And then there's William Hartnell's wonderful performance.

A true classic. "One day I shall come back. Yes, I shall come back. Until then, there must be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties. Just go forward in all your beliefs and prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine".

This story has always felt so patriotic here, it's not the universe Vs Daleks it's London Vs the Daleks and I love that. It's a fantastic sequel bring them to earth and actually win. It's a great journey of survival/hope and I really like the gritty desperation for some people. You grow to like these characters and hope for them, such as Jenny who's quite crabby but a realist. Dortmum who lets all these innocent people die because of his belief in the bombs, I love his death, fighting till the end and trying to redeem himself. There's also some great mild horror here, the guy who finds his brother and then dies, the shot of Susan and David as we hear a man running/begging for his life only to be killed and of course the Daleks roaming around London. My absolute favourite shot of a Dalek, going along Westminster and around Trafalgar Square. It really does reflect that still present fear of what if the Nazis won. Plus a subtle but brilliant moment when big Ben chimes after the defeat of the Daleks. There are of course some problems, there are some great pacing but some dragged out scenes even though I enjoy them, the cell scene and slither for example. Sadly the dalek saucer attack here is also quite poorly shot, I feel movie does a far better job. But I really like added detail to the Daleks, I love the added height and discs on the back explains how they move on earth, it's a great design update made better by some great angle shots that make them look towering. Ian also saves the day again with the bomb which only adds to hows he's probably the most important person the doctor met, he's everything the doctor would become. Susan's love story is not bad, good set ups but not enough, I feel Jo grants was the right way. But Susan's exit is beautiful, and I like how the Dr has watched her throughout this story, this is a perfect way for the doctor to let go off his stubbornness and see the dangers his new life has for Susan. Hartnell obviously didn't want anyone to leave and here it shows, it's such a rich and honest goodbye, added with that twinkly smile hiding the pain. Brilliant written lines.

Rating 4/5 8/10.

Episode 6 (Review of all 6 episodes):

This story running from World's End for 6 episodes marks the return of the Daleks and was an extremely important story in establishing Doctor Who's popularity. This time the Daleks are more frightening because not only have they got additional powers of movement in different terrains and new levels of evil ambition but they are also the invaders of Earth. To show them on Earth and in fantastic, iconic scenes around famous London landmarks with London and apparently the world turned largely to ruins, provides real fear and drama.

The human race has been reduced to hiding or serving the Daleks. This is all powerful stuff even now, let alone in the early sixties so near in memory to similar threats of the Nazis.

The story also marks the first departure of one of the Doctor's companions, his grand-daughter Susan. Her character has a decent last story and while she had lost her appeal somewhat, her leaving scenes provide moving and lovely magic from William Hartnell with a superbly written and acted speech of incredible dignity and pathos.

There are various imperfections such as strange elements to the scientific explanations and plans of the Daleks and far less effective Dalek voices than the first or later stories. However there is is so much else to recommend this story that these issues pale to insignificance. Plot issues and less well executed elements mainly occur in the 4th and 5th episodes but they are still mostly strong episodes and the rest of the serial is very high quality. It is exciting, menacing, absorbing, with striking ideas and imagery.

The story is written by Terry Nation but David Whitaker as script editor deserves some credit for this and all previous stories. This marks the last story before the departure of Whitaker from that role, he would only return as a guest writer.

A must see story in the history of Doctor Who.

My Ratings: Episodes 1-3 - 10/10, Episode 4 - 9/10, Episode 5 - 8.5/10, Episode 6 - 9.5/10.

Overall average rating: 9.5/10.