Review of both parts:
A change of format was introduced for this story with two 45 minute episodes instead of the usual 25 minute episodes. The format works well for this story I think but it is not a big difference when watching it back, it just feels like a 4 part story amalgamated into 2 longer parts. At the time I just enjoyed getting more of a fix of my show in one go. This format would be adopted for the following season.
The story itself is, in my opinion, excellent. If I were trying to get a modern fan into classic Who this would be one of the recommendations from me because I think it has good pace, good action, good effects, good spectacle and feels polished. That is a style which appeals more to modern audiences I think.
The plot is strong and very interesting. It has a dark and gritty feel to it like early Pertwee era or early Tom Baker era stories but is also full of scenes that are excitingly action packed with death and explosions.
The dialogue is very good indeed and this is some of Eric Saward's best work. It is high quality. I love the ideas of how Davros is involved and bringing him back to use him as well as how the Daleks split into 2 factions. I also love how the duplicated humans are used and the bleak, death filled seriousness of it all.
The humans are good with some decent acting from a nicely diverse cast where ethnic minority actors are used without race being an issue at all. The setup of the human civilisation and how all the characters behave is convincing and is helped by good sets and costumes.
The Daleks are super impressive and exciting, doing some serious damage. It is a great added spice to have them working in two opposing groups and I like how one group is loyal to Davros while the others just want to use him then destroy him. Davros himself is a bit shouty here but Terry Molloy still is a very worthy Davros who is wonderfully villainous and hateful but also intelligent and devious. Molloy would go on to more nuanced Davros performances in such stories as the audio adventure 'Davros' but despite being a bit more limited here he still adds enjoyment and thrills in this adventure.
There are great guest stars here: Maurice Colbourn (Lytton), Rodney Bewes (Stien), Rula Lenska (Styles) and Leslie Grantham (Kiston) all add class. Stien is a brilliant, layered character. Styles is a really strong female character and Lytton is a superb villain. Colbourn acts perfectly and makes Lytton a fan favourite who would return in Attack of the Cybermen.
Peter Davison is as good as ever as the Doctor and gets some of his best material here which allows him to really shine. This and the similarly gritty and even more terrific Caves of Androzani show how great Davison could be.
This is an excellent story and one of the best Dalek stories in the show's history.
My ratings: Both parts - 10/10.
