Doctor Who - Death To The Daleks [1974] [1963]

The Exxilon city is a brilliant creation, the traps clever and effective. My favourite part is the ritual in which Sarah Jane is to be sacrificed: the rhythmical chanting of the locals is a spooky and chilling sound.

As is often the case in Doctor Who, the visiting humans are a faceless, uninteresting bunch with no noticeable character traits apart from the ability to die horribly. Terry Nation's characterization skills were not his greatest assets. Nevertheless, this is an interesting and effective tale, and not a bad one with which to introduce a novice into the exciting world of Doctor Who.


Awful, just awful   July 23, 2004
 6 out of 25 found this review helpful

Truly one of the worst Doctor Who stories (and probably the worst Dalek tale) ever. The Daleks are reduced to trundling around, screaming orders, with no hint of the deviousness that characterised their early appearances. The story isn't helped by the dreadful music from Carey Blyton either - woodwind instruments just do not say 'this is the deadliest race in the universe, flee for your lives' to me, I'm afraid.

It's said that the Daleks won't be in the new series because the BBC and Terry Nation's estate couldn't agree terms over their use. The Nation estate, apparently, want to 'protect the integrity of the brand'. Sorry, but on this evidence, the worst culprit for demeaning Skaro's finest was their very creator. Sad.


Dr Who - Death to the Daleks   August 19, 2003
 14 out of 15 found this review helpful

I have all the best period of Doctor Who on video, which was the 1970's. I bought Death to the Daleks back in 88. It is still one of my top Pertwee stories. This 1974 adventure has plenty of atmosphere. Dark landscapes. An amazing white city. The more classical soundtrack music is one of the best, and it helps the story. The story is strong. The exilions and the adventure into the city is very good. It's a definate must to own. I always enjoy watching it.


Death to the Daleks?   July 1, 2003
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

This is a great Jon Pertwee adventure. The third Doctor at his most noble and gentleman like having verbal battles with the Daleks, trying to sort out a scientfic problem and ensure that the good guys get away with the life saving drugs they need and on top of all that a little humour thrown in. Elizabeth Sladen is great as our intrepid journalist Sarah Jane Smith thrown in the deep end by the Doctor as per usual going through all sorts of experiences and still battling on and replying to the Doctor's one liners. The majority of the Space Corps are forgettable the only exception being the single minded Galloway who will stop at nothing to get the Parrinium played by Duncan Lamont. Add to that the atmospheric surface Exillons' temple, the rather sweet Balal and the moment when 2 Daleks look at each other and lower their eyestalks after one of their number is destroyed by the City and you've got a sure winner. I've only got one question, why did they call it 'Death to the Daleks'?