Remembrance of the Daleks has a special place in my heart as
it was the very first Doctor Who story that I saw. Today’s episode wasn’t the
first that I saw but more of that in episode two. I bought this story along
with The Chase in a special boxset about 22 years ago. After surviving the
twenty-fourth season, its nice to start with such a strong story and I think
that it will be the number one story of the season when I finish watching the
final episode. The episode starts off with a pre-title sequence much like Time
and the Rani but this one is much better as it has several brief clips of
important speeches. The story takes place at Coal Hill School which isn’t such
a weird thing nowadays but in 1988 it was a big thing in the shows 25th
anniversary year.
The first big scene comes in a junkyard at Totters Lane
which is of course where the whole story started. Gilmore blows something up
thinking that he’s sorted but the Doctor knows what is inside and this is the
beginning of the Doctor always being one step ahead of everyone else which some
might see as frustrating but I like it. It’s returning a bit of mystery to the
role. Anyway the Doctor blows up the Daleks and bemoans to Ace that it’s the wrong
Dalek.
This story sees the introduction of Group Captain Gilmore,
Rachel Jenson and Allison who appear in the Big Finish series Counter Measures.
As its 1963 and several years before UNIT where formed, this is the best way to
get around having a military involvement that doesn’t feature the Brigadier. Sadly
there is the inevitable ‘shoot first and ask questions later’.
Ratcliffe comes across as someone with alterative motives
from the moment he appears on screen. Those moments become more obvious when
its clear he is working for the Daleks or a battle computer. How did he get
into the situation is the first question that comes to mind with this character
but one thing is common in this story and that is people seem to be working for
other people and have secrets.
This is the first proper story for the Doctor and Ace and a
duo. It is surprising still how well Sophie Aldred has settled into the role.
It’s like she has been in the role for years not five episodes. McCoy seems
settled in the role now and knows what he wants to do with it. This is the
beginning of the mysterious Doctor and McCoy thrives in this style. Michael
Sheard makes his last appearance in Doctor Who. His first was in 1966. He plays
the headmaster who is being controlled by an unseen force. It seems a shame
that he has to play this sort of role because Sheard is a rather dependable
actor and knowing what happens to him I just want him to be left alone by the
Daleks.
Whilst the Doctor and Ace go around the school there is a
great build up. There is something about this school and the studio sets that
work very well. The effects used in the transmitter that is in the basement
where the Daleks appear is very cutting edge for 1988 and by 2015 standards it
still holds up. The basement set is a very good and its lit perfectly.
The cliffhanger is one of the most iconic in Doctor Who. It’s
the first time that a Dalek is seen floating in the air. Even today it is still
impressive and one of the strongest cliffhangers for many years. I don’t think
that there has been such a strong ending to an episode since The Caves of Androzani.
I think that I am really going to enjoy the next three days because I don’t think
that there is anything that is going to change my opinion.
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