The Dalek Invasion of Earth

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 the city and apparently the whole 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 which do not really make sense, the slyther creature and the 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, the rest of the episodes are 10/10 quality, exciting, menacing, absorbing and with striking ideas and imagery. The main cast are all great and the atmosphere overrides any production limitations. 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 and 6 - 10/10, Episode 4 - 8.5/10, Episode 5 - 9/10

Overall: 9.58/10

The Dalek Invasion of Earth has a lot going for it. The dreaded Daleks are back, and this time, on Earth! London is in ruins, and the devastation stretches all over the world. Nightmarish visions of exterminations and the contrast effect meet the viewers eye with horror. The story stretches all over England, and there are many plot strands full of resistance and rebellions.
Unfortunately, despite the epic-ness of the plot, the production is terrible. I mean it. There are so many errors that come with making a story on this big a scale. It’s not that the budget didn’t stretch far enough, it’s more that the production is shoddy and pretty bad. Crew members are seen off screen, camera angles reveal hidden production apparatus, boom microphones frequently protrude into shot. Actors forget cues and lines, overstep marks, and are overly fake. I usually cut the acting in the 60s some slack, but this acting is terrible.
The sets to this story do look wonderful and you can really believe that this is Earth having been destroyed, but I feel it’s not realistic as the future. It’s all too 60s-esque and the only nod to superior technology is the Dalek spacecraft.
And the Slyther. Really Terry Nation? Is this even a necessary plot point, or just something else to test the taut BBC budget.
The regulars however are amazing, and this story gives Susan the chance to shine. At the beginning, she the meek schoolgirl of other stories, but at the end, the mature adult begins to emerge. I love the romantic subplot with David, which provides amazing character development. Her departure at the end is one of the most heartbreaking in all of Doctor Who, mainly because it’s so subtle. No droning lament or Murray Gold smashing it out with the violins, but just a simple goodbye.
Overall, despite its faults, The Dalek Invasion of Earth is a good story. Even though it has some shoddy production work, it’s a enjoyable and entertaining.

This story has somewhat diminished in popularity as of late and can't for the life of me think why. With stellar performances and a great captivating plot (if a little far fetched) this story is incredible. The eerie emptiness of London at the beginning is very creepy, especially with the 'it is forbidden to dump bodies in the river' sign. The Dalek reveal is handled well at the end of part 1 and puts the characters in a threatening position. The relationship between all the surviving humans is very believable and makes you care about their lives. The bomb at the cliff hanger of episode 3 is a particular favorite of mine as is the slither at the end of episode 4. The ending is great and triumphant too and to see all of the crew come together in there separate story lines is wonderful. The reason that I love this story is due to the numerous emotional impacts it has on the viewer. There's the scientist who sacrifices himself to prove that his explosives work, a roboman being forced to kill his own brother, a triumphant victory followed by a tragic goodbye to Susan, which has been one of the most iconic moments throughout doctor who's long history. It has been said, and I agree, that that was the moment when the doctor became the doctor as we know him today, putting aside his selfishness and own feelings and sacrificing his happiness so that Susan can live her life. Never before have I been so touched by a piece of fiction and felt so much empathy for a character, in fact both of them. On first viewing this moment actually reduced me to tears. For this brilliant, emotional and iconic story, I give no less than a 10 / 10

This is one of the greats. Post-Apocalyptic Alien Invasion Masterpiece. English style.

The setting is brilliantly realised, the ensemble acting excellent. The story moves at a cracking pace with several sub-stories being developed in parallel.

The daleks are scary. The robomen rock! as zombie flunkies to the daleks.

You can watch this one over and over again.