DOCTOR WHO “Into the Dalek” Review

Can this latest episode of Doctor Who mesmerize, and prove that the new Doctor is a worthy addition? Read on to find out.

The official description from BBC:

A Dalek fleet surrounds a lone rebel ship, and only the Doctor can help it now.

With the Doctor facing his greatest enemy, he needs Clara by his side. Confronted with a decision that could change the Daleks forever, he is forced to examine his conscience and ask himself whether he is truly a good man.

Doctor Who‘s most recent series got off to a sensational start, as though it wasn’t without it’s flaws it saw a new Doctor breath a “Deep Breath” of freshness into the show. Following on from that we get a tantalisingly exciting episode, as the new Doctor and Clara jump into their most dangerous adventure yet (fair enough it’s only been two episodes), going, “into darkness,” and “Into the Dalek.”

One thing that Doctor Who is well known for is the diverse companions that join the Doctor on his adventures. This episode sees the latest, Danny Pink get introduced to the show, with the ex-soldier being played by Samuel Anderson. Now when I say companion I talk future tense, as Danny doesn’t actually meet the Doctor in this episode. Nonetheless we do get to learn a little about his character, with this slow introduction in my opinion being a wise call. Along with this we also get yet another outstanding performance from Peter Capaldi, proving ever more why he was an excellent choice for the role of the Doctor. Giving yet another deep, and near emotionless performance, Capaldi shows that the Doctor can be both kind and cruel, with the chemistry between him and Clara (Jenna Coleman) being as exciting as ever.

The Dalek’s are possibly the Doctor’s greatest nemesis, as though we’ve had the Master, Cybermen, Weeping Angels, and even the Time Lords themselves, now foe has ever lived up to the unrelenting creatures that are the Dalek’s. Their overuse has however made them a bit tame over the years, with some of their appearances being rather weak. That can’t be said for this episode though, as with writers Steven Moffat and Philip Ford‘s choice to send the Doctor, Clara, and a team of soldiers inside a Dalek, we get something rather unique. In addition to this, the fact that this particular Dalek appears to be good gives yet another twist, as though it’s not something completely new, it does throw the Doctor back, creating a very speculative atmosphere to the tale.

Doctor Who continues to show why it’s lasted 50 years, with “Into the Dalek” giving us a unique story involving the Doctor’s most dangerous foe. Highly recommended.