078 - Genesis of the Daleks

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This is quite darker in tone to other serials we've seen, and it really works. The Kaleds are fantastic villains. They're pure evil (well, most of them are). Davros and Nyder are performed tremendously. There's lots of similarities between the Kaleds and the Nazis, which makes the sense of true evil and threat feel very present.

Although I really enjoyed this story, I do think it's a bit overrated. It's great but it's not in my top 5 favourite stories like it seems to be for the majority of everyone else.

Definitely one of the best though. 5/5.

One of Doctor Who's finest moments.

Terry Nation delivers his finest Dalek story filled with dark themes, great characters, and a lot of excitement and terror.

There's lots of praise to go around amongst the great cast, too.  Peter Miles as Nyder nearly steals the show from Michael Wisher originating the role of Davros, and both play their roles chillingly.  They're absolutely remarkable performances.  Then there's Tom Baker.  The "have I the right?" scene is brilliantly played and you can see the pain on the Doctor's face as he tries to weigh the morality of genocide to a race he knows will kill billions.  This is a real testament to the morality of the Doctor that we had never quite seen before.

It may be a bit overlong with 6 episodes, but I don't know if I could take out a minute of it, really.  Its well directed by David Maloney.

Every bit of 5 stars.  A landmark serial and essential viewing.