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Genesis of the Daleks Format Reviewed: DVD Review Genesis of the Daleks is the story that generally comes out top in polls of all time Doctor Who stories. It marks a real return to form for the Daleks whose adventures had become slightly predictable and samey in their most recent stories, and introduces a new villain, Davros into the bargain. Davros is cast as the creator of the Daleks, and his vision, cunning and genius has created the 'ultimate creature' housed inside a mark III travel machine. Genesis of the Daleks was produced in somewhat of a golden era for Doctor Who, with many great stories in the seasons that followed Genesis adding to the great role Tom Baker had carved out for himself as the most popular actor to have played the Doctor. The story begins with the bleak image of war and death, and looks much what you would imagine World War 2 would have looked like had it been fought in a quarry. We then get the visit from a Time Lord who gets the Doctor to do his bidding in returning to the beginning of the Dalek race and trying to avert their creation, affect their genetic development or discover some inherrant weakness. The story then plays out ending as we know it must without the destruction of the Daleks. What comes in between is often masterful, with great dialogue and some of the most quotable lines in the whole of Doctor Who. The tone is dark, moody and mysterious as should be the case for such a story about the creation of the most evil race in the history of the universe. The regular cast here is Tom Baker as the Doctor, Elizabeth Sladen as Sarah-Jane Smith and Ian Marter as Harry Sullivan. The three characters all play very well off each other, as they do in most of the stories when they were together. The contrast between Sladens exuberance, Toms enigmatic persona and Marters quiet sarcasm truly is a delight to behold. The guest cast is also very good here. Micheal Wisher gives probably the definitive performance as Davros, Peter Miles is excellent as Nyder and Dennis Chinnerys portrayal as Gharman are real highlights. One cast member I can't take seriously though is Guy Siner. This is because of his work in 'Allo 'Allo where he plays a very camp German officer. With a similar uniform, his bluster makes me smile if not laugh a little. Incidental music is very well used here. It is relatively sparce, and this adds to the tension, as does the music when it does appear. Sometimes, incidental music can really kill or make a piece of drama. Here it works, and adds to the atmosphere created in the story. Special effects work well here too, and the make-up for Davros is really excellent. What little special effects that were required for this story do not detract as some did in this era. Far from it, when done well, like here, they add to the story. Now, on to my criticism of the story. "What's that? Criticising Genesis, that's Heracy!" I hear you say. Well, from my perspective I can see it as being slightly too long. I have owned the abridged audio version of Genesis ever since I can remember, and that to me is a much tighter story. Some of the additional footage is great, and is a real miss from the audio such as the "Have pity on me!" speach, but there are a few scenes that feel to me like padding. Much of the sequences in the mine field, Sarah running around the wastelands and the scenes in the caves could easily have been cut. I think it is lagely a four or five part story trying to be a six parter. That is my only real criticism though of what is in truth a wonderful piece of drama. Overall, Genesis of the Daleks is a wonderful story in the best traditions of Doctor Who. It possibly suffers a little from being a six part story, but is still a delight, and one I can watch again and again without being even the slightest bit bored. Rating:  |