New Who Review for Victory of the Daleks
Posted By Kathleen David on May 4, 2010
I knew the minute I heard that the license had been renegotiated with Terry Nation’s estate that we were going to be seeing them again. I have to say that this was a rather different way for using them. I honestly thought we were going to the Battle Planet when I saw the preview which I think might have been a little more interesting than what we got but what we got was not bad and Doctor Who kicking it old style.
Honestly you could have dropped the 4th Doctor and Sarah Jane into this plot with very few dialogue changes or the 3rd Doctor and Liz or the 7th Doctor and Ace. This was a very standard pretty safe by the numbers Doctor Who plot.
I was distracted a bit by Bill Patterson (Bracewell) because I knew that I had seen him in something else. The voice was driving me crazy. It turns out he was Henry Salt in Baron Munchausen. So I went back and watched it again.
More behind the cut because this one is hard to figure out what is a spoiler and what isn’t.
Next week we get to see a Moffat creation come back and I would suggest that you don’t Blink.
I am grateful for an episode that does feel like old style Who.
First things first. The minute I saw the redesigned Daleks the theme to the Power Rangers (original version) when through my head. I did like that the Daleks that fell back in time were tainted so they had to find a way to get the Doctor to them so they could open the Progenator Device by proving they are real Daleks.
Bracewell is the element that reminded me of Old Who. I honest could see this scenario could be done with just about any Doctor.
The Mystery of Amy continues. She didn’t recognize the Daleks. The crack showed up again. And I have a feeling that the linch pin of this season is Amy. I just hope that doesn’t mean that she is a one and done companion because I think the actors work together so well.
So I enjoy it but I would not be unhappy if the Daleks were given a rest for a year or so before returning.
I’m in wholehearted agreement with you about “Victory”! It does feel like “old-school” Who (and anyone who knows me knows I’m *all about* old school)!
I liked your thought about the Power Rangers theme. The modernized Daleks certainly look more streamlined {and cool}, but I’m fond of the “classic” look.
I especially like how the prop designer (during the period Russell was in charge) made them look like the classic cybernetic horrors, but with more modern accoutrements.
I even like the “Ironside” style Dalek.
I will miss that look, but that’s about as much affection as I can summon up for the old pepperpots at the moment.
No mention of the WWII-style, tea serving Dalek? That was the best part! The new daleks scream merchandising but I’d definitely buy the camo-dalek. Don’t know if you’ve managed to see the next two episodes yet, but they are a treat!
The camo-Daleks with the Union Jack were just disturbing. So, y’know, I want one. Especially if it serves tea!
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I loved the laser-firing, space-flying Spitfires. We need more space battles involving vintage WW2 planes! Although I find it hard to believe that they could be retrofitted and launched and get to the Dalek spaceship in, what was it, 10 minutes before the German planes hit London? But still, much fun.
Surprised that the only thing you knew Bill Patterson from was Munchausen as here in the UK he is a very recognisable actor . . . you may also recognise his voice from the 2nd Hitch-Hikers radio series as bored trucker . . .
Hmmm. I felt that this episode was a leftover from the Tenth Doctor and Donna. Still enjoyed it, just not as much as the next two episodes.
Of course Amy is tied up with the Ultimate Big Bad – that’s the pattern in these series of the Doctor’s adventures.
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And, of course, things will get even more Fraught in the future. (This, again, is a given in the new series.)
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Or is it the past?
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Or another timeline entirely?
According to Karen Gillan’s entry on tardis.wikia.com, she’s beeen confirmed for a second season, so she is not a “one and done companion”.