Planet of the Daleks - Episode 6

Finally. Y'know, after all that hubbub about the bacteria, it's not even mentioned any more. The Dalek Supreme arrives. He's a Dalek from the 1960s Peter Cushing movies, and he looks pretty spiffy, especially compared to his boring grey buddies. His black and gold paintjob, and his different lights and eyestalk, all make him look distinctive. Well done. Sadly, however, the light synching with the speaking is horrible, especially in this episode. The Dalek Supreme seems to just flash whenever he wants, not just when he's the one talking. The other Daleks don't fare much better. The "romance" between Jo and Latep is extremely sudden and very lame. The modelwork with the awakening Daleks and the ice volcano is well done. Why does the TARDIS suddenly have air and work just fine? Last we saw it was out of oxygen and pretty powerless. But, hey, we've got Monty Python vet Hazel Pethig doing costumes for this story, so it's not all bad, is it?

A bored thumbs-down for this story. It's not terrible, nor is it crap. It's just kind of there. A fine performance by Bernard Horsfall as Taron, a moody first episode, and the nifty Dalek Supreme are the very few and far between highlights of a dull story. Better luck next time, Mr. Nation.