Thirty-eight years ago, Doctor Who delivered a powerful conclusion to its most terrifying enemy's run in the classic era with the four-part arc "Remembrance of the Daleks." This story saw the Seventh Doctor, portrayed by Sylvester McCoy, and his companion Ace, played by Sophie Aldred, travel to Shoreditch, London, in 1963. Their investigation uncovers a conflict between two factions of Daleks, both vying for control of a powerful artifact known as the Hand of Omega.
A Classic Era's Farewell
Writer Ben Aaronovitch's "Remembrance of the Daleks" introduced a compelling narrative that revisited the early days of the First Doctor's era, linking it to the ongoing adventures of the Seventh Doctor. The Doctor's granddaughter, Susan, had previously attended Coal Hill School in 1963, and the Doctor had left behind the Hand of Omega, an object capable of triggering supernovae. Returning to Earth years later, the Doctor finds the Daleks seeking this powerful device, leading to an alliance with human forces, including Captain Gilmore and Sergeant Mike Smith, who aim to eliminate the Dalek threat.
The story is widely regarded by fans as one of the best arcs featuring the Seventh Doctor and Ace, showcasing McCoy's portrayal of a more cunning Doctor and Aldred's spirited performance. However, the Daleks themselves command significant attention, their presence always a harbinger of danger to the Doctor and humanity. In this particular story, the focus shifts to the internal conflict between the Dalek factions, an element that allowed Aaronovitch to explore complex themes.
The Daleks, created by Terry Nation, were conceived as allegories for Nazism and the Nazi Party. Their core tenet of racial purity and the imperative to exterminate other species was evident from their first appearance. "Remembrance of the Daleks" amplifies this by highlighting the divisions within the Dalek ranks. One faction, the Imperial Daleks, were depicted as modified by Davros, while the other, the renegade faction, remained closer to their original design, highlighting the paradox of seeking purity through modification.
Aaronovitch further layered the narrative by introducing human allies to the renegade Daleks in the form of a fascist group led by Ratcliffe. While Ratcliffe's overt racism made him an easily identifiable antagonist, the story delivered a shocking twist with the reveal of Sergeant Mike Smith. Initially presented as charismatic and intelligent, Smith's hidden allegiance to the fascist group and his own racist beliefs underscored the narrative's theme that outward appearances can be deceiving, and that true monsters may not always be immediately apparent.
Caught between these opposing Dalek factions and their human collaborators, the Doctor masterfully exploited the Daleks' mutual hatred. This strategic maneuvering led to a dramatic conclusion where the renegade Daleks were eliminated, and the Doctor tricked Davros and the Imperial Daleks into self-destruction, effectively destroying their homeworld, Skaro. This event marked the final appearance of the Daleks in the classic run of Doctor Who. Aaronovitch's writing provided a memorable send-off for these iconic villains, serving as a potent reminder of their status as the Doctor's most formidable adversaries.
