Michael Wisher's tour de force as Davros is one of the biggest reasons this story is so revered. A chilling masterclass in villainy and such a great touch how his voice sounds Dalek-like whenever he's ranting. Much like Roger Delgado as The Master, Wisher is the original, definitive and (imo) remains the best actor in the role. Genesis isn't my Number 1 of all time but its reputation is more than deserved - an unflinching look at fascism's core tenets and the moral implications of killing evil in its crib. Good to have you back!
@@rnw2739 I met Terry Molloy at an event. Everyone else was talking to him about Davros, when I talked to him we were discussing Mike Tucker in The Archers. For me his Davros was always encumbered by that terrible mask. It looked like a melted Ena Sharples waxwork.
@@rnw2739 I'm astonished right back that you prefer the 80s one! I think the original looks more like a skull covered in the thinnest possible layer of tissue. The immobility of it gives the appearance of a mummified corpse that can speak. I think the effect of hollow eye sockets worked better as the brow line was higher and the cheekbones more prominent. (I'm not even thinking about new Who's "My own eyes" Anakin/Vader tribute act) There was a production photo that was taken before the makeup around the mouth had been done and that really did look bad, but in the actual show the blending of of the mask to face was far more subtle. But, as you say, it's down to personal preferences.
@@stevetheduck1425 You could tell it was the first one as it had been hand painted and you could see the brush strokes. "I know, Nyder, but when I get the contract I'll buy a spray gun."
On the point about the timelords I think the 6th doctor said it best: "In all my travelling throughout the universe, I have battled against evil, against power-mad conspirators. I should have stayed here. The oldest civilization - decadent, degenerate, and rotten to the core! Power-mad conspirators, Daleks, Sontarans, Cybermen - they're still in the nursery compared to us. Ten million years of absolute power. That's what it takes to be really corrupt!"
"You were there on Skaro at the very beginning of my creation!" - That line resonates more after watching this story. For me, Genesis of the Daleks ranks alongside The Ark in Space as my personal favourite Doctor Who story of all time, as well as being both my favourite Fourth Doctor and Dalek story ever. It's a redefining tentpole example of high-quality Doctor Who filled with iconic sequences, fantastic performances and resonant themes, plus it created narrative ripples that affect the show to this day. Russell T Davies himself stated that this story was essentially the first act of the Time War. Despite having a short amount of screentime, the Daleks at their most effective and powerful here, and it introduced my personal favourite Doctor Who enemy in Davros, who, in terms of narrative function, has never been bettered than here. If the Master is the dark mirror reflection of the Doctor, Davros is the complete opposite, and thanks to Michael Wisher (who has starred numerous times in Pertwee's Era), brings a true Shakespearian sophistication to the iconic megalomaniacal creator.
There’s a small thing in the first episode that I want to mention: the land mine sequence. The “I stepped on a land mine” thing has been done so many times, it has an entry on tv tropes. However, in this sequence the Doctor doesn’t step on the button to need saving, he steps on the mine *next to* the button. The concern isn’t that he’s triggered the mine, but that the mine might fall after he gets off it, which would trigger it. Thus Harry shoring up the rocks underneath…all of which accurately reflects how land mines really work. Attention to detail for the win.
At least they broke away from the myth of the trope that it will detonate once you let off the pressure plate. That's a Hollywood myth. So they just mainly had to make sure that the mine itself didn't tumble once he shifted his weight, which is doable and still a very dangerous situation to be in, but it is also a more believable variation of it.
There isn't much I can say about Genesis of the Daleks that hasn't already been said. It's a seminal story that has been dissected and analysed for almost 50 years now. The plot, dialogue, direction, acting and production values simply feel like they're on another level to almost anything else in classic Who. No villain commands the screen in their first appearance as much as Michael Wisher as Davros. The same Michael Wisher that previously played characters like the news reporter in The Ambassadors of Death, Rex Farrel in Terror of the Autons and Kalik in Carnival of Monsters. The transformation from all that to this is insane.
@@frankshailes3205 have to agree! Genesis is more 'The Davros Show With Some Daleks In'...which is not an insult as I love a Dalek story and Davros too. Definitely one of the truly great Who villains.
@@jellybabiesarecool4657 he did indeed! According to my Doctor Who Programme Guide, he provided Dalek voices in Planet of the Daleks and Death to the Daleks 👍
@@jellybabiesarecool4657 Yes, he did some Dalek voices starting Frontier in Space, there were photos of him at the mic in the Countdown/TV Action Dr Who Special from 1973.
When I was a kid I didn't have a VHS copy of this. All I ever had was the Target book and the Record version of this story that was narrated by Tom Baker. We're talking 1983 here. I'm old lol. Anyways I listened to this record over and over so many times that I practically memorized the entire script.
As far as the Time Lords not interfering, there’s a great book by Robert Brown called, “The Wrath of Fate.” In it a group of well meaning adventurers use a steampunk airship to travel through time and they try to right the wrongs of humanity, such as stopping the slave trade for example. When they go to the early 21st century they find that humanity is living in a dystopian society. They find that because humanity has never dealt with evil in its own, only the mythical airship, they were not prepared for when evil finally reared its ugly head and enslaved everyone. That’s why Time Lords generally didn’t interfere, just observed.
That opening is chilling. Every actor in this is playing it absolutely seriously, and the unfolding tale is as gritty and compelling as Who ever got. Michael Wisher is frankly incredible, a masterpiece performance. Genesis is a classic for the ages
Speaking of "School Reunion"... Sarah could've blown Rose out of the water during their little back-and-forth name-dropping villains. She let Rose say "Met the emperor!", and she didn't say "Met the creator!" (or "Saw the very first one!"). She also didn't mention Sontarans or Ice Warriors!
Ok. This is the story I’ve been waiting to see since day 1 of classic who. Genesis of the Daleks is my favourite all time DW story new and old. I remember my earliest exposure to this story was before I became a fan, i was 4 years old, i saw a repeat of this episode on BBC 2 back in the early 2000 and remember being quite spooked. But many years later when I became a doctor who fan I finally watched this story on vhs at my next door neighbours house and immediately I loved it. Davros is my favourite DW villain next to the Daleks.
I could never imagine anyone else but Mr. Wisher as the original Davros. His brilliant performance help create one of the most iconic Who villains, doing it all with just his voice and use of one arm.
Been waiting for this one! I love that you got so angry at the Time Lords that you exclaimed "buffoons!" I replayed the part when Davros' name was first mentioned about ten times, just to see your reaction. :) The rant on Time Lords in the post-episode thoughts was also great. I fully believe that if Elisabeth Sladen had to climb that huge scaffold in real life, she could do it. She was scrambling up that thing. Way down the line, in the Twelfth Doctor era, one thing I like about the start of "The Magician's Apprentice" is the biplane shooting lasers and the soldier only has a bow and arrow to retaliate with. It's a neat reference to this story, where the war has been going on for so long that all the most advanced weapons have been used or broken.
David Maloney. Brilliant action director. He also set up Blakes 7, as producer, and directed some of those. The brutality, cynicism and glittering wit of it is right up his alley. And the gas masks!
There is a reason this story is on so many fans top 10 lists. It has the best Doctor and companion duo IMO, Daleks, Davros in his first and best form with a terrifyingly convincing performance from Wisher, very memorable gritty atmospheric scenes in the beginning and a sense of foreboding throughout. Then there was the 4th Doctor's speech "have I the right" and the not so concluding finish to the story. This one will always get a 9.5 out of 10 from me. Baker Sladen, Wisher and Miles knocked this one out of the park!
It begins!!!! I am so excited that you have finally begun this story!! This may be one of the best but it isn't the last great Classic Who stories. So many more great times ahead!
A common idea is that this is the opening salvo of the Time War, started by the Time Lords themselves by their interference. I think Jess is spot on in her indictment of their hypocrisy. This of course isn't the only example of it, but it may be the instance where it comes back to bite them the hardest. I do wonder if the Time Lord appearing in this story is a member of the CIA -- no spoilers -- or, retroactively, perhaps even the Division?). Nevertheless, I'm pleased as punch you've reached this story. Hyperbole aside, it really is a great story, though a bit long in the middle as most six-parters are. Great concept, writing, and cast. Tom Baker really finds his feet here, showcasing how well he could match his humor and eccentricity with gravitas. For the guest cast, as excellent a job as Michael Wisher does here introducing the world to Davros, Peter Myles' portrayal of Nyder also really stands out. He absolutely nails the chilling sociopathic Nazi-like villain. I'm fairly sure this is the first episode of Doctor Who I ever saw (really only glimpses of it in the background on PBS at a friend's house in the very early 80's, but it still made enough of an impression to intrigue me and to remember that it was this episode).
In extended media (Big Finish’s Gallifrey audios, Series 6), it’s made clear that the Time Lord in question is Chancellor Valyes, IIRC - sent by Narvin of the CIA.
Ah, finally! This is the one classic episode I encourage people to watch early in their nuWho viewing but especially before capaldi’s meeting this crew. It explains much
The actor who plays the Kaled General was also in the British Sitcom 'Allo allo' set in occupied France in the Second World War, he was a German Lieutenant.
While this ep gets a lot of praise, don't worry about this being any kind of peak, and Classic Who being all down hill from there. There's still so many more fun stories and characters to meet all the way to the very end.
People do the same thing with girl in the fireplace, blink and heaven sent. Pretend they’re the best episodes of anything ever so people are always underwhelmed when they finally watch them
Honestly, I wouldn't even say it's the clear best 4th Doctor story let alone the best story ever. It's just the easy received wisdom answer, like saying Four is the best Doctor or that Batman is the best superhero.
The delivery of Davros' first lines are probably some of the most atmospheric and quietly terrifying of the series. Such an excellent performance from Michael Wisher.
Great reaction, Jess. I love your enthusiasm and the fact that you're being as objective as you can, given the hype that this serial always generates. In fact, it was such a popular story when it was shown in 1975, that the BBC showed an edited, feature length version the following Christmas! I love an origins story and as many have said, this is one of the finest examples. Not only is Michael Wisher sublime as Davros (naturally) but his second banana, Nyder, is played to perfection by Peter Miles who you may recall was the ill fated Dr. Lawrence at the Wenley Moor Research Centre in the Silurians and Professor Whitaker in Invasion of the Dinosaurs. (Geek Alert!) The ray gun that the dead soldier had and later the Thal guard,was in fact a Drahvin gun from Galaxy Four. Great story, great reaction and so glad to see you back! Fridays just haven't been the same without you ☺👍
Interesting how the Time Lords deemed it necessary [not] to expose either the Kaleds or Thals to their higher time travel technology; can you imagine if these combatant nations had managed to perceive even the rudimentary function of a Tardis, even a Type 40? When I first saw this as a child I thought it strange but it's more than a plot point because Terry Nation has really thought this story through as to the danger the Daleks pose to all other sentient life.
This was the first classic who serial I ever watched about six years ago and it made me want to go back and watch all of the classic who series which I have. This story and the 4th doctor hold a special place in my heart for introducing me to the world of classic who.
I’ve been looking forward to seeing your reaction to Genesis of the Daleks ever since you started reacting to Classic Doctor Who. One of my favourites of Classic Doctor Who and I think David Tennant has said it’s a favourite of his as well.
I admit, I was a little worried that this might have been a bit of a down day of reacting for you, knowing how you were feeling at the time...but this was a *great* reaction! I think you see just how big and morally complex a situation the Doctor's been put in, and your shade at the Time Lords is oh so appropriate. It's so true that hype is the slayer of enjoyment, and I was a bit worried about that too, as I knew there was absolutely no way you hadn't heard of this story's reputation. So glad you're into it so far, I do not think you'll be disappointed!
Fantastic Jess!. Delighted that you've made a start on "Genesis". Easily one of my top 3 Doctor Who stories ever. Can't wait to see the rest of your reactions to this one 👍 I really doubt this one will fall flat for you. If there's any Doctor Who story that lives up to the hype, it's this one. Fascinating and thought provoking all the way through. Loved your reaction to the Time Lords deciding to interfere btw. My reaction to that was very similar when I first saw this back in the 1970s 😁
You're right about the Time Lords. Yes, they're hypocritical, but that's why they'll use The Doctor to do their dirty work, because technically in their society he's considered a renegade and if something goes wrong they can disavow his actions.
I have to say that I have loved this story ever since I first saw it on release in the 70s. The concept and themes are fascinating and so well executed, and the performances are outstanding. Michael Wisher as Davros is so compelling, even more so as he is effectively immobile in his chair and expressionless in all the prosthetics, and yet through his voice and that one unsteady hand he conveys so much. A real masterclass of a performance.
Welcome back from your break. It's good to see your stuff again. I really like this season of Who. Its nice to see this story being viewed by someone who knows the time war, and to remind people it was the Timelords who fired the first shot as it was. Also its nice to see a good expansion on the Dalek myth. But only a side note have you noticed that so far 4 hasn't had a scene inside the Tardis yet?
I saw this story when I was 5 back in 2005 and I swear I screamed at the TV when we reached the end of Part 2 because I thought Sarah was dead after that 🤣🤣🤣
I always regretted we didn't get to see more of Harry. I understand now that the his character had become superfluous, as he was mean the be the brawn for a 4th Doctor who was to originally have been played by an older actor, much like William Russel was for Hartnell. Nevertheless, Marter, Sladen and Baker seemed to have such a natural chemistry it was a real shame to break them up.
I will say I do think it would've been tighter as a 5 parter, but it somehow manages to completely live up to the frankly ludicrous reputation it has. It's great they brought the Daleks back to the fascist warning they were at the start, after being shouty flash Gordon serial merchandising mascots for the last few years stories. I LOVE Julian Bleach's portrayal of Davros but nothing can ever match Micheal Wisher's astonishing work thad somehow mananges to make a potentially cartoonish character into a chilling, rich performance.
"I will say I do think it would've been tighter as a 5 parter" Honestly, the vast majority of classic Who would probably be improved by editing all the episodes of any particular story into a single "movie" and chopping a pretty fair bit out. The desire to end most episodes on some sort of a cliffhanger kinda makes it a bit repetitive at times. I don't expect this to be a popular opinion, however.
RTD posited that this is the first shot of the Time War. Big Finish Audios expands on all that, basically showing this as the Time Lords starting the Time War via the CIA of the Time Lords, the Celestial Intervention Agency. Which, let's say it, is obviously antithetical to a policy of non-intervention. But that's how government works. In The Three Doctors they intervened in the Doctor's timeline to save Gallifrey and stop Omega. Throughout the Third Doctor's era (specifically when he couldn't travel off Earth) the Time Lords were giving interventionist missions to him (and Jo). That was their CIA.
Simply still the greatest Doctor Who story of all in my opinion. Everything firing on all cylinders - acting, writing, direction, music. Doctor Who with utter powerful conviction. Michael Wisher as the original and definitive Davros - truly and believably chilling and building up to his moments of hysteria in such a measured way rather than some of the "start at the rant and go overboard" Davros's of later years. Has a special resonance for me as Tom was my Doctor as a kid and this story really had an impact on me then and still does even now. Now i do think you are wise to distance yourself from the hype as it allows you to form your own opinion on it. Often hyped episodes don't do as much for me in series and I often find myself championing less revered episodes. But this is one for me at least that deserves the adulation and I can say i was there at the time of original transmission and not jumping on a hype train later. I will be very curious to see what you think of this one yourself.
Genisis of the Daleks was the first Doctor Who DVD I ever got. It essentially marked my point from casual fan to complete dedication. the War visuals are spectacular. listen to the IDavros audio drama it elaborates on the strain of the war and ties it into previous Dalek lore. Jess rant about the Time Lords is a hilarious highlight. someone needs to make a compilation of them
I've been waiting for this story since Jess started reacting to Classic Who and it did not disappoint! From the reveal of the title, the landmine and the first appearance of Davros, it was a great reaction. And then it got better!
War games was weird , clearly the War chief was the renegade timelord whom was the one interfering with other species and their development, he helped the War lords with creating their own Time scoop and death zone for humans. The second Doctor was trying to engage in harm reduction and undo the danage
I like this one, my parents bought it for me on VHS when I was a kid! I don't know if it's my favourite ever though. It's got some really memorable bits, but I think it could be a bit tighter.
I have every Dalek story on DVD. In a funny, way, and I believe certainly not planned or scripted, it's fairly consistent. Pre Genesis, the Daleks have a large empire with vassal servants, the Robo-men and Orgons. The first two serials have the Daleks as standard non time traveling aliens. After Space Museum, where the Daleks steal time travel technology from a human museum, they then had time travel. After Genesis, where the Doctor set their evolution/advancement by 1000 years, they are weaker, stalemated in their galactic conquest by a race of robots and they become more reliant on Davros. They also no longer use vassals, but enslave other species so they are more xenophobic. Also the one Fifth Doctor Dalek story (Spoiler ) has the Daleks try to create a clone of the Doctor to infiltrate Gallifrey (The Daleks first attack on the Time Lords)
Been waiting a long time for this:)) Genesis of the Daleks was arguably my introduction to Doctor Who and has a special place to my heart, therefore it would always be my favorite story. That being said, if people don't think that 'Genesis' is the best story, I really don't mind because people are entitled to their own opinions. Many people like Naruto and Attack on Titan, yet I personally never got into them, but that's just me.
Poor 2nd doctor "Stop, you're making me giddy!". Yes "Genesis of the Daleks" is a bit like "Bohemian Rhapsody" with Queen. Everyone is expected to think it is the best. It is good though. Its interesting to remember that when 12 meets young Davros, it is many years before this, Skaro time.
Hey, my first full Doctor Who serial, from the 1992 repeat season on BBC 2 (I saw a few episodes of the previous one shown, The Daemons). It would get a lot of points from me for that nostalgic reason alone, however it is still a classic of the series, and whether one thinks its reputation is deserving or not, it's impossible to deny it's a milestone, very important story. The echoes of this are still being felt in Who, on TV (in particular The Magician's Apprentice/The Witch's Familiar two parter), and in spin-off media (Big Finish are currently doing a "What If" style story based on the idea of this story ending very differently, and recently did a story called Anti-Genesis, where this early history of the Daleks got hijacked... by The Master!).
I know exactly what you men about things being hyped up. I really loved "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and people kept telling me that "The Sting" was better. I finally got to watch it and I was slightly disappointed as it had been hyped so much. I still liked it. (I do prefer Butch Cassidy though).
The 4th doctor, Tom Baker, was my first experience with Doctor Who. And what can I say for my love for Sarah Jane? This really jogged my memory about Devros and the Daleks. Thank you.
there is a story WAY down the line that in my opinion is my all time faveorite doctor who story & dalek story. i won't say which one, but it is a long way off. but this is one of the classic who stories i couldn't wait to see your reaction too. can't wait until the next few episodes
One of the Greatest Stories ever in Doctor Who! This story marks the first shot in "The Time War" between the Daleks and the Time Lords! Remember Genesis of the Cybermen? Well, Now ypu will witness the GENESIS of the DALEKS.
The dark theme of this story is enhanced by the accompaniment of Dudley Simpson's incidental music. It just wouldn't be the same without those stings when Davros and then the Dalek is revealed. Meshed with David Maloney's direction and Michael Wisher's tour de force performance as Davros makes this completely unforgettable. I still can't bear to watch the scene at the end of Episode Two. Even to this day, Lis screaming and that freeze frame just gets to me. A briliant directorial choice, but I just can't look. Once, back in 1975, when I was 13, was quite enough.
I watched this when it went out originally, great story I've even got the record of the story narrated by Tom Baker as well as owning it on Video/DVD enjoy 😁.
Terry Nation raised his game with this story, returning to the pulp SF roots and their runarounds, captures and escapes, in this case each serving to advance the story, the Nazi analogues, the Nazi technocrats that invented their weapons and failed so completely, yet their influences are still felt today.
My "it fell flat" experience was "Casablanca". Somehow, I didn't see it for years. By the time I saw it, I had been told how great a movie was for so long, that, in my mind, it didn't live up to the hype.
@@Reprodestruxion It's not that. I'm a couple of weeks short of 64, and have seen, and enjoyed, plenty of old films in my life. And it wasn't that it was a bad film, it just didn't live up to expectations.
@@janus1958 compared to 8 1/2 or Touch of evil I understand. It was a case of a film being carried forward by acting and mise en scene rather than it’s basic soap opera plot
In an RTD retcon, this episode was the trigger for the Last Great Time War. When the Time Lords sent the Doctor to mess with their creation, the Daleks rather naturally got ... upset. Things simmered a while (you'll see), but retroactively, this was also the "Genesis of the Time War."
Even though it's a retcon, it does make sense as an inciting incident. Especially since it is well established at this point that the Daleks develop time travel at some point after their creation.
@@lostwizard oh, I never said it was a bad retcon, I liked it a lot. As you say, it makes perfect sense in modern continuity. It also makes it the Time Lords who started the war. As Jessica points out, they really are contemptible. You tend to think of the Doctor as a good representative of the Time Lords, but he's not. He's an extraordinary exception. The real Time Lords want to do things like destroy all of time and space while ascending to creatures of pure consciousness. When the most recent Master took them out, I felt bad -- a little. The stories surrounding the incident aren't that great, IMHO, but knowing everything they've done in the last 60 years, the Master is almost a good guy. Simms' Master was actually briefly heroic in stopping Rassillon's scheme. So while the Time Lords trying to stop the Daleks from being created seems like a worthy idea in the story, if you pull back, it's just the Time Lords doing the sort of things Time Lords tend to do: Play God.
@@lostwizard indeed. She's reacting to things I haven't seen in a long time, but I've seen every _Doctor Who_ episode extent. I don't think Jessica reads her comments for fear of spoilers, but I'll say no specifics, just in case. 🙂
Meet the first hurl of the proverbial bomb in the Time War, Jess. Also, it’s not just RTD making a point with Davros in Series 4. Davros has *always* been a deranged nut job!
Yeah, trying to avoid having one's viewing experience being adulterated by expectations is a herculean task. I've a similar thing with the Exorcist where I'd just heard through mosta my life how it's the most terrifying horror film ever made only to not find it scary while I was instead terrified of the Omen and a lotta other lesser-quality b-grade horrors others don't. I'm not a big fan of hype of most kinds, especially for very old, no-longer-spoilers shows/movies for precisely that reason. Because a show/movie has to be in kinduva stratospheric realm of quality to be able to live up to most superhype, let alone exceed it. If it's that good, people aren't gonna *need* the hype making it redundant. If it's anything less, you're setting them up for an okay reaction or being underwhelmed. So there's little reason to ever hype anything up.
Thinking about this first episode and a thought popped into my head and I think out of the main cast for this only Tom Baker and Guy Siner (Revan) are still with us.
It’s so weird watching this back as an adult, I forgot Guy Siner was even in this, but then again I was really little and never seen Allo Allo, now it’s weird seeing jolly Lt Gruber so sinister!
I think there is a problem in these days with language, where people put themselves at the center of the universe. I can say the 4th Doctor is my favorite without saying it is the best of all. All those discussions I see online insulting each other because they can't concede on what others think is best, would not start if they just said "mi favorite is...", responded with "mine is..." And this goes beyond arts and entertainment, this type of discussions are happening nowadays over politics, locations, schools, martial art styles... Too much waste of time and energy because they can't connive there are other opinions. Good for you, clearing your mind of preconceptions and reacting as much as possible with a clear slate to form your own opinion. 👋👋👋
Good thing the BBC had so much WW2 gear and weapons to draw from in their storerooms, I'm sure it helped with the budget immensely. Amazing what they accomplished on a very tight budget, good acting and writing wins out over meager set and costumes, rarely the other way around.
For me, GOTD is bar far the best of the 4th Doctor's era. Davros is a brilliant concept, great costume and outstandingly portrayed by Michael Wishes (RIP). The whole story is just pure brilliance. I hope you enjoy the other parts yet to come (No spoilers)!! I've been looking forward to your review especially :)
Timelords vs Cybermen, Daleks, Sontarans nahhhhh. The battle I wanna see is Jess vs The Timelords. I am sure the battle would be legendary and when you hear the names River Song, Ace and Jess you know your only option is to run....run away, run faraway. 😁
Michael Wisher's tour de force as Davros is one of the biggest reasons this story is so revered. A chilling masterclass in villainy and such a great touch how his voice sounds Dalek-like whenever he's ranting. Much like Roger Delgado as The Master, Wisher is the original, definitive and (imo) remains the best actor in the role.
Genesis isn't my Number 1 of all time but its reputation is more than deserved - an unflinching look at fascism's core tenets and the moral implications of killing evil in its crib. Good to have you back!
Wish I could give two likes: one each for your comments about Wisher and Delgado.
@@rnw2739 I met Terry Molloy at an event. Everyone else was talking to him about Davros, when I talked to him we were discussing Mike Tucker in The Archers.
For me his Davros was always encumbered by that terrible mask. It looked like a melted Ena Sharples waxwork.
@@rnw2739 I'm astonished right back that you prefer the 80s one! I think the original looks more like a skull covered in the thinnest possible layer of tissue. The immobility of it gives the appearance of a mummified corpse that can speak. I think the effect of hollow eye sockets worked better as the brow line was higher and the cheekbones more prominent.
(I'm not even thinking about new Who's "My own eyes" Anakin/Vader tribute act)
There was a production photo that was taken before the makeup around the mouth had been done and that really did look bad, but in the actual show the blending of of the mask to face was far more subtle.
But, as you say, it's down to personal preferences.
Best davros on TV, I'd agree, but I think Terry Molloys work on the audio dramas is just incredible.
You may remember that Davros recognises Sarah-Jane in the series 4 finale. "You were there on Skaro at the very beginning of my creation."
Out of all the callbacks in New Who, the bit of dialogue between Davros and Sarah Jane when he recognizes her is by far one of the best.
- and Davros still doesn't know she saw the very first Dalek activated. He didn't see her until later in the story.
@@stevetheduck1425 Not the VERY first, just the first with a gun. Listen to the audio story "I, Davros" for the actual origin.
@@stevetheduck1425 You could tell it was the first one as it had been hand painted and you could see the brush strokes.
"I know, Nyder, but when I get the contract I'll buy a spray gun."
@@JRHainsworth not on TV not canon in my book.
On the point about the timelords I think the 6th doctor said it best:
"In all my travelling throughout the universe, I have battled against evil, against power-mad conspirators. I should have stayed here. The oldest civilization - decadent, degenerate, and rotten to the core! Power-mad conspirators, Daleks, Sontarans, Cybermen - they're still in the nursery compared to us. Ten million years of absolute power. That's what it takes to be really corrupt!"
Its lieutenant Gruber! Would that make a Dalek his "little tank"? 🤣
Guy Siner does a rather disquietingly good job of playing the fascist role entirely straight here.
I'm ancient so I remember it when it was first shown. Can you imagine being 8 and seeing the Daleks being created and Davros for the first time. 1975.
"You were there on Skaro at the very beginning of my creation!" - That line resonates more after watching this story. For me, Genesis of the Daleks ranks alongside The Ark in Space as my personal favourite Doctor Who story of all time, as well as being both my favourite Fourth Doctor and Dalek story ever. It's a redefining tentpole example of high-quality Doctor Who filled with iconic sequences, fantastic performances and resonant themes, plus it created narrative ripples that affect the show to this day. Russell T Davies himself stated that this story was essentially the first act of the Time War. Despite having a short amount of screentime, the Daleks at their most effective and powerful here, and it introduced my personal favourite Doctor Who enemy in Davros, who, in terms of narrative function, has never been bettered than here. If the Master is the dark mirror reflection of the Doctor, Davros is the complete opposite, and thanks to Michael Wisher (who has starred numerous times in Pertwee's Era), brings a true Shakespearian sophistication to the iconic megalomaniacal creator.
There’s a small thing in the first episode that I want to mention: the land mine sequence. The “I stepped on a land mine” thing has been done so many times, it has an entry on tv tropes. However, in this sequence the Doctor doesn’t step on the button to need saving, he steps on the mine *next to* the button. The concern isn’t that he’s triggered the mine, but that the mine might fall after he gets off it, which would trigger it. Thus Harry shoring up the rocks underneath…all of which accurately reflects how land mines really work. Attention to detail for the win.
At least they broke away from the myth of the trope that it will detonate once you let off the pressure plate. That's a Hollywood myth. So they just mainly had to make sure that the mine itself didn't tumble once he shifted his weight, which is doable and still a very dangerous situation to be in, but it is also a more believable variation of it.
Loved the speech calling out the Time Lords and their treatment of 2.
Seriously though.
"We don't interfere...except for when we do!"
@@ropecrewman36 Yes, Doctor, you ARE 'some sort of Galactic Yoyo'...when the Timelords want you to do their dirty work for them...
That's the Celestial Intervention Agency for you.
Which is appropriate given this had the same director as The War Games, and a few little parallels in the story too.
@@williammcnirlan4820 The name of the actor who played Castellan in that episode was George PRAVDA (lol)
There isn't much I can say about Genesis of the Daleks that hasn't already been said. It's a seminal story that has been dissected and analysed for almost 50 years now. The plot, dialogue, direction, acting and production values simply feel like they're on another level to almost anything else in classic Who. No villain commands the screen in their first appearance as much as Michael Wisher as Davros. The same Michael Wisher that previously played characters like the news reporter in The Ambassadors of Death, Rex Farrel in Terror of the Autons and Kalik in Carnival of Monsters. The transformation from all that to this is insane.
Wisher instantly eclipses the Daleks themselves and the Master as the greatest villain in Who. I don't think he's ever been surpassed.
@@frankshailes3205 have to agree! Genesis is more 'The Davros Show With Some Daleks In'...which is not an insult as I love a Dalek story and Davros too. Definitely one of the truly great Who villains.
Didn't Michael also play some daleks before playing Davros?
@@jellybabiesarecool4657 he did indeed! According to my Doctor Who Programme Guide, he provided Dalek voices in Planet of the Daleks and Death to the Daleks 👍
@@jellybabiesarecool4657 Yes, he did some Dalek voices starting Frontier in Space, there were photos of him at the mic in the Countdown/TV Action Dr Who Special from 1973.
When I was a kid I didn't have a VHS copy of this. All I ever had was the Target book and the Record version of this story that was narrated by Tom Baker. We're talking 1983 here. I'm old lol. Anyways I listened to this record over and over so many times that I practically memorized the entire script.
As far as the Time Lords not interfering, there’s a great book by Robert Brown called, “The Wrath of Fate.” In it a group of well meaning adventurers use a steampunk airship to travel through time and they try to right the wrongs of humanity, such as stopping the slave trade for example. When they go to the early 21st century they find that humanity is living in a dystopian society. They find that because humanity has never dealt with evil in its own, only the mythical airship, they were not prepared for when evil finally reared its ugly head and enslaved everyone. That’s why Time Lords generally didn’t interfere, just observed.
That opening is chilling. Every actor in this is playing it absolutely seriously, and the unfolding tale is as gritty and compelling as Who ever got. Michael Wisher is frankly incredible, a masterpiece performance. Genesis is a classic for the ages
Speaking of "School Reunion"...
Sarah could've blown Rose out of the water during their little back-and-forth name-dropping villains. She let Rose say "Met the emperor!", and she didn't say "Met the creator!" (or "Saw the very first one!").
She also didn't mention Sontarans or Ice Warriors!
She was keeping it simple like mummies and dinosaurs whilst Rose mentioned slitheen, something more alien.
Best she not mention Alpha Centauri though.
@@paulwagner688
Green willy in a cloak?
@@paulkennedy8701 That's the one.
Ok. This is the story I’ve been waiting to see since day 1 of classic who. Genesis of the Daleks is my favourite all time DW story new and old. I remember my earliest exposure to this story was before I became a fan, i was 4 years old, i saw a repeat of this episode on BBC 2 back in the early 2000 and remember being quite spooked. But many years later when I became a doctor who fan I finally watched this story on vhs at my next door neighbours house and immediately I loved it. Davros is my favourite DW villain next to the Daleks.
I could never imagine anyone else but Mr. Wisher as the original Davros. His brilliant performance help create one of the most iconic Who villains, doing it all with just his voice and use of one arm.
Been waiting for this one! I love that you got so angry at the Time Lords that you exclaimed "buffoons!" I replayed the part when Davros' name was first mentioned about ten times, just to see your reaction. :) The rant on Time Lords in the post-episode thoughts was also great.
I fully believe that if Elisabeth Sladen had to climb that huge scaffold in real life, she could do it. She was scrambling up that thing. Way down the line, in the Twelfth Doctor era, one thing I like about the start of "The Magician's Apprentice" is the biplane shooting lasers and the soldier only has a bow and arrow to retaliate with. It's a neat reference to this story, where the war has been going on for so long that all the most advanced weapons have been used or broken.
I agree about the reference in Magicians Apprentice. It was through that difference in tech that led me to guessing we were on Skaro. :-D
David Maloney. Brilliant action director. He also set up Blakes 7, as producer, and directed some of those. The brutality, cynicism and glittering wit of it is right up his alley. And the gas masks!
There is a reason this story is on so many fans top 10 lists. It has the best Doctor and companion duo IMO, Daleks, Davros in his first and best form with a terrifyingly convincing performance from Wisher, very memorable gritty atmospheric scenes in the beginning and a sense of foreboding throughout. Then there was the 4th Doctor's speech "have I the right" and the not so concluding finish to the story. This one will always get a 9.5 out of 10 from me. Baker Sladen, Wisher and Miles knocked this one out of the park!
It begins!!!! I am so excited that you have finally begun this story!!
This may be one of the best but it isn't the last great Classic Who stories. So many more great times ahead!
Arguably the most important story in Doctor Who, up there with the Tenth Planet.
A common idea is that this is the opening salvo of the Time War, started by the Time Lords themselves by their interference. I think Jess is spot on in her indictment of their hypocrisy. This of course isn't the only example of it, but it may be the instance where it comes back to bite them the hardest. I do wonder if the Time Lord appearing in this story is a member of the CIA -- no spoilers -- or, retroactively, perhaps even the Division?).
Nevertheless, I'm pleased as punch you've reached this story. Hyperbole aside, it really is a great story, though a bit long in the middle as most six-parters are. Great concept, writing, and cast. Tom Baker really finds his feet here, showcasing how well he could match his humor and eccentricity with gravitas. For the guest cast, as excellent a job as Michael Wisher does here introducing the world to Davros, Peter Myles' portrayal of Nyder also really stands out. He absolutely nails the chilling sociopathic Nazi-like villain.
I'm fairly sure this is the first episode of Doctor Who I ever saw (really only glimpses of it in the background on PBS at a friend's house in the very early 80's, but it still made enough of an impression to intrigue me and to remember that it was this episode).
What?! The Time Lords are hypocrites? Next you'll be saying that they are pompous & arrogant......
In extended media (Big Finish’s Gallifrey audios, Series 6), it’s made clear that the Time Lord in question is Chancellor Valyes, IIRC - sent by Narvin of the CIA.
I think this might have been my first Dr Who also. Or at least one of the earliest ones.
Ah, finally! This is the one classic episode I encourage people to watch early in their nuWho viewing but especially before capaldi’s meeting this crew. It explains much
This episode might just be my favorite from the classic era. It is such a landmark in Doctor Who’s history and still holds up to this day.
The actor who plays the Kaled General was also in the British Sitcom 'Allo allo' set in occupied France in the Second World War, he was a German Lieutenant.
The creature you see before they enter the cave was a reused Ice Warrior costume.
While this ep gets a lot of praise, don't worry about this being any kind of peak, and Classic Who being all down hill from there. There's still so many more fun stories and characters to meet all the way to the very end.
She's already seen the best classic Who story as far as I'm concerned, The War Games.
People do the same thing with girl in the fireplace, blink and heaven sent. Pretend they’re the best episodes of anything ever so people are always underwhelmed when they finally watch them
Honestly, I wouldn't even say it's the clear best 4th Doctor story let alone the best story ever. It's just the easy received wisdom answer, like saying Four is the best Doctor or that Batman is the best superhero.
Lot of fun stories coming up in w/ Sarah Jane and (ahem!) the next companion
Nah, she’s seen all there is that’s worth seeing after this.
The delivery of Davros' first lines are probably some of the most atmospheric and quietly terrifying of the series.
Such an excellent performance from Michael Wisher.
One of Tom Baker's best stories, and one of the best stories in the entire canon! So glad you finally made it here!
Great reaction, Jess. I love your enthusiasm and the fact that you're being as objective as you can, given the hype that this serial always generates.
In fact, it was such a popular story when it was shown in 1975, that the BBC showed an edited, feature length version the following Christmas!
I love an origins story and as many have said, this is one of the finest examples.
Not only is Michael Wisher sublime as Davros (naturally) but his second banana, Nyder, is played to perfection by Peter Miles who you may recall was the ill fated Dr. Lawrence at the Wenley Moor Research Centre in the Silurians and Professor Whitaker in Invasion of the Dinosaurs.
(Geek Alert!) The ray gun that the dead soldier had and later the Thal guard,was in fact a Drahvin gun from Galaxy Four.
Great story, great reaction and so glad to see you back! Fridays just haven't been the same without you ☺👍
Interesting how the Time Lords deemed it necessary [not] to expose either the Kaleds or Thals to their higher time travel technology; can you imagine if these combatant nations had managed to perceive even the rudimentary function of a Tardis, even a Type 40? When I first saw this as a child I thought it strange but it's more than a plot point because Terry Nation has really thought this story through as to the danger the Daleks pose to all other sentient life.
A little Trivia: Actor Peter Miles (Nyder) and singer Dusty Springfield were best friends.
This was the first classic who serial I ever watched about six years ago and it made me want to go back and watch all of the classic who series which I have. This story and the 4th doctor hold a special place in my heart for introducing me to the world of classic who.
The freeze-frame shot was terrifying and left you to wonder how Sarah Jane Smith gets out of this alive.
I’ve been looking forward to seeing your reaction to Genesis of the Daleks ever since you started reacting to Classic Doctor Who. One of my favourites of Classic Doctor Who and I think David Tennant has said it’s a favourite of his as well.
Harry is picking up the Doctor's sass.
Kaled is an anagram of Dalek.
I admit, I was a little worried that this might have been a bit of a down day of reacting for you, knowing how you were feeling at the time...but this was a *great* reaction! I think you see just how big and morally complex a situation the Doctor's been put in, and your shade at the Time Lords is oh so appropriate. It's so true that hype is the slayer of enjoyment, and I was a bit worried about that too, as I knew there was absolutely no way you hadn't heard of this story's reputation. So glad you're into it so far, I do not think you'll be disappointed!
Fantastic Jess!. Delighted that you've made a start on "Genesis". Easily one of my top 3 Doctor Who stories ever. Can't wait to see the rest of your reactions to this one 👍
I really doubt this one will fall flat for you. If there's any Doctor Who story that lives up to the hype, it's this one. Fascinating and thought provoking all the way through.
Loved your reaction to the Time Lords deciding to interfere btw. My reaction to that was very similar when I first saw this back in the 1970s 😁
You're right about the Time Lords. Yes, they're hypocritical, but that's why they'll use The Doctor to do their dirty work, because technically in their society he's considered a renegade and if something goes wrong they can disavow his actions.
But the Daleks did prove to be a destructive force however defeatable
I have to say that I have loved this story ever since I first saw it on release in the 70s. The concept and themes are fascinating and so well executed, and the performances are outstanding. Michael Wisher as Davros is so compelling, even more so as he is effectively immobile in his chair and expressionless in all the prosthetics, and yet through his voice and that one unsteady hand he conveys so much. A real masterclass of a performance.
Welcome back from your break. It's good to see your stuff again. I really like this season of Who. Its nice to see this story being viewed by someone who knows the time war, and to remind people it was the Timelords who fired the first shot as it was. Also its nice to see a good expansion on the Dalek myth.
But only a side note have you noticed that so far 4 hasn't had a scene inside the Tardis yet?
I think this is a pretty good ensemble story with the companions, too. Harry is very brave handling the mine etc.
Arguably the greatest Who story - I certainly have memories of watching first time as a child - somehow it still hits the mark :-)
I wish Terry Nation had been directly challenged more often! Just think of the heights he could have attained!
I saw this story when I was 5 back in 2005 and I swear I screamed at the TV when we reached the end of Part 2 because I thought Sarah was dead after that 🤣🤣🤣
I always regretted we didn't get to see more of Harry. I understand now that the his character had become superfluous, as he was mean the be the brawn for a 4th Doctor who was to originally have been played by an older actor, much like William Russel was for Hartnell. Nevertheless, Marter, Sladen and Baker seemed to have such a natural chemistry it was a real shame to break them up.
My all time favourite dalek story. Never get tired of watching it. Just brilliant.
Just wanted to say “thank you” for sharing with us.
I will say I do think it would've been tighter as a 5 parter, but it somehow manages to completely live up to the frankly ludicrous reputation it has. It's great they brought the Daleks back to the fascist warning they were at the start, after being shouty flash Gordon serial merchandising mascots for the last few years stories. I LOVE Julian Bleach's portrayal of Davros but nothing can ever match Micheal Wisher's astonishing work thad somehow mananges to make a potentially cartoonish character into a chilling, rich performance.
"I will say I do think it would've been tighter as a 5 parter"
Honestly, the vast majority of classic Who would probably be improved by editing all the episodes of any particular story into a single "movie" and chopping a pretty fair bit out. The desire to end most episodes on some sort of a cliffhanger kinda makes it a bit repetitive at times.
I don't expect this to be a popular opinion, however.
Sooooo glad your back again x
Your reaction to the Time Lords - spot on!
My favoruite Who serial!
Glad you got to it finally :D
RTD posited that this is the first shot of the Time War. Big Finish Audios expands on all that, basically showing this as the Time Lords starting the Time War via the CIA of the Time Lords, the Celestial Intervention Agency. Which, let's say it, is obviously antithetical to a policy of non-intervention. But that's how government works. In The Three Doctors they intervened in the Doctor's timeline to save Gallifrey and stop Omega. Throughout the Third Doctor's era (specifically when he couldn't travel off Earth) the Time Lords were giving interventionist missions to him (and Jo). That was their CIA.
Simply still the greatest Doctor Who story of all in my opinion. Everything firing on all cylinders - acting, writing, direction, music. Doctor Who with utter powerful conviction. Michael Wisher as the original and definitive Davros - truly and believably chilling and building up to his moments of hysteria in such a measured way rather than some of the "start at the rant and go overboard" Davros's of later years. Has a special resonance for me as Tom was my Doctor as a kid and this story really had an impact on me then and still does even now. Now i do think you are wise to distance yourself from the hype as it allows you to form your own opinion on it. Often hyped episodes don't do as much for me in series and I often find myself championing less revered episodes. But this is one for me at least that deserves the adulation and I can say i was there at the time of original transmission and not jumping on a hype train later. I will be very curious to see what you think of this one yourself.
Genisis of the Daleks was the first Doctor Who DVD I ever got. It essentially marked my point from casual fan to complete dedication.
the War visuals are spectacular. listen to the IDavros audio drama it elaborates on the strain of the war and ties it into previous Dalek lore.
Jess rant about the Time Lords is a hilarious highlight. someone needs to make a compilation of them
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I can’t wait until she gets to a certain one straight after SJS’ departure.
I'm so old I remember it on its first transmission in 1975!
I've been waiting for this story since Jess started reacting to Classic Who and it did not disappoint! From the reveal of the title, the landmine and the first appearance of Davros, it was a great reaction. And then it got better!
War games was weird , clearly the War chief was the renegade timelord whom was the one interfering with other species and their development, he helped the War lords with creating their own Time scoop and death zone for humans. The second Doctor was trying to engage in harm reduction and undo the danage
I like this one, my parents bought it for me on VHS when I was a kid! I don't know if it's my favourite ever though. It's got some really memorable bits, but I think it could be a bit tighter.
A poll was taken shortly after the New Series began. This episode is #1in the Classic Series, as voted by the fans...A well deserved place ...
I have every Dalek story on DVD. In a funny, way, and I believe certainly not planned or scripted, it's fairly consistent. Pre Genesis, the Daleks have a large empire with vassal servants, the Robo-men and Orgons. The first two serials have the Daleks as standard non time traveling aliens. After Space Museum, where the Daleks steal time travel technology from a human museum, they then had time travel. After Genesis, where the Doctor set their evolution/advancement by 1000 years, they are weaker, stalemated in their galactic conquest by a race of robots and they become more reliant on Davros. They also no longer use vassals, but enslave other species so they are more xenophobic. Also the one Fifth Doctor Dalek story (Spoiler ) has the Daleks try to create a clone of the Doctor to infiltrate Gallifrey (The Daleks first attack on the Time Lords)
Been waiting a long time for this:)) Genesis of the Daleks was arguably my introduction to Doctor Who and has a special place to my heart, therefore it would always be my favorite story. That being said, if people don't think that 'Genesis' is the best story, I really don't mind because people are entitled to their own opinions. Many people like Naruto and Attack on Titan, yet I personally never got into them, but that's just me.
Poor 2nd doctor "Stop, you're making me giddy!".
Yes "Genesis of the Daleks" is a bit like "Bohemian Rhapsody" with Queen. Everyone is expected to think it is the best. It is good though. Its interesting to remember that when 12 meets young Davros, it is many years before this, Skaro time.
This is where Davros first met Sarah Jane.
Hey, my first full Doctor Who serial, from the 1992 repeat season on BBC 2 (I saw a few episodes of the previous one shown, The Daemons). It would get a lot of points from me for that nostalgic reason alone, however it is still a classic of the series, and whether one thinks its reputation is deserving or not, it's impossible to deny it's a milestone, very important story. The echoes of this are still being felt in Who, on TV (in particular The Magician's Apprentice/The Witch's Familiar two parter), and in spin-off media (Big Finish are currently doing a "What If" style story based on the idea of this story ending very differently, and recently did a story called Anti-Genesis, where this early history of the Daleks got hijacked... by The Master!).
I know exactly what you men about things being hyped up. I really loved "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and people kept telling me that "The Sting" was better. I finally got to watch it and I was slightly disappointed as it had been hyped so much. I still liked it. (I do prefer Butch Cassidy though).
The intro of Davros, plus the success of making the Daleks a threat again made for a great story.
YOU'RE HERE! You're FINALLY here!! :)
I can only confirm this is an important episode in the history of Dr. Who. I hope you like it! :)
16:50 I know they like to end episodes on cliffhanger, but when a companion has already started falling is a bit extreme!
The 4th doctor, Tom Baker, was my first experience with Doctor Who. And what can I say for my love for Sarah Jane? This really jogged my memory about Devros and the Daleks. Thank you.
Lt Gruber from Allo Allo in a parallel universe
there is a story WAY down the line that in my opinion is my all time faveorite doctor who story & dalek story. i won't say which one, but it is a long way off. but this is one of the classic who stories i couldn't wait to see your reaction too. can't wait until the next few episodes
Hope your break was nice!
One of the Greatest Stories ever in Doctor Who! This story marks the first shot in "The Time War" between the Daleks and the Time Lords! Remember Genesis of the Cybermen? Well, Now ypu will witness the GENESIS of the DALEKS.
According to most historians this episode is where the Time War began.
Man Patrick Troughton is my fave doctor, glad you enjoyed him.
a great reaction to a great story, one of the darkest at this point, a sign of things to come
One of the all time greats
Now we get to one of the most essential stories in Doctor Who history. After The Daleks, The Time Meddler and The War Games.
Ahh, Genesis of the Daleks. The “Juuuuuuust in case the nazi symbolism was lost on you before” serial. 😆
And yes, this episode is considered the roots of the time war that occurred in new dr who... ie the time lords trying to stop the daleks...
4th Doctor was my first Doctor so yeah... still my favorite of all the Doctors.
The dark theme of this story is enhanced by the accompaniment of Dudley Simpson's incidental music. It just wouldn't be the same without those stings when Davros and then the Dalek is revealed. Meshed with David Maloney's direction and Michael Wisher's tour de force performance as Davros makes this completely unforgettable. I still can't bear to watch the scene at the end of Episode Two. Even to this day, Lis screaming and that freeze frame just gets to me. A briliant directorial choice, but I just can't look. Once, back in 1975, when I was 13, was quite enough.
"Ohhhhhhhhhh fucketty ducketty" LOLOLOLOLOL
I watched this when it went out originally, great story I've even got the record of the story narrated by Tom Baker as well as owning it on Video/DVD enjoy 😁.
Terry Nation raised his game with this story, returning to the pulp SF roots and their runarounds, captures and escapes, in this case each serving to advance the story, the Nazi analogues, the Nazi technocrats that invented their weapons and failed so completely, yet their influences are still felt today.
And so begins the first act of The Time War
That was The Chase tbh :)
My "it fell flat" experience was "Casablanca". Somehow, I didn't see it for years. By the time I saw it, I had been told how great a movie was for so long, that, in my mind, it didn't live up to the hype.
Patience for old timey acting and early talking pictures film production
@@Reprodestruxion It's not that. I'm a couple of weeks short of 64, and have seen, and enjoyed, plenty of old films in my life. And it wasn't that it was a bad film, it just didn't live up to expectations.
@@janus1958 compared to 8 1/2 or Touch of evil I understand. It was a case of a film being carried forward by acting and mise en scene rather than it’s basic soap opera plot
In an RTD retcon, this episode was the trigger for the Last Great Time War. When the Time Lords sent the Doctor to mess with their creation, the Daleks rather naturally got ... upset. Things simmered a while (you'll see), but retroactively, this was also the "Genesis of the Time War."
Even though it's a retcon, it does make sense as an inciting incident. Especially since it is well established at this point that the Daleks develop time travel at some point after their creation.
@@lostwizard oh, I never said it was a bad retcon, I liked it a lot. As you say, it makes perfect sense in modern continuity.
It also makes it the Time Lords who started the war. As Jessica points out, they really are contemptible. You tend to think of the Doctor as a good representative of the Time Lords, but he's not. He's an extraordinary exception. The real Time Lords want to do things like destroy all of time and space while ascending to creatures of pure consciousness.
When the most recent Master took them out, I felt bad -- a little. The stories surrounding the incident aren't that great, IMHO, but knowing everything they've done in the last 60 years, the Master is almost a good guy. Simms' Master was actually briefly heroic in stopping Rassillon's scheme.
So while the Time Lords trying to stop the Daleks from being created seems like a worthy idea in the story, if you pull back, it's just the Time Lords doing the sort of things Time Lords tend to do:
Play God.
@@SYLTales Yup. And the character of the Time Lords will be well established in several of the upcoming stories in Classic Who.
@@lostwizard indeed. She's reacting to things I haven't seen in a long time, but I've seen every _Doctor Who_ episode extent. I don't think Jessica reads her comments for fear of spoilers, but I'll say no specifics, just in case. 🙂
Also genetics of the Dalek
One of the best stories ever.
Meet the first hurl of the proverbial bomb in the Time War, Jess.
Also, it’s not just RTD making a point with Davros in Series 4. Davros has *always* been a deranged nut job!
Yeah, trying to avoid having one's viewing experience being adulterated by expectations is a herculean task. I've a similar thing with the Exorcist where I'd just heard through mosta my life how it's the most terrifying horror film ever made only to not find it scary while I was instead terrified of the Omen and a lotta other lesser-quality b-grade horrors others don't.
I'm not a big fan of hype of most kinds, especially for very old, no-longer-spoilers shows/movies for precisely that reason. Because a show/movie has to be in kinduva stratospheric realm of quality to be able to live up to most superhype, let alone exceed it. If it's that good, people aren't gonna *need* the hype making it redundant. If it's anything less, you're setting them up for an okay reaction or being underwhelmed. So there's little reason to ever hype anything up.
In 1999 this story was voted the best ever by readers of Doctor who magazine
Thinking about this first episode and a thought popped into my head and I think out of the main cast for this only Tom Baker and Guy Siner (Revan) are still with us.
It’s so weird watching this back as an adult, I forgot Guy Siner was even in this, but then again I was really little and never seen Allo Allo, now it’s weird seeing jolly Lt Gruber so sinister!
You're near the start of the best era of Doctor Who stories ever made!
@@rnw2739 Nope. Not even going to get into this obvious gaslighting comment. Go elsewhere for drama.
I think there is a problem in these days with language, where people put themselves at the center of the universe.
I can say the 4th Doctor is my favorite without saying it is the best of all. All those discussions I see online insulting each other because they can't concede on what others think is best, would not start if they just said "mi favorite is...", responded with "mine is..." And this goes beyond arts and entertainment, this type of discussions are happening nowadays over politics, locations, schools, martial art styles... Too much waste of time and energy because they can't connive there are other opinions.
Good for you, clearing your mind of preconceptions and reacting as much as possible with a clear slate to form your own opinion. 👋👋👋
In my top 5 of the 4th doctor stories this has many call backs in new who and the end of episode 2 is a classic fantastic end poor sarah
I think that Time Lord was Narvinectralonum AKA, Narvin of the Celestial Intervention Agency, trying to prevent the Time War.
No, he was Chancellor Valyes - but Narvin did send him
Good thing the BBC had so much WW2 gear and weapons to draw from in their storerooms, I'm sure it helped with the budget immensely.
Amazing what they accomplished on a very tight budget, good acting and writing wins out over meager set and costumes, rarely the other way around.
For me, GOTD is bar far the best of the 4th Doctor's era. Davros is a brilliant concept, great costume and outstandingly portrayed by Michael Wishes (RIP). The whole story is just pure brilliance. I hope you enjoy the other parts yet to come (No spoilers)!! I've been looking forward to your review especially :)
Timelords vs Cybermen, Daleks, Sontarans nahhhhh. The battle I wanna see is Jess vs The Timelords. I am sure the battle would be legendary and when you hear the names River Song, Ace and Jess you know your only option is to run....run away, run faraway. 😁