"Doctor Who" Evolution of the Daleks (2007)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

James Strong

Writers:

Helen Raynor (written by)
Terry Nation (character "The Daleks")

TV Series:

"Doctor Who" (2005)

Original Air Date:

28 April 2007 (Season 3, Episode 5)

Genre:

Adventure | Drama | Sci-Fi

Plot:

Concluding part to Daleks in Manhattan. In 1930s New York, the Daleks' plan is in full force. Faced with the cyborgs' most evil and dangerous scheme yet, will the Doctor and Martha be able to defeat their greatest opponents? |

Plot Keywords:

Dalek | Empire State Building New York City | Manhattan New York City | Alien | Time Lord

Cast

David Tennant	...	The Doctor
Freema Agyeman	...	Martha Jones
Miranda Raison	...	Tallulah
Ryan Carnes	...	Laszlo
Hugh Quarshie	...	Solomon
Andrew Garfield	...	Frank
Eric Loren	...	Dalek Sec
Earl Perkins	...	Man #1
Barnaby Edwards	...	Dalek Operator
Nicholas Pegg	...	Dalek Operator
David Hankinson	...	Dalek Operator
Nicholas Briggs	...	Daleks (voice)
Paul Kasey	...	Hero Pig Man
Ian Porter	...	Hybrid

Runtime:

45 min | UK:46 min | 45 min (50 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Certification:

UK:PG (DVD rating)

Goofs:

Factual errors: A warning sign in the Empire State Building referring to "the lift" should have used the American English term "the elevator". In addition, Laszlo, an American, also uses the term lift when he should have said elevator.

Quotes:

The Doctor: Daleks are bad enough at any time, but right now they're vulnerable. And that makes them more dangerous than ever.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Doctor Who Confidential: Making Manhattan (#3.5)" (2007)

Soundtrack:

Happy Days Are Here Again

A dark, moving and memorable conclusion

"Evolution of the Daleks." It's a title that will send chills down the spines of Dalek fans, conjuring up memories of previous classic stories including the masterpiece that is the "Genesis of the Daleks". So, a great title. But how does the actual episode stand up? Following a great opening with "Daleks in Manhattan", the conclusion of this two-parter is stirring stuff. There's a dark-as-night edge to events as the Daleks' plan starts to unfold. Never, in my opinion, have the metallic menaces been this deadly. As with "Dalek", we see The Doctor driven to the edge of madness by his anger at the creatures' inhumanity. The beauty of this tale is that there's a twist to the Daleks in the form of the human-Dalek hybrid, Sec. This is a superb touch of originality and one that will ensure this story ranks as a favourite in years to come.

The production values are through the roof, giving the episode a great sheen of quality. Despite the gloss, there's a genuine "classic" feel to the drama. Even when stripped of its magnificent visuals, "Evolution" remains a terrific tale, thanks to a very enjoyable script from Helen Raynor. There are many memorable scenes - the Daleks' attack on the Hoover Ville shanty town, the sight of the Daleks moving at a swift pace through the New York sewer system and their vast, Frankenstein-like laboratory.

One thought remains with me following the end titles. It can only be a matter of time when new fans of the show are finally treated to an audience with the dreaded Davros. All those references to the Dalek creator are surely a warm-up to this character's return.

9 out of 10. No funny business here, this is serious "Doctor Who". What a thoroughly delightful experience the third season is turning out to be...