Evolution of the Daleks (28 Apr. 2007)

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?

Director:

James Strong

Writers:

Helen Raynor, Terry Nation (character "The Daleks")

Stars:

David Tennant, Freema Agyeman, Miranda Raison

Cast

Episode complete credited 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
Paul Kasey	...	Hero Pig Man
Ian Porter	...	Hybrid

Storyline

The Daleks have begun their transformation to humanoid form however the human-Dalek hybrid, Dalek Sec, is raising doubts among the remaining three machine Daleks. He is showing human traits and emotions: he changes his mind, shows compassion by sparing some of the transients in Hooverville and to the consternation of the machine Daleks, suggests their old ways were wrong. When Dalek Sec asks for the Doctor's assistance in relocating them to a new planet, the other Daleks rebel.

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Plot Keywords:

dalek | new york city | empire state building manhattan new york city | manhattan new york city

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Family | Sci-Fi

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 April 2007 (UK)

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

45 min 45 min (50 episodes)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This is the first episode of the revived series to use the convention of the classic Doctor Who series of naming Dalek-centered episodes as "(blank) of the Daleks" (Remembrance of the Daleks, Power of the Daleks, etc.). This convention would later be used for series 5's "Victory of the Daleks."

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Goofs

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.

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Quotes

The Doctor: There's no room on Earth for another race of people.

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Connections

References Bugsy Malone (1976)

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Soundtracks

"Happy Days Are Here Again"
Written by Milton Ager and Jack Yellen

User Reviews

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...