Ep 19. Planet of the Daleks
- May 5, 1973
- 22 min
The Classic Doctor Who season 10 episode 19, titled "Planet of the Daleks," opens with the TARDIS crash-landing on the planet Spiridon. The Doctor (played by Jon Pertwee) and his companion, Jo Grant (played by Katy Manning), are immediately greeted by a group of Thals, the enemies of the Daleks. The Thals believe that the Daleks are on Spiridon, and that they are planning an attack.
As the Doctor and Jo explore the planet, they discover that the Daleks are indeed present, and that they are on a mission to acquire a Skaro degenerative virus that will destroy all life on the planet. The Daleks are also attempting to create a new master race of Daleks.
The Doctor and Jo soon find themselves caught in the middle of a war between the Daleks and the Thals. Along the way, they encounter a group of invisible Spiridons, who are using their invisibility to fight the Daleks.
In order to stop the Daleks, the Doctor must ally himself with the Thals and the invisible Spiridons. He also learns that the Daleks have a weakness: extreme cold. The Doctor uses this knowledge to his advantage, and ultimately succeeds in thwarting the Daleks' plans.
Throughout the episode, the Doctor and Jo's relationship is explored in greater depth. Jo is both fascinated by and frightened of the Doctor's adventurous lifestyle, and her loyalty to him is tested when she is captured by the Daleks. The Doctor, for his part, is more than a little protective of Jo, and is willing to risk his life to save her.
"Planet of the Daleks" is an exciting and action-packed episode, showcasing the Doctor's ingenuity and bravery in the face of danger. At the same time, it delves into deeper themes of trust, loyalty, and the nature of good and evil. It's a classic example of the best of Doctor Who.