Watch Doctor Who, Monsters: The Daleks

Doctor Who, Monsters: The Daleks is a fascinating and thrilling BBC documentary that delves into the backstory, creation, and enduring impact of one of the most iconic creatures in popular culture - the Daleks. As any fan of the long-running Doctor Who series knows, the Daleks are the Doctor's deadliest and most persistent foes, a race of emotionless, armored beings with a relentless desire to conquer and exterminate everything in their path. They first appeared in the series in 1963, and have since become synonymous with the show, inspiring countless spin-off materials, merchandise, and fan debates.

The documentary explores the origins of the Daleks, tracing their history back to the early years of the show and the creative genius of writer Terry Nation. It showcases rare archival footage, interviews with key people involved in the creation of the Daleks, and analyses of the various iterations of the creatures over the years.

We learn about Nation's initial concept for the Daleks as a group of mutated, powerless beings confined to their own planet, and how it evolved into the iconic design we know today - a sleek, cylindrical armor with a plunger-like arm and a menacing eyestalk. The documentary also sheds light on the technical challenges and innovations involved in bringing the Daleks to life on the screen, from the use of wooden rollers to create their signature glide, to the intricate robotics and animatronics that allowed them to move and act.

But Doctor Who, Monsters: The Daleks isn't just a nostalgic trip down the show's memory lane. It also highlights the Daleks' ongoing impact and relevance in popular culture, and how they continue to captivate and terrify audiences today. We hear from contemporary writers, actors, and showrunners who explain why the Daleks remain a timeless classic, and how they have adapted and evolved to reflect changing cultural and societal landscapes.

The documentary also explores the psychology behind the Daleks' enduring appeal. It argues that part of what makes them so frightening is their complete lack of empathy and moral compass, which resonates with our own anxieties about the dehumanization and loss of individuality in a world of mass society and technology. The Daleks, it suggests, serve as a cautionary tale for the dangers of giving in to totalitarianism, conformity, and violence.

Overall, Doctor Who, Monsters: The Daleks is a must-watch for any fan of the series, as well as anyone interested in the creative process and cultural impact of iconic monsters. It offers a rich and detailed exploration of the Daleks' history and legacy, and offers insights into why they continue to inspire fear and fascination in equal measure. So, if you want to discover the story behind the Daleks, tune into this exciting documentary and prepare to be exterminated - with knowledge, that is.

Doctor Who, Monsters: The Daleks is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between December 21, 1963 and on BBC