Today marks exactly fifty years since the Second Doctor’s debut serial, The Power of the Daleks, was first broadcast on British television. The BBC has chosen to mark this occasion by animating all six parts of this famously lost Doctor Who serial, using the original audio soundtracks. But as we begin to download this recreation of Patrick Troughton’s first six episodes from the BBC Store today, let us cast our minds back to how this landmark story was first conceived in 1966.

The Power of the Daleks

★★★★★

TX: 5/11/1966 – 10/12/1966

Written by David Whitaker      Directed by Christopher Barry

The newly regenerated Second Doctor, Ben and Polly arrive in the TARDIS on the planet Vulcan, home to a human colony. “Life depends on change, and renewal.” Posing as an Earth examiner sent to assess the colony, the Doctor discovers that the colony’s political situation is about to reach a critical point. A revolution is imminent. Added to this dilemma, the colony’s chief scientist, Lesterson, has discovered a nearby space capsule containing three inert Daleks.

This story thoroughly examines the Daleks’ cunning ability to exploit human greed and scientific curiosity. Lesterson’s fascination with obtaining knowledge from the Daleks ultimately not only leads to his own downfall, but the extermination of almost everyone in the colony. The more power that Lesterson gives them, the more Daleks are created in the Dalek laboratory. Soon, a huge Dalek army emerges from the ship, ready to wipe out the colonists. Lesterson’s arrogance and scientific curiosity soon turn to mania as he accepts that his actions have brought about the end of the human colony. This diabolical massacre is only thwarted at the last moment, when the Doctor is able to overload the Daleks using the power supply given to them. The Doctor and his companions survived the Daleks to live another day… but only just. In Asylum of the Daleks, Oswin Oswald informs the Eleventh Doctor that the Daleks in the Intensive Care section of the Dalek Asylum are survivors of encounters with the Doctor on planets such as Vulcan…

David Whittaker’s tightly scripted tale will go down as one of the most important serials in the entire history of Doctor Who. Had it not been for Patrick Troughton’s now definitive debut performance as the Doctor, the programme would not be the success that it continues to be today, fifty years on. All fans hope that one day this remarkable adventure will be returned to the BBC Archives. But for now, let’s all enjoy this brand new animation of the tale from the BBC Store. It seems that the Daleks will get their power after all.