Day 638: Revelation of the Daleks Part 1

Revelation of the Daleks is a story that feels like it should be something else. It's a Dalek story written by Eric Saward (Resurrection of the Daleks, Earthshock), so you get the idea that it's going to be a simple action story, without too much plot but with enough going on to prevent the audience from getting bored. But it subverts those expectations massively, and proves to be something quite different.

What we get is Eric Saward trying to write a Robert Holmes story, and actually succeeding. It's filled with witty dialogue and memorable characters such as the assassin Orcini, who states of his squire, Bostock, that "the only philosophy practised by Bostock is to do as little about his personal hygiene as possible". It shows that Saward is showing an interest in changing what he does as a writer, and also the real influence of The Caves of Androzani, that allows for him to realise that perhaps what the audience wants is a well written story through characters, plot and dialogue, and not through action scenes, special effects and returning monsters.

I mention that last point because, even though this story does feature the Daleks, it really doesn't at all. The focus of the story is clearly on Davros and his plans, and not on the work of the Daleks. Indeed, I can't recall them even firing their guns at anyone in this episode, least of all the Doctor, who hasn't even met them yet. It all comes across as the Daleks being somewhat of an obligation to have in this story, and that what Saward really wants to do is focus on the character of Davros and his motivations. And, you know what, all power to him. Because I'm actually rather enjoying the direction that this story is taking and it's making me look forward to the future work by Saward in Series 23. But we've still got one more episode to go, so we'll wait a little bit to see what happens in tomorrow as Revelation of the Daleks comes to a conclusion.