The Doctor and the Daleks: Uncovering Their Dark Origins
Unveiling the truth behind the Doctor's greatest nemesis, the Daleks Discover the intriguing mystery of whether the Doctor actually played a role in their creation in this captivating Doctor Who analysis
Has Doctor Who, in fact, created the Daleks, his greatest adversary, amongst all the foes he has encountered and even brought into existence?
The Daleks have been a presence in Doctor Who since its inaugural season in 1963 and played a significant role in the series' 50th Anniversary with their involvement in the Time War.
However, with the release of new Doctor Who content this week in celebration of the show's 60th Anniversary, fresh insights regarding the Genesis of the Daleks have emerged, particularly in relation to the Doctor. This raises the question: Did the Doctor create the Daleks?
Did the Doctor create the Daleks?
No, Davros created the Daleks. They first appeared in 1963 against William Hartnell’s Doctor, already fully formed.
However, this does not imply that the Doctor has never been deceived into aiding the Daleks in the past. In both Season 5's "Victory of the Daleks" and Season 9's "The Witch’s Familiar," he assisted them in resurrecting and reassembling themselves. In the latter instance, he intentionally aided Davros, rescuing him on the battlefield when he was merely a child. It is important to note that our analysis is solely based on the television series, as the Doctor Who universe encompasses a vast array of content that delves into the origin and creation of the Daleks.
According to the BBC, the Daleks were originally designed by Davros, a Kaled scientist, as vehicles for travel. Davros predicted that his race would become immobile due to years of radiation and chemical poisoning from an ongoing war. To ensure their survival, he created the Dalek travel machines to house these organisms. However, during his experiments, Davros intentionally eliminated what he deemed as weakening emotions from the mutants, unwittingly giving rise to a malevolent force.
The Daleks lacked the capacity for compassion or pity and were driven solely by hatred, fear, and an unwavering conviction of their superiority in the Universe.
Nevertheless, in a recent comedic skit for BBC Children in Need, there was a playful suggestion that the Doctor may have played a role in the creation of the Daleks. In this skit, the 14th Doctor, portrayed once again by David Tennant, arrives at the birthplace of the Daleks.
The Daleks are given their name, catchphrase, and the title "Genesis of the Daleks" by 14, much to his disappointment. He also provides them with their plunger devices.
You can watch the complete skit below:
However, it should be noted that the content in question may not necessarily be deemed as canon. Typically, the skits featured in Children in Need are intended solely for entertainment purposes. Nevertheless, within the vast expanse of time and space, the realm of possibilities knows no bounds!
Furthermore, viewers should be aware that this particular piece of Dalek content will be scarce for the foreseeable future. Showrunner Russel T. Davies recently revealed that Ncuti Gatwa, the actor succeeding Tennant, will not encounter the Daleks until his debut in the TARDIS in 2024.
Mark your calendars for November 25th when the highly-anticipated Doctor Who 60th Special will grace BBC One. For additional information on the special, click here, and if you're curious about the Dalek rumors, click here. Don't forget to explore our extensive coverage of Doctor Who as well.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of Doctor Who, I am intrigued by the possibility that the Doctor may have inadvertently played a role in the creation of his greatest nemesis, the Daleks.
The idea that the Doctor's actions, no matter how well-intentioned, could have contributed to the rise of the Daleks adds a layer of complexity and tragedy to the character. It raises questions about the nature of heroism and the unintended consequences of our choices.
However, I also believe it is important to remember that the Doctor is not solely responsible for the creation of the Daleks. Davros, the Kaled scientist, is the one who ultimately created the Daleks and intentionally removed their capacity for compassion and pity.
Ultimately, the Doctor's role in the creation of the Daleks is a complex and nuanced one. It is a testament to the richness of the Doctor Who universe that even after 60 years, there are still new and exciting stories to be told.
