51. The Dalek Invasion of Earth, Part VI: Flashpoint

For a show that had mostly eschewed sentimentality to this point, Susan’s farewell scene and the Doctor’s speech through the scanner were very well done. Tardis Wiki says the scene was written by David Whitaker and not Terry Nation. I guess the script editor has to take over during big moments in the show. However, it does seem incongruously undignified for Susan’s last moment to occur while she’s wearing one shoe.

Random things:

  • I enjoyed the “Ian falls down the shaft” effect.
  • When the Daleks talk about killing all the humans, one Dalek says “The final solution!” Terry Nation seems to struggle to avoid World War II references in these Dalek stories.
  • It’s surprising the cliff on which all the escapees were standing didn’t collapse during the volcanic eruption.

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