Season 9, Episode 1 | 4 parts | First broadcast: 1–22 January 1972 | Writer: Louis Marks | Director: Paul Bernard
Cast
- Jon Pertwee as the Doctor
- Katy Manning as Jo Grant
- Nicholas Courtney as Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart
- Anna Barry as Anat
Summary
Guerrilla fighters from a devastated future, in which the Daleks rule Earth with the aid of collaborationist Ogron soldiers, travel back in time to assassinate a diplomat they blame for triggering the war that led to the Dalek conquest. As the Doctor investigates the attacks on his own timeline, he uncovers a paradox at the heart of the invasion and must decide whether changing history is even possible.
Interesting Facts
- This marks the Daleks’ first appearance on screen since 1967, following a four-year absence caused by rights disputes with creator Terry Nation.
- It is one of Doctor Who’s earliest and most influential explorations of a predestination time-loop paradox, later echoed in numerous subsequent stories.
- The Ogrons, introduced here as Dalek foot soldiers, would go on to become recurring henchmen in later Dalek stories of the era.
- Strong viewing figures for the Daleks’ return helped convince producers to bring the creatures back for two further Pertwee-era serials.
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