Revolution of the Daleks

Context

“Revolution of the Daleks” arrives at a turning point for the Thirteenth Doctor era. It follows the emotionally heavy “The Timeless Children,” an episode that divided the fanbase more than almost any other. Because of that, this New Year’s special had the difficult job of both continuing the story and grounding the show again in something more familiar.

Like “Resolution,” this episode uses the Daleks as a way to stabilise the era. Daleks are safe in the sense that they are recognisable, but they also come with expectations. “Revolution of the Daleks” understands this and uses them not just as monsters, but as part of a larger commentary on power, control, and political failure. The episode also acts as a soft conclusion to the original TARDIS team, making it one of the most important specials of the era in terms of character.

The extended runtime is clearly intentional and very welcome. Unlike many episodes that feel stretched, this one actually needs the extra time. It has multiple storylines, emotional farewells, political ideas, and a large supporting cast, and the episode benefits from being allowed to breathe.

Synopsis

After being imprisoned for decades by the Judoon, the Doctor finally escapes and reunites with her friends, only to discover that a new type of Dalek has been created on Earth using Dalek DNA. These “defence drones” are being used by the government as weapons of security and control. As the Daleks begin to turn on humanity, the Doctor must stop them while dealing with the consequences of her long absence from her companions.

Review

One of the strongest aspects of “Revolution of the Daleks” is that every main character feels genuinely useful and well written, which is not always something this era managed to achieve. The addition of Captain Jack Harkness helps with this, as he brings energy, history, and a sense of continuity with past eras. Jack never feels like cheap fan service here. He has a clear role in the plot and meaningful interactions with the Doctor.

Yaz, in particular, stands out. Her behaviour during the Doctor’s absence is arguably the most interesting her character has ever been. She is clearly desperate to find the Doctor, to the point where it becomes part of her identity. This desperation adds layers to her character and shows how deeply the Doctor has affected her life. It also foreshadows where Yaz’s arc will go later, making her feel more defined and focused than before.

Ryan and Graham’s send-off is handled with surprising care. Their final scenes nicely bookend their era on the show. Ryan choosing to stay on Earth and focus on real-world problems feels natural, especially after his development over the series. Graham’s decision to stay with him makes sense emotionally, reinforcing the family theme that has been present since their introduction. Their goodbye is quiet, respectful, and mature, which suits both characters. It does not feel like the show forcing drama, but like two people making a real decision.

Captain Jack’s departure is the one area where the episode feels slightly incomplete. Ideally, it would have been nice to see a proper goodbye scene between him and the Doctor to fully close off his return. Instead, his farewell happens through a recorded message to the “fam.” While this works on a basic level, it does feel like a compromise. This is likely due to production issues, possible COVID restrictions, or more recent news surrounding John Barrowman. While understandable, it does leave his exit feeling a bit unfinished.

All the scenes set in the prison are excellent. The Doctor’s time in captivity allows Jodie Whittaker to play a quieter, more restrained version of the character. These scenes show the Doctor thinking, observing, and enduring, rather than constantly running. They also reinforce the idea that the Doctor is not invincible, which adds tension and weight to her eventual escape.

The political reading of the episode is one of its most interesting elements. The idea of governments using alien technology as “defence drones” is an obvious commentary on militarisation, surveillance, and the false promise of security. The Daleks being marketed as protectors mirrors real-world situations where fear is used to justify authoritarian control. The fact that these systems eventually turn on the very people they are meant to protect is not subtle, but it is effective. The episode is clearly sceptical of political leaders who prioritise image and power over responsibility and ethics.

The extended runtime allows all of these ideas to exist without rushing. The episode has space for action, character moments, political commentary, and emotional closure. It feels full, but not overcrowded, which is rare for a story with this many moving parts.

Overall, “Revolution of the Daleks” works because it balances spectacle with character and ideas. It is not just a Dalek story, but a story about consequences, absence, and choice. It gives proper endings to Ryan and Graham, deepens Yaz, uses Jack well despite limitations, and delivers a clear political message without losing focus.

21 dec. 2025

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