Doctor Who: The Curse of Davros

In the grand scheme, this story is probably most notable for introducing Philippa ‘Flip' Jackson as the 6th Doctor's new companion, following the retirement of actress Maggie Stables. Flip had first appeared in The Crimes of Thomas Brewster, and this story opens with her regretting the boredom of her life since the events of that one. The first half-hour takes place in contemporary London, contrasting the mundanity of bus travel and supermarkets with the threat of a Dalek hit squad.

From here, we quickly move to Belgium in 1815, as the Daleks seek to change the outcome of the Battle of Waterloo. These historical sections seem to be well researched, although obviously the mere presence of Daleks does rather change some of the details. Flip quickly proves to be a likeable companion, getting to demonstrate bravery, compassion, and a sheer joy at time travel that makes it easy to see why she chooses to join the Doctor at the end. Comparisons with Rose are inevitable, and, aside from the lack of family ties, the two are rather similar; for instance, Flip works as a checkout girl, and it's clear that she hasn't done well at school. How much she will develop down her own path in future stories remains to be seen, although Six being so different from Nine will surely play into that.

There's a dramatic revelation at the half-way point that I had seen coming, but for rather less time than I might have done, due to the skilful foreshadowing. I should also hand out praise to Terry Molloy for his portrayal of Davros, whose writing here - and his contrasting against Napoleon - is also top notch, with some keen insights into his motivation. Even the Daleks, for all the slight barminess of their plan, are genuinely menacing and effective, rapidly building up a high body count.

Certainly one of the better Dalek stories, and a good introduction to a new companion.