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{{Infobox Story
{{Infobox Story SMW
|image          = Shrunken Twelve at eye level with Rusty.jpg
|image          = Shrunken Twelve at eye level with Rusty.jpg
|series          = [[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]]
|series          = [[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]]
|season number  = Series 8 (Doctor Who)
|season number  = Series 8 (Doctor Who 2005)
|series episode number = 2
|series episode number = 2
|story number    = 243
|story number    = 243
|scripturl      = https://www.bbc.co.uk/writers/documents/doctor-who-8-episode-2-into-the-dalek-post-production-script.pdf
|doctor          = Twelfth Doctor
|doctor          = Twelfth Doctor
|companions      = [[Clara Oswald|Clara]]
|companions      = [[Clara Oswald|Clara]]
|featuring      = Danny Pink|Danny
|featuring      = Rusty (Into the Dalek)
|featuring2     = Rusty (Into the Dalek)
|featuring2      = Danny Pink
|enemy          = [[Dalek]]s
|featuring4      = Frank Armitage
|setting        = {{il|The ''[[Aristotle (spaceship)|Aristotle]]''|Inside [[Rusty (Into the Dalek)|Rusty]]'s casting |[[Coal Hill School]], [[2010s]]}}
|featuring5     = Missy
|writer          = [[Phil Ford]], [[Steven Moffat]]
|enemy          = [[Bronze Dalek]]s
|setting        = {{il|The ''[[Aristotle (spacecraft)|Aristotle]]''/[[Ryzak solar system]]|Inside [[Rusty (Into the Dalek)|Rusty]]'s casting |[[Coal Hill School]], [[2010s]]}}
|writer          = Phil Ford, Steven Moffat
|director        = [[Ben Wheatley]]
|director        = [[Ben Wheatley]]
|producer        = [[Nikki Wilson]]
|producer        = [[Nikki Wilson]]
|confidential    = Into the Dalek (DWE episode)  
|dwe            = Into the Dalek (DWE episode)  
|broadcast date  = [[30 August (releases)|30 August]] [[2014 (releases)|2014]]
|broadcast date  = 30 August 2014
|network        = [[BBC One]]
|network        = BBC One
|format          = 1x45 minute episode
|format          = 1x45 minute episode
|prev            = Deep Breath (TV story)
|prev            = Deep Breath (TV story)
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|bts3            = DOCTOR WHO Exclusive Inside Look at Ep 2 INTO THE DALEK - BBC AMERICA
|bts3            = DOCTOR WHO Exclusive Inside Look at Ep 2 INTO THE DALEK - BBC AMERICA
}}
}}
'''''Into the Dalek''''' was the second episode of [[Series 8 (Doctor Who)|series 8]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''.
'''''Into the Dalek''''' was the second episode of [[Series 8 (Doctor Who 2005)|series 8]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''.


It marked the Twelfth Doctor's first encounter with the [[Dalek]]s. [[Danny Pink]] is also introduced in this episode, as well as his background of being an ex-soldier. However, he doesn't interact with the Doctor yet. Also making his first appearance is [[Coal Hill School]] headmaster [[Frank Armitage|Mr. Armitage]], who would be a recurring character in ''Doctor Who'' and its spin-off ''[[Class (TV series)|Class]]''.
It marked the Twelfth Doctor's first encounter with the [[Dalek]]s. [[Danny Pink]] is also introduced in this episode, as well as his background of being an ex-soldier. However, he doesn't interact with the Doctor yet. Also making his first appearance is [[Coal Hill School]] headmaster [[Frank Armitage|Mr. Armitage]], who would be a recurring character in ''Doctor Who'' and its spin-off ''[[Class (TV series)|Class]]''.
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== Plot ==
== Plot ==
[[Journey Blue]]'s [[Wasp Delta|ship]] is being shot at by a [[Dalek]] ship, and her brother [[Kai Blue|Kai]] is unconscious. She tries calling for help but gets no response from the rest of her team as the Dalek ship closes in. Inside its saucer, the Dalek orders maximum extermination and the ship fires a powerful blast at Journey's vessel. She screams in terror as everything begins blowing up around her.
[[Journey Blue]]'s [[Wasp Delta|ship]] is being shot at by a [[Dalek]] [[Dalek ship (Into the Dalek)|ship]], and her brother [[Kai Blue|Kai]] is unconscious. She tries calling for help but gets no response from the rest of her team as the Dalek ship closes in. The Dalek ship fires a powerful blast at Journey's vessel and she screams in terror as everything begins blowing up around her.


She awakens, finding herself in the [[The Doctor's TARDIS|TARDIS]] [[TARDIS console room|console room]]. The Doctor stares at her silently, holding coffee. Grabbing her gun, Journey demands to know what is going on, as she examines the control room to see if anyone else is there. The Doctor explains that he materialised his time capsule around her the moment of the explosion, saving her. Journey tells him her brother just died; the Doctor retorts that Kai's sister didn't, so she should take some peace in that.
She awakens, finding herself in the [[The Doctor's TARDIS|TARDIS]] [[TARDIS console room|console room]]. The Doctor stares at her silently, holding coffee. Grabbing her gun, Journey demands to know what is going on, as she examines the control room to see if anyone else is there. The Doctor explains that he materialised his time capsule around her the moment of the explosion, saving her. Journey tells him her brother just died; the Doctor retorts that Kai's sister didn't, so she should take some peace in that.


Angered, Journey points her gun at the Doctor. He asks her to put her weapon away because she might shoot him. When Journey says it will put her in control of his vessel, the Doctor laughs "you'd starve to death looking for the light-switch." She demands to be brought back to her command ship, the ''[[Aristotle (spaceship)|Aristotle]]'', beginning to tell him where it's located. However, the Doctor stops her and tells her "not like that." She demands to be brought back to her base. The Doctor tells her to get it right; taking his hint, Journey puts down the gun and politely asks to be taken back. Asking if it's the "big fella" behind the asteroid, the Doctor pilots the TARDIS.
Angered, Journey points her gun at the Doctor. He asks her to put her weapon away because she might shoot him. When Journey says it will put her in control of his vessel, the Doctor laughs, telling her she'd "starve to death looking for the light-switch". She demands to be brought back to her command ship, the ''[[Aristotle (spacecraft)|Aristotle]]'', which is hidden behind an asteroid. However, the Doctor does not do so until Journey puts down her gun and asks politely.


It lands inside the ship and they depart. Journey is surprised the ship is smaller on the outside. The Doctor notes it's more amusing when said the other way around; he also makes note that they're in a space hospital. The other soldiers are grateful for the Doctor for saving Journey but plan to kill him regardless, to maintain the security of their location out of paranoia that he may be a Dalek spy. Journey points out that they have need of a physician, however.
The TARDIS lands inside the ship and the pair depart. The Doctor notes that the ''Aristotle'' is a space hospital. Other soldiers arrive and are grateful for the Doctor for saving Journey, but they plan to kill him regardless, to maintain the security of the base. Journey points out that they have need of a physician, however.


[[File:Rusty.jpg|thumb|"Doc... tor?"]]
[[File:Rusty.jpg|thumb|"Doc... tor?"]]
Journey's uncle, Colonel [[Morgan Blue]] shows the Doctor to a medical wing. The Doctor asks why a hospital needs a doctor, to which Morgan explains that the Aristotle wasn't always hidden; the Daleks got to it first. Since the Daleks had already killed every living thing in the place, the [[Combined Galactic Resistance]] thought it was the best place to turn into their hideout. Passing a capsule, the Doctor immediately recognises it as shrinking technology. Morgan confirms that the Doctor will be shrunk down and inserted into the patient. "[[Fantastic]] idea for a movie. Terrible idea for a proctologist." The Doctor laughs. Morgan then brings the Doctor to a set of doors, introducing the Doctor to his patient: a [[Rusty (Into the Dalek)|Dalek]]!
Journey's uncle, Colonel [[Morgan Blue]] shows the Doctor to a medical wing. The Doctor asks why a hospital needs a doctor, to which Morgan explains that the ''Aristotle'' wasn't always hidden; the Daleks got to it first. Passing a capsule, the Doctor immediately recognises it as shrinking technology. Morgan confirms that the Doctor will be shrunk down and inserted into the patient. Morgan then brings the Doctor to a set of doors, introducing the Doctor to his patient: a [[Rusty (Into the Dalek)|Dalek]]!


Meanwhile, at [[Coal Hill School]], a new Maths teacher, [[Danny Pink]], a war veteran, meets with some students, the [[Coal Hill Cadet Squad]], in the courtyard. [[Clara Oswald]] and he briefly catch each other's eye. Later, Danny is ending a class when one of his students asks if he has ever killed anyone. The rest of the students groan, and Danny implies that as a soldier, he may have killed enemy soldiers. The student persists by asking if he ever killed anyone who was not a soldier. Danny does not answer, but a lone tear appears in his eye as he dismisses class. Sometime later, Danny is introduced to Clara, one of his fellow teachers. She recalls having seen him in the yard earlier. She then asks if he is going to another colleague's event later, which he indicates that he is not. Having awkwardly turned down her subsequent invitation for a drink, he verbally berates himself later once he has returned to his classroom. Unbeknownst to him, Clara has overheard him. Given another chance, he now accepts her invitation to have a drink.
Meanwhile, at [[Coal Hill School]], a new Maths teacher, [[Danny Pink]], a war veteran, meets with some students, the [[Coal Hill Cadet Squad]], in the courtyard. [[Clara Oswald]] and he briefly catch each other's eye. Later, Danny is ending a class when one of his students asks if he has ever killed anyone. The rest of the students groan, and Danny implies that as a soldier, he may have killed enemy soldiers. The student persists by asking if he ever killed anyone who was not a soldier. Danny does not answer, but a lone tear appears in his eye as he dismisses class. Sometime later, Danny is properly introduced to Clara, who recalls having seen him in the yard earlier. She then asks if he is going to another colleague's event later, which he indicates that he is not. Having awkwardly turned down her subsequent invitation for a drink, he verbally berates himself later once he has returned to his classroom. Unbeknownst to him, Clara has overheard him. Given another chance, he now accepts her invitation to have a drink.


Returning to her office, Clara discovers the Doctor standing there with the takeaway coffee she sent him for [[Deep Breath (TV story)|three weeks ago]] "in Glasgow. That's dead in a ditch." The Doctor apologises, telling Clara that he got distracted. She asks by what, to which he says they can always find something and heads to the TARDIS. Clara tries to stop him, but the Doctor grimly says he needs her help.
Entering a supply cupboard, Clara is greeted by the Doctor standing there with the takeaway coffee she sent him for [[Deep Breath (TV story)|three weeks ago]]. The Doctor apologises, telling Clara that he got distracted. She asks by what, to which he says they can always find something and heads to the TARDIS. Clara tries to stop him, but the Doctor grimly says he needs her help.


They enter the TARDIS, with the Doctor muttering to himself; he sits on the stairs. Clara sits with him, noticing that he's scared; the Doctor tells her that he's ''terrified''. When asked by what, the Doctor tells her it's the answer to the question he's about to ask; it needs to be well-thought, considered and without restraint. Sipping her coffee, Clara hears the Doctor's question "Am I a good man?" Stunned, Clara tells him that she doesn't know. Sighing, the Doctor admits that he doesn't even know anymore since his [[Siege of Trenzalore|centuries on Trenzalore]]. He heads to the controls, telling Clara that he needs, desperately, for what he's about to do next. When asked where they're going, the Doctor replies "into darkness" and activates the [[fast return switch]].
They enter the TARDIS, with the Doctor muttering to himself; he sits on the stairs. Clara sits with him, noticing that he's scared; the Doctor tells her that he's ''terrified''. When asked by what, the Doctor tells her it's the answer to the question he's about to ask; it needs to be well-thought, considered and without restraint. Sipping her coffee, Clara hears the Doctor's question "Am I a good man?" Stunned, Clara tells him that she doesn't know. Sighing, the Doctor admits that he doesn't know either. He heads to the controls, telling Clara that he needs her for what he's about to do next. When asked where they're going, the Doctor replies "into darkness" and they leave for to the ''Aristotle''.


A flashback shows the Doctor asks how the Dalek knows who he is as he's yet to run into them in his current incarnation. Morgan tells the Doctor that the Dalek doesn't know who he is; they promised it medical assistance. The Daleks asks if he's its doctor. Journey explains they found the Dalek floating in space, deactivated; they didn't know there was a living thing inside until they tried to open it up. The Doctor asks the Dalek why he should help it. It states that Daleks will die; the Doctor tells it to die all it wants and heads to leave. The Dalek then states that its own kind must be destroyed. Annoyed, the Doctor turns around to mock it but realises what it just said and asks the Dalek to repeat itself. The Dalek declares that its kind is evil and must be destroyed.
A flashback shows the Doctor asking how the Dalek knows who he is as he's yet to run into them in his current incarnation. Morgan tells the Doctor that the Dalek doesn't know who he is; they promised it medical assistance. Journey explains they found the Dalek floating in space, deactivated; they didn't know there was a living thing inside until they tried to open it up. The Doctor asks the Dalek why he should help it. It states that Daleks will die; the Doctor tells it to die all it wants and heads to leave. The Dalek then states that its own kind must be destroyed. Annoyed, the Doctor turns around to mock it but realises what it just said and asks the Dalek to repeat itself. The Dalek declares that its kind is evil and must be destroyed.


Back in the TARDIS, Clara finishes her coffee, considering the idea of a moral Dalek. The Doctor tells her that there is no such thing. Clara notes that's very inflexible thinking for him, even prejudice. Smiling to himself, the Doctor asks if he pays Clara for being his companion, noting that she deserves a raise. Clara smiles broadly, telling the Doctor that he's not her boss; he's one of her hobbies.
Back in the TARDIS, Clara finishes her coffee, considering the idea of a moral Dalek. The Doctor tells her that there is no such thing. Clara notes that's very inflexible thinking for him, even prejudice. Smiling to himself, the Doctor asks if he pays Clara for being his companion, noting that she deserves a raise. Clara smiles broadly, telling the Doctor that he's not her boss; he's one of her hobbies.


Back on the ''Aristotle'', the Doctor returns with Clara, mere moments when he last left. He introduces Clara to Journey and Morgan but has forgotten their names. He introduces Clara as his "carer"; she cares so he doesn't have to. The Doctor greets the Dalek again, telling it he will do his best to help him; a Dalek so damaged that it's developed a conscience, how could any resist such a chance to see what caused this? Clara wonders how they are going to do that, to which the Doctor tells her; they are LITERALLY getting inside its head.
Back on the ''Aristotle'', the Doctor returns with Clara, mere moments after he left. He introduces Clara to Journey and Morgan but has forgotten their names. He introduces Clara as his "carer"; she cares so he doesn't have to. The Doctor greets the Dalek again, telling it he will do his best to help him; a Dalek so damaged that it's developed a conscience, how could he resist? Clara wonders how they are going to do help the Dalek, to which the Doctor tells her; they are literally getting inside its head.


The group, consisting of the Doctor, Clara, Journey and two other rebel soldiers, [[Ross (Into the Dalek)|Ross]] and [[Gretchen Carlisle|Gretchen]] are to be shrunken down and inserted into the Dalek's head. The Doctor is against having armed [[babysitter]]s with them but calms down when he's informed they're only there to kill him and Clara if they turn out to spies. When warned not to hold her breath when being shrunk, Clara asks why; the Doctor explains it's like [[Microwave|microwaving]] lasagna without pricking the top: it explodes. He encourages her with "don't be lasagna."
The group, consisting of the Doctor, Clara, Journey and two other rebel soldiers, [[Ross (Into the Dalek)|Ross]] and [[Gretchen Carlisle|Gretchen]] are to be shrunken down and inserted into the Dalek. The Doctor is against having armed [[babysitter]]s with them but calms down when he's informed they're only there to kill him and Clara if they turn out to spies. When warned not to hold her breath when being shrunk, Clara asks why; the Doctor explains it's like [[Microwave|microwaving]] [[lasagne]] without pricking the top: it explodes.


Everyone is safely shrunk down and inserted into the Dalek through its [[Eye stalk|eyestalk]] and begin exploring the upper levels. The Doctor takes the liberty of introducing the group to the Dalek's artificial memory drive which filters out good memories and reinforces bad ones, calling it "evil refined and turned into a machine". The Dalek calls for the Doctor, to which he responds with a kind greeting and names him Rusty. Wondering what they're going to do, the Doctor tells them that they can't do a medical examination from there. Ross sets up a zip line, causing the Dalek to scream in agony. The Doctor yells at the idiot; the Dalek is a cyborg, a complete living thing. And what happens when a living thing is wounded?
Everyone is safely shrunk down and inserted into the Dalek through its [[Eye stalk|eyestalk]] and begin exploring the upper levels. The Doctor takes the liberty of introducing the group to the Dalek's artificial memory drive which filters out good memories and reinforces bad ones, calling it "evil refined and turned into a machine". The Dalek calls for the Doctor, to which he responds with a kind greeting and names him Rusty. Wondering what they're going to do, the Doctor tells them that they can't do a medical examination from there. Ross sets up a zip line, causing the Dalek to scream in agony. The Doctor yells at Ross; the Dalek is a cyborg, a complete living thing. And what happens when a living thing is wounded?


Antibodies arrive, with the Doctor telling everyone to remain still or they will be tagged as other invading infections. The Doctor tosses Ross a pill, telling him to swallow; however, Ross is still reduced to dust by the antibodies and hoovered up. Journey asks what Ross swallowed, to which the Doctor answers was a spare power cell. He traces it with the [[the Doctor's sonic screwdriver|sonic screwdriver]], running after the eye that swallowed the ash. This leads everyone to a hole, where the Dalek's victims end up. The Doctor tells them that the antibodies won't stop until they're inside, and it's better going in alive than dead. Everyone jumps in, screaming in terror; except the Doctor, who enjoys the slide.
Antibodies arrive, with the Doctor telling everyone to remain still or they will be tagged as other invading infections. The Doctor tosses Ross a pill, telling him to swallow; however, Ross is still reduced to dust by the antibodies and hoovered up. Journey asks what Ross swallowed, to which the Doctor answers was a spare power cell. He traces it with the [[the Doctor's sonic screwdriver|sonic screwdriver]], running after the eye that swallowed the ash. This leads everyone to a hole, where the Dalek's victims end up. The Doctor tells them that the antibodies won't stop until they're inside, and it's better going in alive than dead. Everyone jumps in, screaming in terror; except the Doctor, who enjoys the slide.
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They end up in green goo, which is actually protein made of the victims; the Daleks harvest sometimes to make sure they are nourished. Ross is on the top layer, so the Doctor tells them to say a few words if they like. Journey pins him against a wall, upset at his indifference towards Ross being killed. The Doctor tells her that this is the weakest point in the Dalek's defence system; "nobody guards the dead." He mutters that [[Doctor Who (TV story)|mortuaries]] and [[Deep Breath (TV story)|larders]] are the easiest places to break out of, noting that he's lived a life. Journey informs Morgan of Ross's death.
They end up in green goo, which is actually protein made of the victims; the Daleks harvest sometimes to make sure they are nourished. Ross is on the top layer, so the Doctor tells them to say a few words if they like. Journey pins him against a wall, upset at his indifference towards Ross being killed. The Doctor tells her that this is the weakest point in the Dalek's defence system; "nobody guards the dead." He mutters that [[Doctor Who (TV story)|mortuaries]] and [[Deep Breath (TV story)|larders]] are the easiest places to break out of, noting that he's lived a life. Journey informs Morgan of Ross's death.


The Doctor finds a bolt with a screen in it, undoing the bolt with his sonic. Clara tells Journey and Gretchen that the Doctor will get them out of this if they listen to his instructions; the hardest part is not killing him before he can do so. They enter the passage, which the Doctor says is a decontamination tube, so it's a bit hot.
The Doctor finds a bolt with a screen in it, undoing the bolt with his sonic screwdriver. Clara tells Journey and Gretchen that the Doctor will get them out of this if they listen to his instructions; the hardest part is not killing him before he can do so. They enter the passage, which the Doctor says is a decontamination tube, so it's a bit hot.


They exit the passage, as the Doctor hears a [[Geiger counter]] crackle; it's coming from Gretchen, who hands the scanner to the Doctor. The Doctor explains that he's figured out what's wrong with Rusty, leading them further in. Clara wonders what caused Rusty to change his point of view, to which the Doctor asks it. Rusty explains it saw beauty, endless divine perfection; the birth of a star. The Daleks try wiping out all life in the universe, but "life returns, life prevails. Resistance is futile." They get to the batteries, which the Doctor says are leaking [[radiation]]; it's scrambled the casing's [[memory core]], allowing Rusty's morality. The Doctor seals it off, accidentally causing Rusty to revert back to a normal Dalek and begin genocide.
They exit the passage, as the Doctor hears a [[Geiger counter]] crackle; it's coming from Gretchen, who hands the scanner to the Doctor. The Doctor explains that he's figured out what's wrong with Rusty, leading them further in. Clara wonders what caused Rusty to change his point of view, to which the Doctor asks it. Rusty explains it saw beauty, endless divine perfection; the birth of a star. The Daleks try wiping out all life in the universe, but "life returns, life prevails. Resistance is futile."


Clara notes, however, that some part of the Doctor is actually pleased. She says that this has justified his belief that there is no such thing as a "good" Dalek. Journey and Clara are furious with the Doctor's apathy, causing Clara to slap him hard — and points out to him that what they have learned is ''not'' that there is no such thing as a good Dalek, but that it is ''possible''. Inspired by Clara's words, the Doctor instructs her, Gretchen, and Journey to make their way back to the memory drive and try to restore Rusty's memories of the star while he tries to reason with Rusty.
They get to the batteries, which the Doctor says are leaking [[radiation]]; it's scrambled the casing's [[memory core]], allowing Rusty's morality. The Doctor seals it off, accidentally causing Rusty to revert back to a normal Dalek. Rusty breaks free of his restraints and starts killing the crew of the ''Aristotle''.


Gretchen sacrifices herself to set up a zip line to get Clara and Journey to the memory core while she fends off the antibodies coming after them. Dying from the antibodies, Gretchen finds herself in [[Matrix data slice|Heaven]], where {{Gomez}} introduces herself and offers her tea. Meanwhile, Rusty calls for backup from the Dalek fleet and plots to join in their slaughter of the rebels.
Clara angrily notes that some part of the Doctor is actually pleased, as this has justified his belief that there is no such thing as a "good" Dalek. Clara slaps him and points out that what they have learned is ''not'' that there is no such thing as a good Dalek, but that it is ''possible''. Inspired by Clara's words, the Doctor instructs her, Gretchen, and Journey to make their way back to the memory drive and try to restore Rusty's memories of the star while he tries to reason with Rusty.
 
Gretchen sacrifices herself to set up a zip line to get Clara and Journey to the memory core while she fends off the antibodies coming after them. Dying from the antibodies, Gretchen finds herself in [[Matrix data slice|Heaven]], where [[Missy]] introduces herself and offers her tea. Meanwhile, Rusty calls for backup from the Dalek fleet and plots to join in their slaughter of the rebels.


[[File:Shrunken Twelve at eye level with Rusty.jpg|thumb|The Doctor tries getting Rusty to remember his epiphany.]]
[[File:Shrunken Twelve at eye level with Rusty.jpg|thumb|The Doctor tries getting Rusty to remember his epiphany.]]
Clara is able to [[deduce]] how Rusty's memory core works and reactivates all of his suppressed memories about the star and his realisation about life. The Doctor, meanwhile, is able to form a [[psychic]] link with Rusty and transfer memories to him. The beauty of the universe is shown to Rusty, who is in awe. However, soon, the Doctor's hatred of the Daleks manifests and Rusty sees all the mass-murders the Doctor committed towards the Daleks. Despite the Doctor pleading with Rusty to see beyond that, Rusty is more drawn to the hatred towards Daleks and partially reverts back to its enlightened self.
Clara is able to [[deduce]] how Rusty's memory core works and reactivates all of his suppressed memories about the star and his realisation about life. The Doctor, meanwhile, is able to form a [[psychic]] link with Rusty and transfer memories to him. The beauty of the universe is shown to Rusty, who is in awe. However, soon, the Doctor's hatred of the Daleks manifests and Rusty sees all the mass-murders the Doctor has committed towards the Daleks. Despite the Doctor pleading with Rusty to see beyond that, Rusty is more drawn to the hatred towards Daleks and partially reverts back to its enlightened self.


Rusty destroys the rest of the Daleks on the station and the Doctor, Clara and Journey are returned to their proper size. Rusty has broadcast a retreat signal to the rest of the Daleks, falsely indicating the humans' intention to set the station to self-destruct. Rusty leaves to rejoin its kind, stating it will continue to work against them. Before it goes Rusty disagrees with the Doctor's assessment that there is no such thing as a good Dalek: it says that the Doctor himself is a good Dalek. The Doctor also views it as something of a hollow victory: the Dalek looked into his soul and saw nothing but hatred.
Rusty destroys the rest of the Daleks on the station and the Doctor, Clara and Journey are returned to their proper size. Rusty has broadcast a retreat signal to the rest of the Daleks, falsely indicating the humans' intention to set the station to self-destruct. Rusty leaves to rejoin its kind, stating it will continue to work against them. Before it goes Rusty disagrees with the Doctor's assessment that there is no such thing as a good Dalek: it says that the Doctor himself is a "good Dalek". The Doctor also views the day as something of a hollow victory: Rusty looked into his soul and saw nothing but hatred.


Journey attempts to see the Doctor off when he abruptly begins to depart. She wishes to join him on the TARDIS as a companion, but the Doctor turns her down. While he recognises the good in her under the battle-hardened exterior, he just wishes that she wasn't a soldier. Journey watches with a subdued smile as the Doctor and Clara leave.
Journey attempts to see the Doctor off when he abruptly begins to depart. She wishes to join him on the TARDIS as a companion, but the Doctor turns her down. While he recognises the good in her under the battle-hardened exterior, he just wishes that she wasn't a soldier. Journey watches with a subdued smile as the Doctor and Clara leave.


Clara is returned to Coal Hill School 30 seconds after the Doctor had picked her up, changing into new clothes in the meantime for her evening with Danny. As she leaves, she at last answers the Doctor's question about whether or not he is a good man — while she cannot say for sure that he ''is'' a good man, he tries to be one, which is the important thing. This somewhat reassures the Doctor. She joins Danny for their date, trying not to adopt the Doctor's policy against soldiers.
Clara is returned to Coal Hill School 30 seconds after the Doctor had picked her up, changing into new clothes in the meantime for her evening with Danny. As she leaves, she at last answers the Doctor's question about whether or not he is a good man — while she cannot say for sure that he ''is'' a good man, she notes that he tries to be one, which is the important thing. This somewhat reassures the Doctor.
 
Clara joins Danny for their date, trying not to adopt the Doctor's policy against soldiers.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
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* [[Frank Armitage|Mr Armitage]] - [[Nigel Betts]]
* [[Frank Armitage|Mr Armitage]] - [[Nigel Betts]]
* [[Courtney Woods|Courtney]] - [[Ellis George]]
* [[Courtney Woods|Courtney]] - [[Ellis George]]
* [[Dalek operator|Dalek]] - [[Barnaby Edwards (actor)|Barnaby Edwards]]
* [[Dalek operator|Dalek]] - [[Barnaby Edwards]]
* [[Dalek|Voice of the Daleks]] - [[Nicholas Briggs]]
* [[Dalek|Voice of the Daleks]] - [[Nicholas Briggs]]


=== Uncredited cast ===
=== Uncredited cast ===
* {{Gomez}} - [[Michelle Gomez]]<ref>Gomez' credit is taken from [[TV]]: ''[[Deep Breath (TV story)|Deep Breath]]''</ref>
* [[Missy]] - [[Michelle Gomez]]<ref>Gomez' credit is taken from [[TV]]: ''[[Deep Breath (TV story)|Deep Breath]]''</ref>
* [[Kai Blue]] - [[Jonathan Lloyd]]


== Crew ==
== Crew ==
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|Driver=
|Driver=
|Driver2=
|Driver2=
|AssistantAccountant=Bethan Griffins
|AssistantAccountant=Bethan Griffiths
|AssistantProductionAccountant=
|AssistantProductionAccountant=
|AssistantProductionAccountant2=
|AssistantProductionAccountant2=
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|Carpenter7=Joe Painter
|Carpenter7=Joe Painter
|ChiefPropMaster=
|ChiefPropMaster=
|PropMaster=
|PropMaster=Paul Smith (prop master)
|PropMaster=Paul Smith (prop master)
|PropertyMaster=
|PropertyMaster=
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}}
}}


== References ==
== Worldbuilding ==


=== Individuals ===
=== Individuals ===
* Journey uses the call sign [[Wasp Delta]] while evading the Daleks.
* Journey uses the call sign [[Wasp Delta]] while evading the Daleks.
* [[Beth (Into the Dalek)|Beth]] and [[Cathy (Into the Dalek)|Cathy]] are staff members at the school.
* [[Beth (Into the Dalek)|Beth]] and [[Kathy (Into the Dalek)|Kathy]] are staff members at Coal Hill School.
* When talking to Danny about the meetup, Clara holds a pupil report that has [[Gareth Williams]]' name on it.
* When talking to Danny about the meetup, Clara holds a pupil report that has [[Gareth Williams]]' name on it.


Line 474: Line 481:
* Danny's classroom has a poster of [[quadrilateral]]s.
* Danny's classroom has a poster of [[quadrilateral]]s.


===Daleks===
=== Daleks ===
* A Bronze [[Dalek eyestalk]] is an orifice of its [[casing]] which leads to the [[cranial ledge]].
* A Bronze [[Dalek eyestalk]] is an orifice of its [[casing]] which leads to the [[cranial ledge]].
* [[Bronze Dalek]]s possess a [[cortex vault]], an additional electronic brain, conatining [[memory bank]]s and monitoring their thoughts.
* [[Bronze Dalek]]s possess a [[cortex vault]], an additional electronic brain which contains [[memory bank]]s and monitors their thoughts.
* [[Bronze Dalek]]s have [[Dalek antibody|antibodies]].
* Bronze Daleks have [[Dalek antibody|antibodies]].
* [[Bronze Dalek]]s have an [[organic refuse disposal]] where they store the remains of victims as a [[protein]] source linked to a [[feeding tube]] and [[decontamination tube]]s.
* Bronze Daleks have an [[organic refuse disposal]] where they store the remains of victims as a [[protein]] source linked to a [[feeding tube]] and [[decontamination tube]]s.
* [[Bronze Dalek]]s are powered with [[trionic power cell]]s.
* Bronze Daleks are powered with [[trionic power cell]]s.


== Story notes ==
== Story notes ==
Line 497: Line 504:
=== Production errors ===
=== Production errors ===
* A bouncing cushion is visible inside the remains of an exploding Dalek.
* A bouncing cushion is visible inside the remains of an exploding Dalek.
* The close-up composite shot of the burning effect on the door is visibly pixelated, suggesting the source video is of a lower-quality than the surrounding material.
* When Journey Blue revives in the TARDIS, the dematerialization handles are positioned downward (they are the first things she sees.) When she rises, the handles are in the upward position.


== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
Line 505: Line 514:
* As revealed by the Doctor, Daleks feed on [[protein]], occasionally harvesting it from their victims. [[Davros]] previously converted the bodies on [[Tranquil Repose]] into a synthetic protein food source. ([[TV]]: ''[[Revelation of the Daleks (TV story)|Revelation of the Daleks]]'') Conversely, the original Daleks of Skaro were also shown to subsist on vegetative matter that is pulped and transformed into a gas that is absorbed through their intake valves. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[City of the Daleks (comic story)|City of the Daleks]]'')
* As revealed by the Doctor, Daleks feed on [[protein]], occasionally harvesting it from their victims. [[Davros]] previously converted the bodies on [[Tranquil Repose]] into a synthetic protein food source. ([[TV]]: ''[[Revelation of the Daleks (TV story)|Revelation of the Daleks]]'') Conversely, the original Daleks of Skaro were also shown to subsist on vegetative matter that is pulped and transformed into a gas that is absorbed through their intake valves. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[City of the Daleks (comic story)|City of the Daleks]]'')
* Inside the Dalek, the Doctor says he works better under pressure. ([[TV]]: ''[[Dinosaurs on a Spaceship (TV story)|Dinosaurs on a Spaceship]]'')
* Inside the Dalek, the Doctor says he works better under pressure. ([[TV]]: ''[[Dinosaurs on a Spaceship (TV story)|Dinosaurs on a Spaceship]]'')
* "[[Rusty (Into the Dalek)|Rusty]]" tells the Doctor that he is a "good [[Dalek]]". The "[[Metaltron]]" encountered by the [[Ninth Doctor]] previously told him that he "would make a good Dalek." ([[TV]]: ''[[Dalek (TV story)|Dalek]]'')
* "[[Rusty (Into the Dalek)|Rusty]]" tells the Doctor that he is a "good [[Dalek]]". The "[[Metaltron]]" encountered by the [[Ninth Doctor]] previously told him that he "would make a good Dalek". ([[TV]]: ''[[Dalek (TV story)|Dalek]]'')
* Rusty sees the destruction of numerous Daleks and also the [[Crucible]] when looking into the Doctor's mind. ([[TV]]: ''[[Journey's End (TV story)|Journey's End]]'')
* Rusty sees the destruction of numerous Daleks and also the [[Crucible]] when looking into the Doctor's mind. ([[TV]]: ''[[Journey's End (TV story)|Journey's End]]'')
* The [[Second Doctor]] once made "good Daleks" by converting them with the [[Human Factor]], even giving them names. Due to the introduction of human thought processes, they questioned the other Daleks, leading to a riot after which the Daleks were destroyed. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Evil of the Daleks (TV story)|The Evil of the Daleks]]'')
* The [[Second Doctor]] once made "good Daleks" by converting them with the [[Human Factor]], even giving them names. Due to the introduction of human thought processes, they questioned the other Daleks, leading to a riot after which the Daleks were destroyed. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Evil of the Daleks (TV story)|The Evil of the Daleks]]'')
Line 514: Line 523:
* The Doctor recalls his first encounter with the [[Dalek]]s on [[Skaro]], ([[TV]]: ''[[The Daleks (TV story)|The Daleks]]'') and comments on how that experience shaped his identity. In his [[Seventh Doctor|seventh incarnation]], he believed in his darkest thoughts that he was responsible for the Daleks actions because they didn't know of other worlds before he came to Skaro. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Lights of Skaro (audio story)|the Lights of Skaro]]'')
* The Doctor recalls his first encounter with the [[Dalek]]s on [[Skaro]], ([[TV]]: ''[[The Daleks (TV story)|The Daleks]]'') and comments on how that experience shaped his identity. In his [[Seventh Doctor|seventh incarnation]], he believed in his darkest thoughts that he was responsible for the Daleks actions because they didn't know of other worlds before he came to Skaro. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Lights of Skaro (audio story)|the Lights of Skaro]]'')
* Rusty mingles the ideas of beauty and hatred, a similar comment having been made by the [[Prime Minister of the Daleks]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Asylum of the Daleks (TV story)|Asylum of the Daleks]]'')
* Rusty mingles the ideas of beauty and hatred, a similar comment having been made by the [[Prime Minister of the Daleks]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Asylum of the Daleks (TV story)|Asylum of the Daleks]]'')
* After the Dalek antibodies seemingly kill Gretchen, she encounters {{Gomez}}, who welcomes her to "[[Nethersphere|Heaven]]". ([[TV]]: ''[[Deep Breath (TV story)|Deep Breath]]'')
* After the Dalek antibodies seemingly kill Gretchen, she encounters [[Missy]], who welcomes her to "[[Nethersphere|Heaven]]". ([[TV]]: ''[[Deep Breath (TV story)|Deep Breath]]'')
* Despite her request, the Doctor refuses to allow Journey Blue to travel with him, much as he did when [[Lady Christina de Souza]] asked the same. ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Dead (TV story)|Planet of the Dead]]'')
* Despite her request, the Doctor refuses to allow Journey Blue to travel with him, much as he did when [[Lady Christina de Souza]] asked the same. ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Dead (TV story)|Planet of the Dead]]'')
* Danny Pink retiring from the army to teach mathematics mirrors what [[Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart]] did upon retiring from [[UNIT]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Mawdryn Undead (TV story)|Mawdryn Undead]]'')
* Danny Pink retiring from the army to teach mathematics mirrors what [[Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart]] did upon retiring from [[UNIT]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Mawdryn Undead (TV story)|Mawdryn Undead]]'')
* The Doctor berates Ross with, "You idiot!" after he uses a weapon to act without thinking and jeopardises everyone else's safety. The Eleventh Doctor did the same to when [[Lieutenant]] [[Stepashin]] used a [[cattle prod]] on [[Grand Marshall]] [[Skaldak]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Cold War (TV story)|Cold War]]'')
* The Doctor berates Ross with, "You idiot!" after he uses a weapon to act without thinking and jeopardises everyone else's safety. The Eleventh Doctor did the same to when [[Lieutenant]] [[Stepashin]] used a [[cattle prod]] on [[Grand Marshall]] [[Skaldak]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Cold War (TV story)|Cold War]]'')
* The "Break the Silence" poster about school bullying that appeared outside the headmaster's office in [[Leadworth]] also appears on the wall in the supply closet behind the Doctor. ([[TV]]: ''[[Let's Kill Hitler (TV story)|Let's Kill Hitler]]'')
* The "Break the Silence" poster about school bullying that appeared outside the headmaster's office in [[Leadworth]] also appears on the wall in the supply closet behind the Doctor. ([[TV]]: ''[[Let's Kill Hitler (TV story)|Let's Kill Hitler]]'')
* The Twelfth Doctor questions his morality. Right before the [[Sixth Doctor]]'s conscious identity of who he was and what he stood for faded out of existence after inducing his own regeneration, he decided to let go of his moral restraints and hesitations, ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Brink of Death (audio story)|The Brink of Death]]'') giving rise to the much more manipulative [[Seventh Doctor]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Remembrance of the Daleks (TV story)|Remembrance of the Daleks]]'') The [[Eighth Doctor]] took this a step further and let go of the name of the Doctor to become a warrior, regenerating into the aggressive and uncompromising [[War Doctor]] ([[TV]]: ''[[The Night of the Doctor (TV story)|The Night of the Doctor]]'') who no longer made promises to people. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Four Doctors (comic story)|Four Doctors]]''). After forgetting how he saved [[Gallifrey]], the Ninth Doctor showed a higher level of aggression and darkness than his predecessors. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'') Similarly, the [[Tenth Doctor]] turned unwilling to give anyone second chances shortly after regenerating. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Christmas Invasion (TV story)|The Christmas Invasion]]'')
* The Twelfth Doctor questions his morality. Right before the [[Sixth Doctor]]'s conscious identity of who he was and what he stood for faded out of existence after inducing his own regeneration, he decided to let go of his moral restraints and hesitations, ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Brink of Death (audio story)|The Brink of Death]]'') giving rise to the much more manipulative [[Seventh Doctor]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Remembrance of the Daleks (TV story)|Remembrance of the Daleks]]'') The [[Eighth Doctor]] took this a step further and let go of the name of the Doctor to become a warrior, regenerating into the aggressive and uncompromising [[War Doctor]] ([[TV]]: ''[[The Night of the Doctor (TV story)|The Night of the Doctor]]'') who no longer made promises to people. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Four Doctors (comic story)|Four Doctors]]'') After forgetting how he saved [[Gallifrey]], the Ninth Doctor showed a higher level of aggression and darkness than his predecessors. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'') Similarly, the [[Tenth Doctor]] turned unwilling to give anyone second chances shortly after regenerating. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Christmas Invasion (TV story)|The Christmas Invasion]]'') His self-questioning of "Am I a good man?", and Clara's response, also invokes the philosophy of [[Marcus Aurelius]], as taught by Aurelius fan Clara to her students ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'', [[TV]]: ''[[Deep Breath (TV story)|Deep Breath]]'').
* According to [[Dalek: The Astounding Untold History of the Greatest Enemies of the Universe]], the Daleks launch the war seen in this story immediately after the events of [[TV]]: ''[[Death to the Daleks (TV story)|Death to the Daleks]].''
* Danny insults the Cadet Corps by saying, "I've never seen such a miserable bunch!" This is an inversion of the Second Doctor's comment on his choice of regenerations: "I've never seen such an incredible bunch!" ([[TV]]: ''[[The War Games (TV story)|The War Games]]'')
 


== Home video releases ==
== Home video releases ==
===  DVD releases ===
=== DVD & Blu-ray releases ===
* Doctor Who: Series 8 Boxset
[[File:Complete 8th Series UK Cover.jpg|thumb|Series Full Box-set Region 2]]
 
* ''Into the Dalek'' was released as part of [[Series 8 (Doctor Who 2005)|the Complete Eighth Series]] DVD and Blu-ray boxsets in region 1/A on [[9 December (releases)|9 December]] [[2014 (releases)|2014]], in region 2/B on [[24 November (releases)|24 November]] 2014 and in region 4/B on [[19 November (releases)|19 November]] 2014.
=== Blu-ray releases ===
* It was later included in the Series 8, Part One DVD boxset in region 1 on [[20 September (releases)|20 September]] [[2016 (releases)|2016]].
* Doctor Who: Series 8 Blu-ray Boxset


=== Digital releases ===
=== Digital releases ===
* The episode was released on Google Play, iTunes and Amazon Instant Video in HD or SD, also available as part of the Series 8 digital boxset. The digital boxset contains various features: trailer, interviews, ''The Ultimate Companion, The Ultimate Time Lord, Inside the World Tour'' and ''[[Doctor Who Extra]]'' episodes for each episode.
* The episode was released on Google Play, iTunes and Amazon Instant Video in HD or SD, also available as part of the Series 8 digital boxset. The digital boxset contains various features: trailer, interviews, ''The Ultimate Companion, The Ultimate Time Lord, Inside the World Tour'' and ''[[Doctor Who Extra]]'' episodes for each episode.
* In the US, the series was released through digital streaming services Hulu and Netflix with a subscription.
* In the US, the series was released through digital streaming services Hulu and Netflix with a subscription.
* In the United Kingdom, this story is available on [[BBC iPlayer]].


== External links ==
== External links ==
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{{DWTV}}
{{DWTV}}
{{Dalek stories}}
{{Dalek stories}}
{{Master stories}}
{{Missy stories}}
{{TitleSort}}
{{TitleSort}}


[[Category:Dalek television stories]]
[[Category:Stories set at Coal Hill School]]
[[Category:Series 8 (Doctor Who) stories]]
[[Category:Missy television stories]]
[[Category:Stories set in the Nethersphere]]
[[Category:Stories set in the 2010s]]


[[cs:Do Daleka (TV příběh)]]
[[de:265 - Into the Dalek]]
[[de:265 - Into the Dalek]]
[[es:Into the Dalek]]
[[es:Into the Dalek]]
[[fr:Into the Dalek (TV)]]
[[fr:Into the Dalek (TV)]]
[[pt:Into the Dalek]]
[[pt:Into the Dalek]]
[[cs:Do Daleka (TV příběh)]]
[[Category:Dalek television stories]]
[[Category:Stories set at Coal Hill School]]
[[Category:Series 8 (Doctor Who) stories]]
[[Category:The Master television stories]]
[[Category:Stories set in the Nethersphere]]
[[Category:Stories set in the 2010s]]

Latest revision as of 10:39, 4 September 2024

RealWorld.png

Into the Dalek was the second episode of series 8 of Doctor Who.

It marked the Twelfth Doctor's first encounter with the Daleks. Danny Pink is also introduced in this episode, as well as his background of being an ex-soldier. However, he doesn't interact with the Doctor yet. Also making his first appearance is Coal Hill School headmaster Mr. Armitage, who would be a recurring character in Doctor Who and its spin-off Class.

Featuring the Doctor and Clara leading a miniaturised team inside a Dalek, this story originated as a pitch by Steven Moffat for a Doctor Who video game before deciding to save the idea for an episode, handing it over to Phil Ford. (DOC: Into the Dalek)

The episode explores the Doctor questioning whether or not he is a "good man", which would be a recurring theme addressed in Series 8. The episode also shows the Doctor's first encounter with the Daleks after the Siege of Trenzalore, with the Doctor's hatred for the Daleks shown to have intensified.

Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]

Surrounded by his greatest enemies, the newest Doctor will journey into the most dangerous place in all of the universe. With the limits of his compassion being tested, the Doctor will be forced to ask a question about himself that he doesn't know: "Am I a good man?"

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

Journey Blue's ship is being shot at by a Dalek ship, and her brother Kai is unconscious. She tries calling for help but gets no response from the rest of her team as the Dalek ship closes in. The Dalek ship fires a powerful blast at Journey's vessel and she screams in terror as everything begins blowing up around her.

She awakens, finding herself in the TARDIS console room. The Doctor stares at her silently, holding coffee. Grabbing her gun, Journey demands to know what is going on, as she examines the control room to see if anyone else is there. The Doctor explains that he materialised his time capsule around her the moment of the explosion, saving her. Journey tells him her brother just died; the Doctor retorts that Kai's sister didn't, so she should take some peace in that.

Angered, Journey points her gun at the Doctor. He asks her to put her weapon away because she might shoot him. When Journey says it will put her in control of his vessel, the Doctor laughs, telling her she'd "starve to death looking for the light-switch". She demands to be brought back to her command ship, the Aristotle, which is hidden behind an asteroid. However, the Doctor does not do so until Journey puts down her gun and asks politely.

The TARDIS lands inside the ship and the pair depart. The Doctor notes that the Aristotle is a space hospital. Other soldiers arrive and are grateful for the Doctor for saving Journey, but they plan to kill him regardless, to maintain the security of the base. Journey points out that they have need of a physician, however.

"Doc... tor?"

Journey's uncle, Colonel Morgan Blue shows the Doctor to a medical wing. The Doctor asks why a hospital needs a doctor, to which Morgan explains that the Aristotle wasn't always hidden; the Daleks got to it first. Passing a capsule, the Doctor immediately recognises it as shrinking technology. Morgan confirms that the Doctor will be shrunk down and inserted into the patient. Morgan then brings the Doctor to a set of doors, introducing the Doctor to his patient: a Dalek!

Meanwhile, at Coal Hill School, a new Maths teacher, Danny Pink, a war veteran, meets with some students, the Coal Hill Cadet Squad, in the courtyard. Clara Oswald and he briefly catch each other's eye. Later, Danny is ending a class when one of his students asks if he has ever killed anyone. The rest of the students groan, and Danny implies that as a soldier, he may have killed enemy soldiers. The student persists by asking if he ever killed anyone who was not a soldier. Danny does not answer, but a lone tear appears in his eye as he dismisses class. Sometime later, Danny is properly introduced to Clara, who recalls having seen him in the yard earlier. She then asks if he is going to another colleague's event later, which he indicates that he is not. Having awkwardly turned down her subsequent invitation for a drink, he verbally berates himself later once he has returned to his classroom. Unbeknownst to him, Clara has overheard him. Given another chance, he now accepts her invitation to have a drink.

Entering a supply cupboard, Clara is greeted by the Doctor standing there with the takeaway coffee she sent him for three weeks ago. The Doctor apologises, telling Clara that he got distracted. She asks by what, to which he says they can always find something and heads to the TARDIS. Clara tries to stop him, but the Doctor grimly says he needs her help.

They enter the TARDIS, with the Doctor muttering to himself; he sits on the stairs. Clara sits with him, noticing that he's scared; the Doctor tells her that he's terrified. When asked by what, the Doctor tells her it's the answer to the question he's about to ask; it needs to be well-thought, considered and without restraint. Sipping her coffee, Clara hears the Doctor's question "Am I a good man?" Stunned, Clara tells him that she doesn't know. Sighing, the Doctor admits that he doesn't know either. He heads to the controls, telling Clara that he needs her for what he's about to do next. When asked where they're going, the Doctor replies "into darkness" and they leave for to the Aristotle.

A flashback shows the Doctor asking how the Dalek knows who he is as he's yet to run into them in his current incarnation. Morgan tells the Doctor that the Dalek doesn't know who he is; they promised it medical assistance. Journey explains they found the Dalek floating in space, deactivated; they didn't know there was a living thing inside until they tried to open it up. The Doctor asks the Dalek why he should help it. It states that Daleks will die; the Doctor tells it to die all it wants and heads to leave. The Dalek then states that its own kind must be destroyed. Annoyed, the Doctor turns around to mock it but realises what it just said and asks the Dalek to repeat itself. The Dalek declares that its kind is evil and must be destroyed.

Back in the TARDIS, Clara finishes her coffee, considering the idea of a moral Dalek. The Doctor tells her that there is no such thing. Clara notes that's very inflexible thinking for him, even prejudice. Smiling to himself, the Doctor asks if he pays Clara for being his companion, noting that she deserves a raise. Clara smiles broadly, telling the Doctor that he's not her boss; he's one of her hobbies.

Back on the Aristotle, the Doctor returns with Clara, mere moments after he left. He introduces Clara to Journey and Morgan but has forgotten their names. He introduces Clara as his "carer"; she cares so he doesn't have to. The Doctor greets the Dalek again, telling it he will do his best to help him; a Dalek so damaged that it's developed a conscience, how could he resist? Clara wonders how they are going to do help the Dalek, to which the Doctor tells her; they are literally getting inside its head.

The group, consisting of the Doctor, Clara, Journey and two other rebel soldiers, Ross and Gretchen are to be shrunken down and inserted into the Dalek. The Doctor is against having armed babysitters with them but calms down when he's informed they're only there to kill him and Clara if they turn out to spies. When warned not to hold her breath when being shrunk, Clara asks why; the Doctor explains it's like microwaving lasagne without pricking the top: it explodes.

Everyone is safely shrunk down and inserted into the Dalek through its eyestalk and begin exploring the upper levels. The Doctor takes the liberty of introducing the group to the Dalek's artificial memory drive which filters out good memories and reinforces bad ones, calling it "evil refined and turned into a machine". The Dalek calls for the Doctor, to which he responds with a kind greeting and names him Rusty. Wondering what they're going to do, the Doctor tells them that they can't do a medical examination from there. Ross sets up a zip line, causing the Dalek to scream in agony. The Doctor yells at Ross; the Dalek is a cyborg, a complete living thing. And what happens when a living thing is wounded?

Antibodies arrive, with the Doctor telling everyone to remain still or they will be tagged as other invading infections. The Doctor tosses Ross a pill, telling him to swallow; however, Ross is still reduced to dust by the antibodies and hoovered up. Journey asks what Ross swallowed, to which the Doctor answers was a spare power cell. He traces it with the sonic screwdriver, running after the eye that swallowed the ash. This leads everyone to a hole, where the Dalek's victims end up. The Doctor tells them that the antibodies won't stop until they're inside, and it's better going in alive than dead. Everyone jumps in, screaming in terror; except the Doctor, who enjoys the slide.

They end up in green goo, which is actually protein made of the victims; the Daleks harvest sometimes to make sure they are nourished. Ross is on the top layer, so the Doctor tells them to say a few words if they like. Journey pins him against a wall, upset at his indifference towards Ross being killed. The Doctor tells her that this is the weakest point in the Dalek's defence system; "nobody guards the dead." He mutters that mortuaries and larders are the easiest places to break out of, noting that he's lived a life. Journey informs Morgan of Ross's death.

The Doctor finds a bolt with a screen in it, undoing the bolt with his sonic screwdriver. Clara tells Journey and Gretchen that the Doctor will get them out of this if they listen to his instructions; the hardest part is not killing him before he can do so. They enter the passage, which the Doctor says is a decontamination tube, so it's a bit hot.

They exit the passage, as the Doctor hears a Geiger counter crackle; it's coming from Gretchen, who hands the scanner to the Doctor. The Doctor explains that he's figured out what's wrong with Rusty, leading them further in. Clara wonders what caused Rusty to change his point of view, to which the Doctor asks it. Rusty explains it saw beauty, endless divine perfection; the birth of a star. The Daleks try wiping out all life in the universe, but "life returns, life prevails. Resistance is futile."

They get to the batteries, which the Doctor says are leaking radiation; it's scrambled the casing's memory core, allowing Rusty's morality. The Doctor seals it off, accidentally causing Rusty to revert back to a normal Dalek. Rusty breaks free of his restraints and starts killing the crew of the Aristotle.

Clara angrily notes that some part of the Doctor is actually pleased, as this has justified his belief that there is no such thing as a "good" Dalek. Clara slaps him and points out that what they have learned is not that there is no such thing as a good Dalek, but that it is possible. Inspired by Clara's words, the Doctor instructs her, Gretchen, and Journey to make their way back to the memory drive and try to restore Rusty's memories of the star while he tries to reason with Rusty.

Gretchen sacrifices herself to set up a zip line to get Clara and Journey to the memory core while she fends off the antibodies coming after them. Dying from the antibodies, Gretchen finds herself in Heaven, where Missy introduces herself and offers her tea. Meanwhile, Rusty calls for backup from the Dalek fleet and plots to join in their slaughter of the rebels.

The Doctor tries getting Rusty to remember his epiphany.

Clara is able to deduce how Rusty's memory core works and reactivates all of his suppressed memories about the star and his realisation about life. The Doctor, meanwhile, is able to form a psychic link with Rusty and transfer memories to him. The beauty of the universe is shown to Rusty, who is in awe. However, soon, the Doctor's hatred of the Daleks manifests and Rusty sees all the mass-murders the Doctor has committed towards the Daleks. Despite the Doctor pleading with Rusty to see beyond that, Rusty is more drawn to the hatred towards Daleks and partially reverts back to its enlightened self.

Rusty destroys the rest of the Daleks on the station and the Doctor, Clara and Journey are returned to their proper size. Rusty has broadcast a retreat signal to the rest of the Daleks, falsely indicating the humans' intention to set the station to self-destruct. Rusty leaves to rejoin its kind, stating it will continue to work against them. Before it goes Rusty disagrees with the Doctor's assessment that there is no such thing as a good Dalek: it says that the Doctor himself is a "good Dalek". The Doctor also views the day as something of a hollow victory: Rusty looked into his soul and saw nothing but hatred.

Journey attempts to see the Doctor off when he abruptly begins to depart. She wishes to join him on the TARDIS as a companion, but the Doctor turns her down. While he recognises the good in her under the battle-hardened exterior, he just wishes that she wasn't a soldier. Journey watches with a subdued smile as the Doctor and Clara leave.

Clara is returned to Coal Hill School 30 seconds after the Doctor had picked her up, changing into new clothes in the meantime for her evening with Danny. As she leaves, she at last answers the Doctor's question about whether or not he is a good man — while she cannot say for sure that he is a good man, she notes that he tries to be one, which is the important thing. This somewhat reassures the Doctor.

Clara joins Danny for their date, trying not to adopt the Doctor's policy against soldiers.

Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]

Uncredited cast[[edit] | [edit source]]

Crew[[edit] | [edit source]]

General production staff

Script department

Camera and lighting department

Art department

Costume department

Make-up and prosthetics

Movement

Casting

General post-production staff

Special and visual effects

Sound



Not every person who worked on this adventure was credited. The absence of a credit for a position doesn't necessarily mean the job wasn't required. The information above is based solely on observations of the actual end credits of the episodes as broadcast, and does not relay information from IMDB or other sources.


Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]

Individuals[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Journey uses the call sign Wasp Delta while evading the Daleks.
  • Beth and Kathy are staff members at Coal Hill School.
  • When talking to Danny about the meetup, Clara holds a pupil report that has Gareth Williams' name on it.

Technology[[edit] | [edit source]]

Mathematics[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • In the TARDIS console room there is a blackboard, written with chalk, full of obscure calculations.
  • Danny's classroom has a poster of quadrilaterals.

Daleks[[edit] | [edit source]]

Story notes[[edit] | [edit source]]

Into the Dalek Character Options playset.

Ratings[[edit] | [edit source]]

Filming locations[[edit] | [edit source]]

Production errors[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • A bouncing cushion is visible inside the remains of an exploding Dalek.
  • The close-up composite shot of the burning effect on the door is visibly pixelated, suggesting the source video is of a lower-quality than the surrounding material.
  • When Journey Blue revives in the TARDIS, the dematerialization handles are positioned downward (they are the first things she sees.) When she rises, the handles are in the upward position.

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]


Home video releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

DVD & Blu-ray releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

Series Full Box-set Region 2

Digital releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The episode was released on Google Play, iTunes and Amazon Instant Video in HD or SD, also available as part of the Series 8 digital boxset. The digital boxset contains various features: trailer, interviews, The Ultimate Companion, The Ultimate Time Lord, Inside the World Tour and Doctor Who Extra episodes for each episode.
  • In the US, the series was released through digital streaming services Hulu and Netflix with a subscription.
  • In the United Kingdom, this story is available on BBC iPlayer.

External links[[edit] | [edit source]]

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  1. ↑ Gomez' credit is taken from TV: Deep Breath
  2. ↑ http://racheltalalay.tumblr.com/post/125498345964/hello-rachel-i-want-to-know-if-you-directed-any#notes
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TV Movie: 1996
Specials: 2013
Minisodes
 
Series 1: Christopher Eccleston
Series 1: 2005
Regular episodes
 
Series 2-4: David Tennant
Series 2: 2005-2006
Minisode
Christmas Special
Regular episodes
Series 3: 2006-2007
Christmas Special
Regular episodes
Animated special
Series 4: 2007-2010
Minisode
Christmas Special
Regular episodes
Minisodes
Animated special
Seasonal specials
 
Series 5-2013 specials: Matt Smith
Series 5: 2010
Regular episodes
Series 6: 2010-2011
Christmas Special
Minisodes
Regular episodes
(Part 1: Apr 2011)
Regular episodes
(Part 2: Aug 2011)
Minisode
Series 7: 2011-2013
Christmas Special
Minisodes
Regular episodes
(Part 1: 2012)
Minisode
Christmas Special
Regular episodes
(Part 2: 2013)
Specials: 2013
 
Series 8-10: Peter Capaldi
Series 8: 2014
Regular episodes
Series 9: 2014-2015
Christmas Special
Minisode
Regular episodes
Christmas Special
Series 10: 2016-2017
Christmas Special
Regular episodes
Christmas Special
 
Series 11-13: Jodie Whittaker
Series 11: 2018-2019
Regular episodes
New Year Special
Series 12: 2020-2021
Regular episodes
New Year Special
Series 13: 2021
Minisodes
Regular episodes
Seasonal specials
 
60th Anniversary Specials: David Tennant
Specials: 2023
Minisodes
60th Anniversary Specials
 
Season 1 (2023)-present: Ncuti Gatwa
Season 1: 2023-2024
Christmas Special
Regular episodes
v • e
Dalek television stories
For the purposes of this list, a "Dalek story" is one in which one living, authentic Dalek plays a part within the confines of the story, outside of flashbacks to previous stories and cliffhangers that lead into the following story. For this reason, stories such as The Space Museum are not counted due to the Daleks' appearance being defined by their importance to following stories, while stories such as The Wheel in Space and The Waters of Mars are absent due to the Daleks' only contribution being references to past Dalek stories. Stories like The Wedding of River Song, Hell Bent, Once, Upon Time and The Vanquishers are also not included due to the Daleks' appearance being restricted to a single scene of no consequence to the plot of the story, while the TV movie is also absent due to the Daleks only being heard from off-screen.
First Doctor era
Dr. Who films
Second Doctor era
Third Doctor era
Fourth Doctor era
Fifth Doctor era
Sixth Doctor era
Seventh Doctor era
The "Wilderness Years"
Ninth Doctor era
Tenth Doctor era
Eleventh Doctor era
Twelfth Doctor era
Thirteenth Doctor era
Fourteenth Doctor era
Fifteenth Doctor era
Because of the ubiquity of this race, no attempt will be made here to list every appearance in every medium. Instead, we focus on televised appearances here, and invite you to explore a complete list of appearances elsewhere.
v • e
Missy stories
Television
Webcast
Audio
Missy
Prose
The Missy
Chronicles
Comics
Video games
Considered
not part
of the DWU
* Substantial appearances only; see a full list of appearances here
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