Dalek saucer commander (The Dalek Invasion of Earth)
A Dalek saucer commander, or spaceship commander, (PROSE: Dalek Combat Training Manual) was the designated commander of the Dalek flying saucer during the 2150s Dalek invasion of Earth.
Biography[[edit] | [edit source]]
In Bedfordshire, the First Doctor encountered the saucer commander, which served as the second-in-command to the Supreme Controller. Unlike Dalek drones, the Saucer Commander had a unique casing featuring a black dome and alternating black-and-silver panels on the base unit. The commander, along with the Supreme Dalek and the Dalek fleet, was destroyed at the climax of the invasion by the uprush from the exploding penetrative explosive capsule. (TV: The Dalek Invasion of Earth)
Legacy[[edit] | [edit source]]
The Dalek Survival Guide was aware of unconfirmed reports which suggested that the Black Dalek Supreme of the Dalek Invasion Force had alternate black-and-silver base sections, but also acknowledged that it was "possible" that this referred to a different Dalek in charge of a Dalek Saucer. A report was also acknowledged stating that this Dalek was red rather than black. In version of history "B", a red Saucer-Pilot Dalek served in the Invasion Force during the 2150 Dalek invasion of Earth. (PROSE: Dalek Survival Guide)
Behind the scenes[[edit] | [edit source]]
Prop[[edit] | [edit source]]
The prop for the saucer commander is the same prop for the Supreme Controller, one of the four originally constructed for use in The Daleks. The production team didn't paint it in time for the show as seen during the attack on the saucer — the Commander went in but the Supreme came out — for it was not seen during the second part of part 2 and the rest of the episode.[1]
Colour scheme[[edit] | [edit source]]
The colour scheme used for the saucer commander has not reappeared in any subsequent televised episodes to date. However, the "Dalek Patrol Ship" sets released in 2014 included an exclusive 3.75-inch bronze "Dalek pilot" figurine bearing a black dome and alternating black "skirt" panels identical to the colour scheme of the saucer commander. This design was later adapted to the cover of What Lies Inside? by James Johnson.
Theatrical adaptation[[edit] | [edit source]]
In the remake of The Dalek Invasion of Earth starring Peter Cushing, the saucer commander's role is taken up by the Red Dalek.
Invalid sources[[edit] | [edit source]]
The Dalek Handbook's list of Dalek paradigms, by real world appearance, counts the Dalek Earthforce as their own paradigm following the Skaro City Daleks and preceding the "Type III" Silver Daleks.
