In 2005 "Dalek" managed to make the Daleks frightening again. Not that the Daleks had ceased to be an inspired and fearsome creation for a legion of devoted fans. Through fiction, graphic novels and audio adventures, the Daleks had continued their war against anything un-Dalek. Only on television had their impact been reduced by the dreaded "Gay Daleks" of Victor Lewis-Smith's "TV Offal" and even an appearance in a Kit-Kat advert.
With "Dalek", the diminutive metal terrors were back with a vengeance. Or rather, to be strictly correct, one Dalek was. This "last Dalek" showed the fans what they'd known all along - that one, solitary, lonely Dalek is more dangerous than an army of armed humans.
Robert Shearman's script is tight and director Joe Ahearne leaves no time for boredom to set in. This is a return to classic "Who". No frills, no laughs, just solid, gripping story-telling.
Christopher Eccleston's Doctor is clearly more than a little upset to see the Dalek. In fact, the 9th Doctor's reaction creates a dilemma for his companion, Rose. This is a Doctor pushed to the very edge of his patience and sanity, and it's not a pretty sight.
This episode managed the seemingly impossible and made the audience actually care about the Dalek. Its appearance in the final scene, revealed without its protective polycarbide-armoured shell, is unforgettable.
Early in the episode, there's an Aladdin's cave of artifacts for the keen viewer to search for old, familiar props. No prizes, though, for those who recognised the classic "Invasion"-style Cyberman head! Excellent television and a genuine wish come true for many fans.