Revelation of the Daleks Part Two

The one where the Daleks fight among themselves...

The huge tombstone wasn't a tombstone at all, but actually a polystyrene replica filled with fake blood. It's not clear why there's a polystyrene tombstone of the Doctor in the grounds of Tranquil Repose. Maybe Davros put it there for a laugh? Before she discovers it's all a hoax, the grieving Peri has to contend with the creepy attentions of chief embalmer Jobel, who has taken a shine to her. "Be calm, be calm," he moons. "Someone as pretty as you shouldn't be all of a fluster... I like pretty things, and you are very pretty, aren't you?" Clive Swift makes Jobel uncomfortably creepy, looking Peri up and down like a piece of meat, a lascivious desire in his eyes. And all the while he's walking around wielding a pair of forceps... However, I like the way Peri manages to ditch the little creep when he takes her to see the DJ, written and performed with a nice pinch of wit.

PERI: Well, thanks for showing me the way.

JOBEL: Those rose red ruby lips were made for kissing.

PERI: But not by you!

JOBEL: I love a woman who plays hard to get.

PERI: Then you'll love me to death.

Revelation of the Daleks Part One

The one where Davros is in charge of a funeral home...

What a beautiful opening sequence! Closely echoing the way director Graeme Harper opened The Caves of Androzani, we begin by hurtling down towards a planet as we hear the grinding materialisation of the TARDIS. Only this time, the police box doesn't appear in a sandy wasteland, but amid a snowy landscape. Who knew how beautiful the TARDIS could look surrounded by thick rolling snow, laced with wisps of fog? It's a stunning opening salvo from one of Doctor Who's all-time snazziest directors.

Putting Peri, and especially the Doctor, in the funerary colours of the planet Necros helps the viewer to focus on the story and performances, now that the Doctor's migraine-inducing coat is covered up. Colin Baker looks splendid in purple (actually, he'd probably look splendid in any one colour, rather than 17). It's a pity Peri insists on wearing heels though, not the most practical way to navigate snowdrifts, but her little beret is quite sweet. And boy, does it look cold!