Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks - A Critical Analysis

“Revolution of the Daleks,” the 2021 New Year’s Day special, presents a rollercoaster of engaging moments mixed with major disappointments. Here’s a critical analysis of the episode, focusing on the script’s narrative flaws and character development issues.

The Case for and Against Revolution of the Daleks

Chris Chibnall, the showrunner, is known for his unique narrative style that often sequesters the Doctor into “shooty-bang-bang” and “let’s-calmly-talk-about-our-feelings” scenes. In Revolution of the Daleks, these two elements remain as distant as ever, creating a considerable disconnect in the storyline.

Isolation of Emotional and Action Scenes

The episode’s story is divided into unrelated segments, with little interplay between emotional scenes and action. This disjointed narrative style, while potentially therapeutic for characters, feels lackluster in terms of drama. Emotions that should arise from the action scenes are artificially created, leading to a superficial textural discordance.

Linear Plotting and Thinner-Than-Thin Characters

Chibnall’s story arcs are unoriginal, with the Daleks’ self-replication being the only narrative device used. Introduction of new characters like IT whiz Leo and soon-to-be-PM Jo is a missed opportunity. These characters, like the rest, are critically underdeveloped, failing to provide depth or engaging character arcs. Their roles in the narrative feel ephemeral and serve only to fulfill plot requirements, rendering them expendable much like in previous episodes.

Criticisms and Distractions

The episode’s structure is riddled with unnecessary complications and detours that distract from the core plot. For instance, the prologue featuring the Dalek from the previous special is overly complex and tedious, lacking any substantial character development.

Character Depth and Action Unfulfilled

Aside from Jodie Whittaker and a few sporadic opportunities for lesser-known characters, there’s little room for growth or meaningful conflict. Mr. Big, played by Chris Noth, delivers a memorable but ultimately unsatisfying scene, further highlighting the script’s shortcomings. The resolution, while neat, is too easy and brief, failing to address the enormous loss of life and societal upheaval caused by the Daleks.

Director and Writer Insight

Director Lee Haven Jones manages to keep the episode dynamic, and Jodie Whittaker does what she can within limited script opportunities. However, the script itself is a major letdown. Chris Chibnall’s ability to write substantive narratives is overshadowed by his tendency to revert to formulaic writing, guided by the need to indulge in action scenes rather than character development or meaningful storytelling.

Character Challenges and Future Outlook

The supporting cast’s reaction to the Doctor’s return is arbitrary and random. The decision of characters to leave or stay on in the TARDIS is underdeveloped, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. This storyline, which initially appeared promising, ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive narrative or emotional payoff.

Conclusion

While Revolution of the Daleks has some flashes of brilliance, it’s undone by its structural and narrative shortcomings. Chibnall’s reliance on overused tropes and weaknesses in character development detract from the episode’s potential. It’s a compelling watch nonetheless, but only for those who are keen on seeing how Chibnall’s writing style has evolved (or, in this case, not evolved).

Rating: 2/5