The Dalek Emperor requires access to the Library of Isos…

One of the most keenly anticipated elements of the Time Lord Victorious saga is this short series of YouTube animations featuring Terry Nation’s creations in a tale that focuses purely on them, rather than the Doctor. Think the TV21 strips in tone and ambition but made with 21st century animation techniques.

Vocally it’s a two-hander pretty much for Nicholas Briggs and Ayesha Antoine, with the former giving the key Daleks very different characteristics. Those who’ve heard the second Big Finish Time Lord Victorious play have had a preview of the Executioner and the Strategist and we see and hear them in full flow here – there’s a particular visual trick to the former that indicates the Berserker rage that obviously lives within.

James Goss starts the episode – which runs quite a bit longer than the advertised 10 minutes – with the Daleks in action attacking Isos (as was seen in the preview clip) and it’s like an extended version of The Parting of the Ways’ attack on Earth. My only reservation is in the way explosions are rendered, with a lot of straight lines – you do get used to it after a time, but it’s definitely an oddity.

This first act ends on a neat cliffhanger – which I’m sure will be more than enough to get Dalek fans of all ages back next week.

Verdict: Daleks conquer and destroy… 8/10

Paul Simpson