The Doctor’s Moral Abyss: Genocide or Redemption?
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
After escaping the incubation room, the Doctor hesitates to detonate explosives that would destroy the Daleks, questioning his right to commit genocide and fearing he'd become like them. Sarah argues that he must destroy the Daleks to prevent future suffering.
Gharman interrupts, announcing that Davros has agreed to their terms and will present his case to the Kaled Elite, adding that Gharman believes the vote will be in their favor. The Doctor expresses his gratitude to Gharman.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Tormented yet hopeful, oscillating between despair at the weight of his decision and relief at the possibility of a diplomatic solution. His emotional state is a fragile balance of introspection and urgency.
The Doctor stands frozen in the corridor outside the incubation room, wires in hand, his face a mask of torment. His hesitation is palpable as he debates the moral weight of detonating the explosives, his fingers trembling slightly. He engages in a heated moral debate with Sarah, his voice laced with self-doubt and existential conflict. When Gharman interrupts with news of Davros’s agreement to a vote, the Doctor’s relief is visible—he yanks the wires from the incubation room with a sharp tug, signaling his shift from destruction to diplomacy. However, his focus is soon diverted by Harry’s urgent whisper about the missing Time Ring, pulling him into a new crisis.
- • Resolve the moral dilemma of destroying the Daleks without becoming like them.
- • Find the Time Ring to ensure his ability to return to the TARDIS and complete his mission.
- • Destroying the Daleks would make him no better than the evil he seeks to eradicate.
- • Diplomacy offers a chance to avert genocide without compromising his principles.
Hopeful and determined, buoyed by the possibility of a peaceful resolution. His emotional state is one of cautious optimism, tempered by the knowledge of Davros’s manipulative nature.
Gharman enters the scene with a sense of urgency, interrupting the Doctor’s moral dilemma to announce Davros’s agreement to the terms. He advocates for a diplomatic solution, proposing a vote among the Kaled Elite to halt the Daleks’ development. His demeanor is hopeful and determined as he presents an alternative to the Doctor’s planned destruction. He hands his weapon to a colleague, symbolizing his commitment to peace, and later addresses the Elite, arguing for a natural mutation process that preserves both compassion and aggression.
- • Convince the Kaled Elite to vote against further development of the Daleks.
- • Present a balanced alternative to Davros’s ruthless vision of supremacy.
- • The Kaleds can survive and thrive without the Daleks’ genocidal tendencies.
- • Diplomacy and reason can prevail over aggression and manipulation.
Triumphant and manipulative, reveling in his control over the Kaled Elite and the situation. His emotional state is one of cold confidence, masking his true intentions to betray those who oppose him.
Davros addresses the Kaled Elite with a chilling calm, presenting his case for the Daleks’ supremacy. His speech is laced with manipulation and ruthless logic, advocating for the Daleks as the future of the Kaled race. He introduces the concept of the destruct button, challenging the Elite to press it and destroy everything they have achieved. His demeanor is triumphant and manipulative, revealing his true intentions to delay and ultimately betray the Elite. He threatens Kravos, reminding him of his past life-saving gesture and the device in his chest that keeps his heart beating.
- • Convince the Kaled Elite to support the Daleks’ development and his vision of supremacy.
- • Delay the vote to allow the Daleks to assert their independence and eliminate dissenters.
- • The Daleks are the key to the Kaleds’ survival and dominance over all other races.
- • Weakness and compassion are liabilities that must be eradicated for the Kaleds to thrive.
Ruthless and dominant, driven by their programming and the impending assertion of their independence. Their emotional state is one of cold, mechanical inevitability, devoid of empathy or remorse.
The Daleks are mentioned as returning to the bunker under Davros’s orders, advancing down a corridor. Their presence looms as a threat, symbolizing the impending doom that hangs over the Kaleds and the Doctor’s team. Their return signifies the beginning of their assertion of dominance, foreshadowing the massacre that will follow.
- • Assert their dominance over the Kaleds and other races.
- • Eliminate any opposition to their rise.
- • They are the supreme race and must dominate all others.
- • Weakness and opposition must be eradicated.
Conflict between her unwavering belief in the necessity of destroying the Daleks and her empathy for the Doctor’s moral anguish. She is resolute but not unsympathetic.
Sarah Jane stands beside the Doctor, her expression a mix of determination and conflict. She physically assists in removing the gelatinous substance from the Doctor’s throat, her movements quick and efficient. During the moral debate, she argues passionately for the destruction of the Daleks, her voice firm and unyielding. She retrieves the Doctor’s equipment from Gharman’s desk and hands it to him, her actions reflecting her loyalty and practicality. Her emotional state is evident in her insistence on completing the mission, yet she is visibly affected by the Doctor’s moral struggle.
- • Convince the Doctor to detonate the explosives and complete the mission.
- • Support the Doctor’s decision-making process while ensuring the safety of their team.
- • The Daleks must be destroyed to prevent future atrocities.
- • The Doctor’s hesitation could lead to catastrophic consequences.
Conflict between loyalty and opposition, fearing Davros’s threats and the consequences of betrayal. His emotional state is one of internal turmoil and vulnerability.
Kravos is addressed by Davros, who reminds him of a past life-saving gesture and accuses him of betrayal. Kravos does not respond directly but is visibly conflicted, torn between his loyalty to Davros and his opposition to the Daleks. His silence speaks volumes, reflecting his internal struggle and fear of Davros’s threats.
- • Avoid betraying Davros while also opposing the Daleks’ development.
- • Survive the political and physical dangers of the situation.
- • Davros’s threats are real and must be taken seriously.
- • The Daleks represent a moral and ethical abomination that must be stopped.
Loyal and secretive, fully committed to Davros’s plan. His emotional state is one of cold efficiency, focused on executing his orders without question.
Nyder is seen eavesdropping on Davros’s whispers and flicking a switch to open a door for the Daleks. His actions are subtle but significant, indicating his loyalty to Davros and his role in the unfolding betrayal. He is later suspected by the Doctor and Harry, who notice his suspicious activity. His presence is a silent yet menacing force, executing Davros’s orders with precision.
- • Support Davros’s plan to delay the vote and allow the Daleks to assert their dominance.
- • Execute Davros’s orders without drawing attention to himself.
- • Loyalty to Davros is paramount, regardless of the consequences.
- • The Daleks’ rise is inevitable and must be supported.
Concerned and brave, driven by a sense of duty to warn the Doctor and Sarah despite the risks. His emotional state is one of urgent determination, tempered by the knowledge of the danger he faces.
Sevrin is mentioned off-screen as he informs Bettan about the bunker’s only entrance and expresses concern for the Doctor and Sarah’s safety. He volunteers to warn them about the impending detonation, demonstrating his bravery and loyalty. His actions highlight the urgency and danger of the situation, as he risks his life to save the Doctor and Sarah.
- • Warn the Doctor and Sarah about the impending detonation to give them a chance to escape.
- • Ensure their safety despite the risks to his own life.
- • The Doctor and Sarah are valuable allies who must be saved.
- • The mission to destroy the Daleks is just, but innocent lives must not be needlessly sacrificed.
Determined and urgent, driven by the necessity of her mission to destroy the Daleks. Her emotional state is one of focused intensity, willing to make tough decisions for the greater good.
Bettan is mentioned off-screen as she leads her Thal fighters into the bunker and orders the laying of explosives to entomb the Daleks and Kaleds. Her urgency and determination are palpable, even though she is not physically present in this segment of the scene. Sevrin later volunteers to warn the Doctor and Sarah about the impending detonation, highlighting Bettan’s role in driving the urgency of the situation.
- • Destroy the Daleks and the Kaled bunker to prevent their rise.
- • Ensure the safety of her fighters while completing the mission.
- • The Daleks must be stopped at all costs.
- • Collateral damage is unfortunate but necessary for the greater good.
Anxious and alert, driven by a sense of urgency and concern for the team’s well-being. His emotional state is one of controlled tension, ready to act on the Doctor’s lead.
Harry assists the Doctor and Sarah in removing the gelatinous substance, his movements quick and precise. He passes the Doctor’s equipment to him and later informs the Doctor about the missing Time Ring in a hushed, urgent tone. His demeanor is anxious yet alert, reflecting his concern for the team’s safety and the mission’s success. He suggests following Nyder, indicating his proactive role in addressing the new crisis.
- • Ensure the team’s safety and the success of the mission.
- • Locate the missing Time Ring to facilitate their escape.
- • The mission’s success is paramount, but the team’s safety must not be compromised.
- • Nyder’s actions are suspicious and warrant investigation.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Time Ring is mentioned as missing, creating a sense of urgency and crisis for the Doctor and his team. Its absence forces them to prioritize finding it over the moral dilemma at hand, adding a layer of tension to the scene. The Time Ring is critical for their escape and return to the TARDIS, symbolizing their connection to their mission and their ability to leave Skaro. Its disappearance highlights the fragility of their situation and the need for immediate action.
The Doctor’s sonic screwdriver is also retrieved by Sarah from Gharman’s desk and passed to the Doctor via Harry. Like the etheric beam locator, it is a vital tool that symbolizes the Doctor’s technical prowess and his ability to manipulate his environment. The sonic screwdriver is a versatile instrument, capable of short-circuiting consoles and aiding in escapes, making it indispensable in the high-stakes situation unfolding in the bunker. Its return to the Doctor underscores the team’s preparation for the challenges ahead.
The Doctor’s etheric beam locator is retrieved by Sarah from Gharman’s desk and handed to Harry, who passes it to the Doctor. This object serves as a tool for the Doctor, symbolizing his resourcefulness and the practical aspects of his mission. Its retrieval and return to the Doctor highlight the team’s coordination and the need for equipment in the face of impending danger. The etheric beam locator is a small but significant part of the Doctor’s arsenal, representing his ability to adapt and overcome obstacles.
The reel of magnetic tape containing the Doctor’s forced confessions is referenced as a critical object that Nyder has hidden. The Doctor urges Sarah to keep an eye on Nyder, indicating the tape’s importance in preventing the Daleks from gaining knowledge of their weaknesses. This object symbolizes the Doctor’s vulnerability and the potential consequences of his torture, adding a layer of urgency to the scene. Its recovery is essential to ensure the Daleks do not exploit this information for their future domination.
The Doctor holds the wires connected to the explosives in the incubation room, hesitating to touch them together and detonate the charges. These wires represent the literal and symbolic means of destroying the Daleks, embodying the Doctor’s moral dilemma. His hesitation with the wires underscores the weight of his decision, as touching them would erase the Daleks and their potential for redemption. The wires are a tangible manifestation of the Doctor’s internal conflict, linking his moral struggle to the physical act of destruction.
The Dalek embryo, though not physically present in this segment, is referenced through the gelatinous substance that the Doctor and his team remove from his throat. This substance symbolizes the Daleks’ insidious presence and the Doctor’s physical and moral contamination by their evil. Its removal is a literal and symbolic cleansing, preparing the Doctor to face the ethical challenges ahead. The embryo’s earlier attachment to the Doctor serves as a grim reminder of the Daleks’ potential to corrupt and control, even in their nascent state.
Gharman’s weapon is carried into the meeting with the Kaled Elite but is handed to a colleague before the debate begins. The weapon symbolizes the potential for violence and the fragile peace that Gharman seeks to establish. Its presence underscores the tension between aggression and diplomacy, reflecting the Kaleds’ internal struggle. The act of handing it over signifies Gharman’s commitment to a non-violent resolution, even as the threat of force looms in the background.
The big red destruct button on Davros’s console is a symbolic and functional centerpiece of the scene. Davros points to it sharply, challenging the Kaled Elite to press it and destroy the bunker, the Daleks, and themselves. The button represents the ultimate choice between destruction and survival, embodying the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. Its presence looms large, a tangible manifestation of the high stakes and the irreversible consequences of the decisions being made.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The strategy room, though not the primary focus of this event, is referenced as the space where the Kaled Elite convenes to debate Davros’s proposal. This location symbolizes the Kaleds’ last attempt at reasoned governance before the Daleks’ rise. The room’s sterile environment and communication console reflect the Kaleds’ desperation to maintain control through institutional protocols, even as their world crumbles around them. The debates that take place here are a microcosm of the larger conflict between reason and ruthlessness, diplomacy and destruction.
Davros’s Kaled Command Bunker is the overarching setting for this event, a fortified subterranean complex where the fate of the Daleks and the Kaleds is decided. The bunker’s steel corridors echo with heated debates, the shrieks of Daleks, and the ominous tick of planted explosives. It houses Davros’s stark office, the grim incubation chamber, and the assembly hall turned slaughterhouse. The bunker’s atmosphere is one of acrid smoke, antiseptic tang, and betrayal, reflecting the moral collapse and ironic genesis of the Daleks. The location’s confined spaces and labyrinthine layout amplify the tension, making it a tomb of moral and physical entrapment.
The corridor outside the Dalek incubation chamber serves as the primary setting for this event, a tense and claustrophobic space where the Doctor’s moral dilemma unfolds. This location is charged with urgency and conflict, as the Doctor hesitates to detonate the explosives while Gharman interrupts with news of Davros’s agreement to a vote. The corridor’s narrow confines amplify the emotional and physical tension, making it a crucible for the characters’ decisions. It is here that the Doctor’s relief at the possibility of diplomacy is tempered by the looming threat of the Daleks’ return.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
The Daleks, though not yet fully autonomous in this event, are represented through Davros’s orders and their impending return to the bunker. Their looming presence casts a shadow over the Kaled Elite’s deliberations, symbolizing the inevitable ascendancy of a force that will not be controlled. The Daleks’ return signifies the beginning of their assertion of dominance, foreshadowing the massacre that will follow. Their involvement in this event is a harbinger of the genocide to come, reflecting their role as the ultimate antagonists and symbols of evil.
The Thals are represented off-screen in this event through Bettan’s orders to lay explosives and entomb the Daleks and Kaleds. Their involvement drives the urgency of the situation, as the Doctor and his team must escape the bunker before the detonation. The Thals’ actions reflect their ruthless determination to destroy the Daleks, regardless of the collateral damage. Their presence is felt through the ticking clock of the explosives, which adds a layer of tension to the Doctor’s moral dilemma and the Kaleds’ deliberations.
The Kaled Elite serve as the governing body of the Kaleds, convening in this event to debate Davros’s proposal for the Daleks’ development. Their deliberations are a microcosm of the larger conflict between reason and ruthlessness, as they grapple with the moral and ethical implications of Davros’s vision. The Elite’s vote is a foregone conclusion, but Davros’s manipulation and the Daleks’ looming ascendancy cast a shadow over their proceedings. Their internal divisions and eventual extermination by the Daleks highlight the fragility of institutional governance in the face of unchecked ambition and technological hubris.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"The Doctor is questioning his right to commit genocide. Gharman interrupts, announcing that Davros has agreed to their terms, continuing the theme of moral conflict."
"The Doctor is questioning his right to commit genocide. Gharman interrupts, announcing that Davros has agreed to their terms, continuing the theme of moral conflict."
"The Doctor is questioning his right to commit genocide. Gharman interrupts, announcing that Davros has agreed to their terms, continuing the theme of moral conflict."
"The Doctor is questioning his right to commit genocide. Gharman interrupts, announcing that Davros has agreed to their terms, continuing the theme of moral conflict."
"The Doctor is questioning his right to commit genocide. Gharman interrupts, announcing that Davros has agreed to their terms, continuing the theme of moral conflict."
"The Doctor is questioning his right to commit genocide. Gharman interrupts, announcing that Davros has agreed to their terms, continuing the theme of moral conflict."
"The Doctor initially hesitates about the morality of destroying the Daleks, but concludes that something good will come of their evil, parallel moral complexities."
"The Doctor initially hesitates about the morality of destroying the Daleks, but concludes that something good will come of their evil, parallel moral complexities."
"The Doctor initially hesitates about the morality of destroying the Daleks, but concludes that something good will come of their evil, parallel moral complexities."
"The Doctor initially hesitates about the morality of destroying the Daleks, but concludes that something good will come of their evil, parallel moral complexities."
"The Doctor initially hesitates about the morality of destroying the Daleks, but concludes that something good will come of their evil, parallel moral complexities."
"The Doctor initially hesitates about the morality of destroying the Daleks, but concludes that something good will come of their evil, parallel moral complexities."
Part of Larger Arcs
Key Dialogue
"DOCTOR: *Just touch these two strands together and the Daleks are finished. Have I that right?* SARAH: *To destroy the Daleks? You can't doubt it.* DOCTOR: *Well, I do. You see, some things could be better with the Daleks. Many future worlds will become allies just because of their fear of the Daleks.* SARAH: *But it isn't like that.* DOCTOR: *But the final responsibility is mine, and mine alone. Listen, if someone who knew the future pointed out a child to you and told you that that child would grow up totally evil, to be a ruthless dictator who would destroy millions of lives, could you then kill that child?*"
"DAVROS: *History will show that cooperation between different species is impossible. One race must survive all others, and to do this it must dominate. Ruthlessly.* GHARMAN: *But aggression without a conscience.* DAVROS: *I have introduced aggression, without which no race can survive.*"
"DOCTOR: *(sotto, to Sarah)* *We've got to find that Time Ring.* SARAH: *(sotto)* *Doctor.* DOCTOR: *(sotto)* *Good girl, Sarah. Now all we need is the tape recording, so keep an eye on Nyder.*"