Daleks declare extermination order
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
The Doctor and Barbara attempt to remain hidden as they observe multiple Daleks searching the area using seismic detectors to locate the TARDIS. The Daleks declare their mission to exterminate the humans, intensifying the threat.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Anxious and morally conflicted, torn between the need to survive and the imperative to protect her friends. Her urgency borders on desperation, but she remains focused and determined.
Barbara crouches beside the Doctor, her body tense and alert as she scans the horizon for Dalek movements. She gasps in alarm at the sight of additional Daleks, her voice urgent and laced with concern as she insists on warning Ian and Vicki. Her dialogue reveals her deep moral compass and protective instincts, clashing with the Doctor's pragmatic focus on the TARDIS. Physically, she is poised to act, her eyes darting between the Daleks and the Doctor, ready to flee at a moment's notice.
- • Warn Ian and Vicki about the Daleks' extermination order to ensure their survival.
- • Persuade the Doctor to prioritize the safety of the group over the TARDIS recovery, even temporarily.
- • The group's survival depends on unity and mutual protection, not just individual escape.
- • The Doctor's detachment from human emotions is a liability in this crisis, as it risks abandoning their friends.
Relentless and hostile, driven by the same genocidal programming as Dalek 2. It exhibits no independent thought or emotion, only the cold efficiency of its role in the Dalek hierarchy.
Dalek 1 functions as Dalek 2's subordinate, echoing and reinforcing its commands with mechanical obedience. It confirms the extermination order and participates in the coordination of the search, its voice equally devoid of emotion. Physically, it is in close proximity to Dalek 2, its seismic detector active as it scans for the TARDIS and human life signs. Its dialogue is repetitive and confirmatory, reinforcing the Daleks' unified and unyielding purpose.
- • Support Dalek 2's commands by locating the TARDIS using seismic detectors.
- • Execute the extermination order by hunting down and killing all humans, including Ian and Vicki.
- • The Dalek hierarchy must be followed without deviation, and all orders must be carried out immediately.
- • Humans and the TARDIS are irredeemable threats that must be destroyed to ensure Dalek supremacy.
Tense but composed, masking deep concern beneath a layer of strategic focus. He is acutely aware of the danger but channels his energy into finding a solution, even as he grapples with the moral dilemma of abandoning Ian and Vicki.
The Doctor crouches low beside Barbara, his voice tense but composed as he directs her to stay hidden. He prioritizes the recovery of the TARDIS as their only means of escape, though he acknowledges the need to warn Ian and Vicki. His dialogue reveals his pragmatic mindset, but there is an undercurrent of urgency as he realizes the Daleks' proximity. Physically, he is poised to move at a moment's notice, his eyes scanning the terrain for threats while he debates their next steps with Barbara.
- • Recover the TARDIS before the Daleks can destroy it, ensuring their means of escape remains intact.
- • Balance the need to warn Ian and Vicki with the urgency of evading the Daleks and securing the TARDIS.
- • The TARDIS is their only viable escape route, and recovering it must take priority over all else.
- • Warning Ian and Vicki is critical, but the group's survival depends on maintaining focus and not becoming distracted by emotional decisions.
Cold and methodical, driven solely by its programming to exterminate all threats. There is no hesitation or remorse—only the relentless pursuit of its objective.
Dalek 2 stands as the commanding presence in this scene, its voice cold and methodical as it issues the extermination order. It coordinates the Dalek search with precision, directing Dalek 1 and other units to locate and destroy the TARDIS while systematically hunting down all humans. Its dialogue is devoid of emotion, reflecting its genocidal purpose and mechanical efficiency. Physically, it is stationary but imposing, its seismic detectors scanning the terrain as it barks orders with ruthless authority.
- • Locate and destroy the TARDIS to eliminate the Doctor's means of escape.
- • Exterminate all humans on the planet, including Ian and Vicki, to ensure no survivors remain.
- • All humans and the TARDIS are existential threats that must be eradicated without exception.
- • The Dalek hierarchy must be obeyed without question, and orders must be executed with absolute precision.
Hostile and predatory, their presence amplifies the sense of immediate danger and urgency for the Doctor and Barbara.
Reptile-like bipeds are encountered by the Doctor and Barbara, though their specific actions or dialogue are not detailed in this script. Their presence adds another layer of threat to the already perilous situation, forcing the Doctor and Barbara to remain vigilant and ready to flee at a moment's notice. The bipeds serve as a reminder of the planet's inherent dangers beyond the Daleks.
- • Threaten the Doctor and Barbara, adding to the planet's lethal environment.
- • Potentially attack or disrupt their efforts to evade the Daleks.
- • The planet's surface is their territory, and intruders must be driven out or eliminated.
- • They operate on instinct, driven by primal survival instincts.
Unseen but implied to be fearful and in danger, her survival hinging on the Doctor and Barbara's decisions. The urgency to warn her reflects the high stakes of her situation.
Vicki is not physically present in this scene but is referenced by Barbara as someone who urgently needs to be warned about the Daleks' extermination order. Her absence heightens the tension, as the Doctor and Barbara debate whether to prioritize her and Ian's safety over their own escape. Vicki's potential fate—extermination by the Daleks—hangs heavily in the air, driving Barbara's insistence on action.
- • Survive the Dalek threat, relying on the Doctor and Barbara to warn her and Ian in time.
- • Reunite with the group to escape the planet before the Daleks can carry out their extermination order.
- • The Doctor and Barbara are her only hope for survival in this hostile environment.
- • The group must stick together to overcome the Daleks' relentless pursuit.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Dalek seismic detectors are central to this event, as they are used to scan the planet's surface for vibrations that could reveal the TARDIS's location. Dalek 2 and Dalek 1 coordinate their use, emphasizing the urgency and precision of their search. The detectors symbolize the Daleks' technological superiority and their relentless, methodical approach to hunting down their targets. Their pulsing screens and ominous hum create a sense of impending doom, reinforcing the high stakes of the Doctor and Barbara's situation.
The TARDIS is the primary objective of the Daleks' search and the Doctor's focus in this event. Dalek 2 explicitly orders its destruction, framing it as an 'enemy time machine' that must be eliminated to cut off the Doctor's escape route. For the Doctor, the TARDIS represents their only hope of survival, and its recovery becomes a point of contention with Barbara, who prioritizes warning Ian and Vicki. The TARDIS's buried location and the Daleks' inability to destroy it (as hinted at in the broader narrative) add a layer of tension, as its fate hangs in the balance.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Aridian planet surface serves as a battleground and refuge in this event, its cracked, desolate terrain amplifying the tension and urgency of the Doctor and Barbara's situation. The location is exposed and dangerous, with the Doctor and Barbara forced to crouch in hiding as the Daleks sweep the area with their seismic detectors. The planet's harsh environment—baked by twin suns and stalked by Mire Beasts—adds to the sense of isolation and peril, making every sound and movement a potential giveaway. The location's role is dual: it is both a hiding place and a trap, as the Doctor and Barbara must navigate it carefully to avoid detection while racing to find the TARDIS.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
The Daleks, as an organization, are the driving force behind this event, their hierarchical structure and genocidal objectives on full display. Dalek 2 acts as the commanding officer, issuing orders to Dalek 1 and other units, while Dalek 1 serves as a subordinate enforcer. Their coordinated search for the TARDIS and their extermination order for all humans demonstrate their ruthless efficiency and absolute commitment to their mission. The Daleks' presence dominates the scene, their mechanical voices and seismic detectors creating an atmosphere of relentless, inescapable threat. Their actions reflect broader institutional dynamics, including their hierarchical command structure, unquestioning obedience to orders, and systematic elimination of perceived threats.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
Across episodes
"The Daleks' earlier declaration of 'extermination across time and space' (Episode 30) is directly referenced in Episode 31 as Dalek 2 issues a new extermination order."
Daleks declare genocidal pursuit"The Doctor's abrupt departure from the TARDIS after the Beatles performance in Episode 30 (cand_evt_scene_b626eec1cc662109_02) mirrors his urgent need to flee the Daleks' extermination order in Episode 31 (cand_evt_scene_bd9ab5c816a2e4cc_01)."
Doctor flees to unknown planet"The Daleks' declaration of an eternal extermination hunt (Episode 30) leads directly to their active pursuit of the Doctor and companions on Aridius (Episode 31), where Dalek 2 and Dalek 1 issue new extermination orders."
Daleks declare eternal extermination hunt"The dispatch of the assassination squad in Episode 30 results in Dalek 2 and Dalek 1 continuing the hunt on Aridius in Episode 31, issuing extermination orders."
Daleks dispatch assassination squad"The Doctor's obsession with the Time and Space Visualiser (Episode 30) directly enables the Daleks to track the TARDIS via seismic detectors in Episode 31, as Barbara notes the Daleks 'are on their way here' due to its electromagnetic emissions."
Visualiser Reveals Dalek Time Machine"The Doctor's demonstration of the Time and Space Visualiser in Episode 30 (cand_evt_scene_f695a710a8460558_03) reveals the Daleks' time machine and their intent to exterminate the Doctor and his companions, directly leading to the Daleks' declaration of extermination in Episode 31 (cand_evt_scene_bd9ab5c816a2e4cc_01)."
The Doctor demonstrates the Visualiser’s power"The Doctor's abrupt termination of the Time and Space Visualiser's Beatles demonstration (due to the TARDIS materializing) sets up the immediate Dalek threat, as revealed in Episode 31 when the Daleks declare their extermination order."
Doctor flees to unknown planet"The Daleks' genocidal pursuit declaration in Episode 30 directly causes their relentless pursuit and extermination orders in Episode 31."
Daleks declare genocidal pursuit"Vicki's adventurous spirit and curiosity (manifested in Episode 30 when she explores the desert with Ian) directly leads to the Darlek's detection of the Doctor's group in Episode 31, as the Doctor notes that the Daleks are pursuing both human groups (the Doctor's and Ian/Vicki's)."
Vicki’s defiance reveals shared curiosity with Doctor"Vicki's playful intrusion on Ian in the TARDIS (Episode 30) foreshadows their eventual teamwork under extreme pressure in Episode 31, where Ian's protective instincts toward her become critical during Mire Beast attacks and escape plans."
Vicki intrudes on Ian’s reading"Ian's protective instinct ('I'll look after her') in allowing Vicki to explore (Episode 30) evolves into his sacrificial devotion in Episode 31, where he risks his life multiple times to protect her from the Mire Beasts."
Ian joins Vicki’s expedition"Barbara's resourcefulness in intercepting the Dalek transmission in Episode 30 foreshadows her proactive role in driving the group's efforts to rescue Ian and Vicki in Episode 31, despite her initial panic."
Barbara intercepts Dalek transmission"The Daleks' genocidal pursuit declared in Episode 30 ('They will be exterminated! Exterminated! Exterminated!') immediately escalates into active hunting on Aridius in Episode 31 ('They are to be exterminated'). The conflict transitions from a broad declaration to concrete, immediate action."
Daleks declare genocidal pursuit"The Daleks' deployment of a time machine to pursue the Doctor in Episode 30 escalates into a more direct and immediate extermination order in Episode 31, where they use seismic detectors to hunt the TARDIS and the Doctor's companions."
Daleks declare eternal extermination hunt"The Doctor's admission of the Daleks' extermination order in Episode 30 escalates the threat to a higher level in Episode 31, where the Daleks are actively hunting and issuing ultimatums."
Daleks' extermination order triggers escape"The assassination squad's deployment in Episode 30 escalates to a more immediate and direct extermination order in Episode 31, where Dalek 1 and Dalek 2 explicitly state the intent to exterminate the Doctor and his companions."
Daleks dispatch assassination squad"The Supreme Dalek's dispatch of an assassination squad in Episode 30 narratively leads to the Daleks' active pursuit on Aridius in Episode 31."
Daleks dispatch assassination squad"The Daleks' declaration of genocidal pursuit ('They will be exterminated!') in Episode 30 mirrors their categorical order to exterminate all humans ('They are to be exterminated') in Episode 31, reinforcing the theme of unrelenting violence."
Daleks declare genocidal pursuit"The Dalek extermination order received via the Visualiser ('We are to be exterminated!') parallels the Daleks' direct extermination ultimatum to the Aridians ('Surrender the Doctor or face annihilation')."
Daleks' extermination order triggers escape"The Daleks' initial extermination order (Episode 31) is directly escalated in Episode 32 where they lock onto the TARDIS's coordinates, demonstrating persistent pursuit and tactical refinement."
Daleks lock onto TARDIS coordinates"The Daleks' failed extermination of humans and destruction of the TARDIS on Aridius in Episode 31 forces them to pursue the Doctor across time and space, leading directly to their boarding of the Mary Celeste in Episode 32."
Daleks abandon the Mary Celeste"Dalek 1 and Dalek 2's roles as tactical commanders in Episode 31 are reinforced in Episode 32, where they continue to coordinate the pursuit of the TARDIS and issue extermination orders."
Daleks lock onto TARDIS coordinates"Dalek 2's role as the commanding tactical leader directing subordinate Daleks (e.g., Dalek 1) in 'The Death of Time' is directly mirrored in 'Flight Through Eternity' where Dalek 2 issues orders to Dalek 3 and Dalek 4, and prepares the executioner for disembarkment."
Daleks prepare for aggressive pursuit"The terror induced by the Daleks’ arrival on the Mary Celeste (Episode 32) echoes the dread expressed by the Aridians under Dalek occupation (Episode 31), reinforcing a consistent theme: the Daleks spread fear and panic across time and space."
Daleks abandon the Mary Celeste"The Doctor's tension and urgency ('Stay down... We must find the Tardis before they do') in Episode 31 mirrors his subtle unease ('a momentary qualm') in Episode 32 after their escape, despite outward confidence."
False Relief and Dalek Tracking"The terror reflected in Ian and Vicki's peril in Episode 31 (trapped in airlock) is echoed in the terror of the brigantine crew in Episode 32, who abandon ship in mass hysteria. Both groups react to Dalek pursuit with desperate flight."
Chaos and Sacrifice on the Brigantine"The Daleks' explicit extermination order and relentless pursuit tactics in Episode 31 (Aridius) directly escalate into their continued, highly coordinated pursuit in Episode 32 via the Time Path Detector, demonstrating escalating tactics in their vendetta against the TARDIS crew."
False Relief and Dalek Tracking"Dalek 2's decree to exterminate all humans in Episode 31 escalates into the psychological terror and forced abandonment of the brigantine by terrified humans in Episode 32. The Daleks' inhuman methods become more brutal as their hunt intensifies."
Daleks trigger mass panic aboard ship"Dalek 2's continuous declaration of extermination ('No. They are to be exterminated.') in 'The Death of Time' is escalated in 'Flight Through Eternity' where Dalek 2 leads a coordinated Dalek pursuit with the explicit goal of exterminating the TARDIS crew."
Daleks lock onto TARDIS coordinates"The Daleks' extermination order (Episode 31) logically culminates in their relentless pursuit dialogue aboard the Mary Celeste (Episode 32), where they interrogate and terrify the crew, demanding the time travelers' location."
Daleks abandon the Mary Celeste"The Daleks' relentless pursuit spans genres and timelines (Aridians' planet to the Mary Celeste), reinforcing the theme of unstoppable, mechanical evil."
False Relief and Dalek TrackingPart of Larger Arcs
Key Dialogue
"DALEK 2: The enemy time machine is in this area."
"DALEK 1: We can locate the position with our seismic detectors."
"DALEK 2: Find and destroy it. The remainder will search for the humans."
"DALEK 1: Are they to be taken alive?"
"DALEK 2: No. They are to be exterminated."
"DOCTOR: Stay down. One of them's coming this way. We must find the Tardis before they do."
"BARBARA: Yes, and we must warn Ian and Vicki. They don't even know the Daleks are here."
"DOCTOR: Warn them? But how? We haven't seen them for hours. Anyway, it's no good hanging about here. Come on, let's get moving, come on."