Perhaps the most interesting reason to bring back the daleks is to explore a changed dynamic. What are the ramifications of this volatile relationship now that the Doctor is no longer the man who destroyed his own people? If he is not consumed by guilt will that grant him permission to become even more ruthless in dealing with his enemies? The Doctor has, in a way, been given a get out of jail free card. This could backfire, leaving him too convinced of his own righteousness and invincibility. He is sometimes careless with the lives of others and quick to use manipulation to serve his own ends. He may be convinced he is doing the right thing but then so are the daleks. They believe just as profoundly in their mission of destruction. The topic of genocidal mania is unfortunately just as pertinent today as it was in 1963. The daleks symbolize every petty dictator who serves a warped vision of the way things should be rather than accepting the way things are. They are the U.S. Supreme Court justices who declare corporations as people while denying women the right to birth control. They are Monsanto polluting the worlds food supply in the name of greed and profit. Their stories are allegories that question our own ignorance and excesses while maintaining hope in freeing ourselves from a sociopathic society. The daleks remain because what they represent the horror of fascism, ignorance and apathy is as relevant as it ever was.
Mary Ogle is the author and illustrator of “Orangeroof Zoo” a whimsical tale of magical realism told through the pages of a coloring book for adults. Working as a professional artist in the digital medium, Mary’s commissions have included everything from fine art to fan art, book cover design, illustration and book layout. Find more of Mary’s work at www.maryogle.com. Mary currently finds inspiration in the Ojai Valley, residing in a snug little cottage with a recalcitrant cat.
