The concept: Much like The Dalek Invasion of Earth, this story would have featured the Daleks invading Earth, with the Third Doctor, Jo and UNIT fighting them off. This time, though, it would have been in modern times. It would have been their first appearance in five years, and was to be the cap to the ninth season. How far along: The story was commissioned in 1971, we know that. It was to be a six-parter and was written by Robert Sloman, who did write a few other Third Doctor stories. Andthats all we know about that, really. Why it was never made: As is said two paragraphs up, Much like The Dalek Invasion of Earth Theres your problem right there. It was way too similar for producer Barry Letts to be comfortable with it. In the end they decided to shelve the story and bring the Daleks back later in the season with a different story. One can also imagine budget considerations, since we can assume at least one large battle scene. Why its on the list: Are you seriously asking? The Daleks in modern London, with UNIT fighting them? Explosions and excitement and explosions? Remember how much fun it was watching Ace destroy a Dalek with an RPG? Imagine several of those. And just picture the Brigadier leading Benton and Yates into a fight against the Dalek hordes and then try to say that doesnt send a little tingle up your spine. The eventual fate: Not much. This story was never adapted for any medium, which is both a shame and a surprise. Even Big Finish, who did an entire series of adaptations of unfilmed stories, didnt do anything with it, and the scripts were never released. Still, its fun to think of what might have been.
Chris Swanson is a freelance writer and blogger based in Phoenix, Arizona, where winter happens to other people. His blog is at wilybadger.wordpress.com
