For the second week running this was a stroy chock full of elements that are absolutely "up my street". The historical setting, Churchill and devious Dalek seems the perfect recipe for a Doctor Who story.
And once again it had its very strong points. The first 15 minutes or so were fabulous. Matt continues his form as a galloping, cheeky but passionate Doctor, Karen is a successful foil and Ian McNeice was fabulous as the cigar-smoking war leader of legend. Yes it was a slight caricature but this is Who and, for me, he absolutely nailed the role without ever becoming a camp imitation.
The wasn't anything essentially wrong with the next 30 minutes either. The re-birth of the Daleks in bold colours is excellent for the marketing team - but also gave a fresh start to the oldest of old foes - and secure their place to come back to haunt the Doctor.
The fact they "won" and the fact that Amy does not recognise them also leaves a chilling background thought to add to yet another "crack" in the universe.
The Star Wars with Spitfires section also added a suitable splash of action and adventure.
The problem for me was not the first 15 or the last 30 but the fact that they did not have anything in between. The beginning set the scene beautifully and I loved the close up shot of the Doctor leaning in to the camera in which the Dalek passed the door way behind. But there simply wasn't enough deviousness and scheming for me - virtually as soon as the Doctor confronted them they were off to re-boot and we were denied extra Churchill and Dalek screen time.
Just like last week there was a superb set-up but barely no "middle" before the story passed into the end.
I enjoyed this story, and even more so on second viewing it has to be said, but I think I would have absolutely loved it if it were expanded to include more period intrigue over the two parts (with the Daleks turning bad again as a cliffhanger).
Thankfully next week's two-parter may just provide that meaty middle that these last two have lacked.
7/10
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