Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks (1979)

The "Doctor" (Tom Baker) is fiddling about with the TARDIS when in walks "Romana" - except, well it isn't her. Or is it? Can she regenerate too? Appears so and so now Lalla Ward picks up the slack. Luckily, there's still the old quarry to set this story in as they emerge in the middle of an inter-galactic scuffle between the "Movellans" and their (and everyone else's) arch enemy - the "Daleks". "Tyssan" (Tim Barlow) represents the indigenous human population who are being used by the latter to excavate deep under the surface - but why? Well it doesn't take our time travelling duo long to realise that they are back on "Skaro" and the diggers are looking for something, or someone, that could be uniquely placed to alter the stalemate between their battle fleet and that of their opponents. It seems the "Movellans" know of this strategy too, and co-opt the pair to help them. Of course, the "Doctor" is aware that he isn't supposed to take sides - but can he stay neutral, especially when it seems that neither party is any more scrupulous that the other. Terry Nation was one of the better series writers on "Dr. Who" and coupled with a decent effort from Baker and plenty of action, this is quite a watchable drama that uses a solid story and reliable baddies to support the new arrival. Ward was never my favourite "assistant" - something just a little too preppie about her contributions for me, but she gets off to an adequate start here as the bombs go off and a battle royal looms. Not the best, but not bad.