The Doctor's Approach to Dealing with the Daleks: A Critical Analysis

In the expansive and intricate universe of Doctor Who, the Daleks stand out as one of the most formidable and enduring threats to the Time Lords. However, a curious dichotomy emerges when examining the Doctor's approach to these enigmatic and ruthless adversaries. While it is often emphasized that the Doctor ignored every opportunity to cripple or eliminate the Daleks, particularly during the Time War, a closer scrutiny unveils a more nuanced and strategic approach. This article delves into the critical analysis of the Doctor's decision-making process and the rationale behind his actions.

Killing the Daleks: Overlooked or Implicit?

In the Dalek story Remembrance of the Daleks, the Seventh Doctor manipulates Davros into destroying Skaro and all surviving Daleks, leading to the Supreme Dalek's suicide. This act is sometimes interpreted as the Doctor ignoring opportunities to stop the Daleks from becoming stronger. However, it is essential to recognize that the Seventh Doctor preemptively created that opportunity by setting in motion the chain of events that culminated in the Daleks' destruction. This strategic action demonstrates a proactive approach, albeit with dire consequences.

The Time War and the Limitations of Action

The Time War, an apocalyptic conflict between the Daleks and the Time Lords, presents a unique temporal and ethical dilemma. The Doctor's involvement in the Time War was marked by a series of actions aimed at weakening the Daleks and averting their most catastrophic plans, often at great personal cost. The Time War was a temporal trap that would have exterminated the Daleks but at the cost of the entire universe, a choice the Doctor found unacceptable.

During the conflict, the Doctor had numerous opportunities to eliminate the Daleks entirely. For instance, the "New Paradigm Daleks" were a faction within the Daleks who posed a significant threat to the Doctor and the Time Lords. Despite the opportunity to eradicate these Daleks completely, the Doctor chose not to do so, opting instead to preserve the life of Earth. This decision highlights a fundamental ethical dilemma: the preservation of species versus the annihilation of a threat.

Genesis of the Daleks: Changing the Future

In the novel Genesis of the Daleks, the Doctor is sent back in time to alter the Daleks' origins, potentially preventing their creation. However, even the Doctor grappled with the ethical implications of this action. His efforts to change the Daleks' programming were unsuccessful, as the curse of the Daleks lies in their lack of free will and their absolute obedience to extermination commands. He then attempted to stall their development, leading to a series of unintended but significant alterations in the timeline.

The Doctor's actions in this story serve as a critical precedent for his later strategies. By manipulating the Daleks' timeline, he weakened their power and impeded their ability to mount an invasion, albeit at the cost of altering the course of history for many civilizations. This strategic approach underscores the Doctor's willingness to accept ethical compromises in favor of achieving a greater good.

Conclusion: The Continual Struggle Against the Daleks

While it is often argued that the Doctor ignored every opportunity to stop the Daleks, this assertion simplifies a complex narrative. Instead, the Doctor chose to weaken the Daleks and diminish their power through strategic interventions, often with significant personal sacrifice. The Doctor's actions throughout the Time War and beyond can be seen as a continuous effort to mitigate the Daleks' threat, ensuring that Gallifrey remains safe until he can save the Time Lords and his own species.

The perpetual cycle of the Daleks rebuilding and the Doctor's inevitable confrontation with them serves as a meta-narrative in the broader Doctor Who universe. This cycle reflects the cyclical nature of conflict and the resilient spirit of the Time Lord.