Doctor Who: I, Davros – Why you should check out the prequel series

With its recent re-release on download, we decided to take a look at Doctor Who spin-off series I, Davros, and reveal why it’s easily worth checking out.

Last week, Big Finish released I, Davros: The Complete Series on download. While each episode of the Doctor Who spin-off has been available individually for years, it’s nice to see the whole series repackaged in one set.

But what makes it so special? Why is this audio series focused on one of the show’s greatest villains worth checking out? After all, sometimes, learning too much about a villain’s origins can destroy a big part of what makes them so great in the first place.

And I, Davros certainly goes deep into Davros’s history. Child; soldier; scientist; creator – we see him in all of these roles and more. Across just four episodes, we learn far more about the Doctor’s enemy than ever before – right up to the very moment that the first Dalek is “born”. In fact, the amount of depth the series has is certainly one reason why I, Davros works as a prequel. But it’s not the only reason…

Who is Davros? What lead him to becoming the creator of the universe’s most evil race? That’s what I, Davros explores.

(Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

Devious politics

Along with finding out much more about Davros himself, we also find out a great deal about his family, too. Especially his mother. Carolyn Jones is absolutely fantastic as Lady Calcula. It might be unsurprising to know that she’s no more pleasant than her son – in fact, she teaches him some (but not all) of his worst qualities. A devious woman with a lot of ambition, she wants only the best for her boy – and she’ll let no one stand in the way of that.

The politics of Skaro are definitely key to this series. Along with the war with the Thals, there’s also a great deal of exploration of the Kaled government. As a result, not only is Davros himself fleshed out considerably, but we also get one of the most in-depth depictions of Skaro yet.

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Davros

One more reason why I, Davros is worth checking out is the man himself: Terry Molloy.  Someone who’s been playing the iconic role since Resurrection of the Daleks in 1984, Molloy knows this role perhaps better than anyone. Over twenty years since his debut performance (I, Davros was originally released back in 2006), and he’s at his very best in this spin-off series. Unsurprisingly, we get a portrayal of the character that’s more complex than the inevitable villain that he becomes. Not that he’s exactly sympathetic, but we can see exactly how he becomes the ruthless monster we know him as, and more importantly why.

As well as Molloy’s great performance, we also get to hear Davros as a teenager. Rory Jennings (who appeared in Series 2 episode The Idiot’s Lantern the same year) plays an interesting version of the character. One who’s cold and detached, but also has a great deal to learn. He only plays the role for the first episode, but his performance helps give the series a strong start.

If you’re a fan of Davros or Genesis of the Daleks, then I, Davros is highly recommended. It’s a fantastic exploration of one of Doctor Who‘s biggest villains, features some excellent themes and performances, and at just four episodes, it doesn’t outstay its welcome. A highly recommended series.

Are you a fan of Davros? Do you think he’s a villain worth exploring? Have you checked out this prequel audio series? Let us know in the comments below.