I like Classic Who a lot, but I'm a student of RTD at heart. That is, it's the Doctor/Companion relationship that really gets me, and any configuration of meddling Cybermen/Daleks/the Master is secondary. Davros did some interesting stuff here, but I was blown away by Tegan Jovanka's parting scene. A triumph by Janet Fielding, I think. Just brilliant all around. I'd transcribe, but here's the scene in full instead:
My heart sunk when I saw her face and realized what she was going to say. "I'm tired... it's stopped being fun, Doctor." And the Doctor's, "No, don't leave, not like this!" broke my heart too. Five saw a lot of deaths, and Tegan doesn't want to see any more. But that's in the job description of an assistant to the Oncoming Storm, whose only constant companion is death. Human (and alien) companions come and go, and so, brought to tears by the revelation, Tegan takes her leave. Poignant, excellent television!
I mean, the first three and nine-tenths parts are good, too. The idea of a different "breed" of Daleks isn't a new one (Remembrance, Bad Wolf/Parting of the Ways, etc) but this time Davros was involved, changing it up a bit. Interesting that in both this serial and Stolen Earth/Journey's End, Davros is kind of a loser who eventually is turned on by his creation. I feel sorry for the guy. The Doctor is such an ass to him, too. Not without reason, but still.
Non-Dalek-related: Five wields a gun! Did he fire at all? I don't recall. But it was pretty bad ass, Ten take note.
And so, "Brave heart, Tegan. Doctor, I will miss you" enters the archives as yet another heartbreaking Farewell, Companion! parting phrase. I haven't watched a ton of Five, but I know he did encourage her with those words in Earthshock.
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