Paul Isaacs' Blog

Autism from the inside

The Forgotten Davros – Destiny Of David Gooderson

by Leave a comment

Davros Destiny Of The Daleks 19793

                              Davros & Daleks

David Gooderson’s portrayal of Davros seems to much of an issue over the years – the serial and story Destiny Of The Daleks is unique for many reasons and may well have more reverence in evolution of the Daleks characters themselves but also of their creator

Dalek Personalities & Behaviours 

One of the distinct changes in that comes with this serial is in the Daleks themselves they seem to have more exposition than in other stories, they are not drones nor mindless machines but creatures of more instinct. Firstly they want to got back to the person who created them for his help, guidance and knowledge.

They are able to go against code by willing sacrificial extermination for their leader which is one of the more suspenseful aspects of episode four, they interrogate for knowledge but use the people for their own ends rather than just doing away with them. To me this is certainly a worthy evolution of character some say this isn’t good however for this story and echoes of later stories this would certainly would be used.

Davros Destiny Of The Daleks 19791

Davros & The Doctor

Davros – David Gooderson

Gooderson’s performance is very good he sets bar that would be used in future portrayals of the character he is angry but at the same time optimistic at what he can do with this creations – to change them and improve upon them this could be seen as the start of the trilogy story arc in fifth, sixth and seventh incarnations of the The Doctor and his “love hate” relationship he has with him. I like his performance for his snide and clever remarks to the doctor with adding dark wit and morbid sarcasm to narrative.

What Could Help?

To be honest a second special edition could help with regards to many of the budgetary aspects of the series at the time. After seeing the amazing job the restoration team had achieved on Day Of The Daleks it seems more likely that it could be done.

Here is my Special Edition wish list

  • Ring modulate Davros’ voice (the problem isn’t Gooderson’s portrayal it is the lack of voice distortion)
  • Give Davros’ eye a real glow when he comes back to life
  • Re-do the Dalek energy blasts again (I liked the Day of the Daleks special edition effects)
  • Re-do Movellan gun blasts again
  • Reduce judder when Davros is in movement (this may be hard to do but attempt would be great)
  • Modify Movellan ship
  • Modify Dalek perspectives shots (looking for the Doctor and Davros)
  • Touch up the Daleks appearance (cracks, bumps, chipped paint etc)
  • Touch up Davros’ chair (cracks, chipped paint)
  • Redo The Dalek pursuit scenes – towards the Movellan ships

Davros’ Fan-Made Voice Distortion & Additional Sound Effects 

Conclusion

Without Destiny & Gooderson’s performance you would not have the key elements that would make the Dalek serials so interesting in the Davison, Baker & McCoy era. His performance has been overlooked by fans and viewers alike put for me he sets the precedent that would be the continual evolution of the character and to me that is a very important thing to happen in “Who” history.

Paul Isaacs 2015

Author: Paul Isaacs

Paul was branded as a “naughty & difficult child” at school. He was classically autistic and non-verbal due to speech articulation difficulties. He had complex sensory issues and appeared both deaf and blind. He gained functional speech around the age of 7 or 8 years old. He went through the mainstream school system with no additional help or recognition of his autism. Consequently, he did not achieve his academic or his social potential and had very low self-esteem. At age 11, Paul was referred to the children’s mental health service with childhood depression where he was regarded as “developmentally underage” and having speech problems. As an adult, Paul had a string of unsuccessful jobs, and his mental health suffered. He developed both Borderline and Schizotypal Personality Disorders in early 2007. He was referred to mental health services and misdiagnosed with “Asperger traits with a complex personality”, which did not satisfy Paul or his family. A local autism organisation put Paul in touch with an experienced psychiatrist, who diagnosed him with Autism at 24 years old. In 2012 Paul was also diagnosed with Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome by an Irlen Consultant who confirmed that he also had face, object and meaning blindness – conditions which Paul describes eloquently in his speeches and training sessions. He also has dyslexia, dyscalculia and also a dissociative disorder. Having started working as an local autism organisation as a public speaker in 2010, Paul joined their mission to promote autism awareness. His hope is that others will not have to suffer as he did. Now also a core member of our Training Team, Paul continues to enhance true understanding of autism at every opportunity. Paul has released and published 5 books on the subject of autism published by Chipmunka publishing and has contributed to other books too. Having overcome many challenges to achieve the success that he now enjoys, Paul’s message is that Autism is a complex mix of ability and disability. He firmly believes that every Autistic person should have the opportunity to reach their potential and be regarded as a valued member of society. Apart from autism related blogs Paul also write about movies, fashion, art and anything that is of interest. As of August 2015 Paul now works as a freelance speaker, training and consultant in and around the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire area. If you are interested please contact him via email at staypuft12@yahoo.co.uk

Leave a Reply - Many Thanks