What is the plot?

The episode begins with the Doctor, portrayed by Matt Smith, being summoned to a mysterious planet by a distress signal. He arrives in the TARDIS, only to find himself surrounded by a group of Daleks. They demand that he help them with a problem: the Daleks have discovered a "parliament" of their kind, which has gone rogue and is now a threat to the Dalek race. They reveal that the parliament is located on a planet known as the Asylum, a place where the most insane Daleks are sent to be contained.

The Doctor is initially resistant to the Daleks' request, but they threaten him with extermination. In a moment of desperation, he agrees to help them, but only if they promise to spare his companions, Amy Pond and Rory Williams. The Daleks comply, and the Doctor is transported to the Asylum along with Amy and Rory, who are confused and frightened by the sudden turn of events.

Upon arrival, the trio finds themselves in a desolate landscape filled with the wreckage of Dalek ships and the remnants of a once-thriving civilization. The atmosphere is tense, and the Doctor quickly realizes that the Daleks have sent them to the Asylum to retrieve a specific Dalek that has gone rogue. As they explore the area, they encounter a group of human survivors who are hiding from the Daleks. The survivors explain that the Asylum is filled with Daleks that have gone mad, and they are desperate for help.

As they delve deeper into the Asylum, the Doctor, Amy, and Rory are ambushed by a swarm of Daleks. They manage to evade capture, but the encounter leaves them shaken. The Doctor's determination to find the rogue Dalek intensifies, and he begins to formulate a plan to confront the Daleks and save the survivors. Meanwhile, Amy and Rory's relationship is strained; they are struggling with their own issues, and the tension between them is palpable.

The Doctor discovers that the rogue Dalek they are searching for is a unique specimen that has developed emotions and a sense of individuality. This Dalek, named Oswin Oswald, is trapped in a control room and has been using her intelligence to outsmart the other Daleks. The Doctor communicates with Oswin, who reveals that she has been living in the Asylum for a long time and has been able to resist the Dalek programming. She helps the Doctor understand the layout of the Asylum and provides crucial information about how to navigate the dangers they face.

As they work together, Oswin's personality shines through, and the Doctor is impressed by her bravery and resourcefulness. However, the situation becomes dire when the Daleks discover their location and launch an attack. The Doctor, Amy, and Rory must work quickly to escape the control room and find a way to disable the Daleks' defenses. They engage in a series of tense confrontations, using their wits and teamwork to outmaneuver the Daleks.

In a climactic moment, the Doctor devises a plan to use Oswin's knowledge to create a distraction, allowing them to escape. Oswin sacrifices herself by hacking into the Dalek systems, causing a massive explosion that destroys the Dalek parliament and gives the Doctor and his companions a chance to flee. As they make their escape, the Doctor is filled with a mix of admiration and sorrow for Oswin, who has shown incredible strength in the face of danger.

Once back in the TARDIS, the Doctor, Amy, and Rory reflect on their harrowing experience. The emotional weight of their journey weighs heavily on them, particularly as they confront the unresolved issues in their own relationship. The episode ends with a sense of uncertainty, as the Doctor and his companions grapple with the implications of their encounter with the Daleks and the sacrifices made along the way.

What is the ending?

At the end of "Asylum of the Daleks," the Doctor, Amy, and Rory manage to escape the Dalek asylum after a harrowing encounter with the Daleks and the terrifying creatures within. They are able to disable the Daleks' control over the asylum and leave the planet. However, the episode concludes with a poignant moment between Amy and Rory, revealing the strain in their marriage. Amy expresses her feelings of being distant from Rory, and they share a bittersweet moment before the Doctor takes them away in the TARDIS.


As the episode reaches its climax, the Doctor, Amy Pond, and Rory Williams find themselves in the heart of the Dalek asylum, a desolate planet filled with the most dangerous and insane Daleks. The atmosphere is tense, with the metallic voices of the Daleks echoing ominously around them. The trio has just survived a series of harrowing encounters with the Daleks and the monstrous creatures that inhabit the asylum, and they are now racing against time to escape.

In a dimly lit control room, the Doctor works feverishly to disable the Dalek control system. His brow is furrowed with concentration, and there is a palpable sense of urgency in his movements. Amy and Rory stand close by, their expressions a mix of fear and determination. The Doctor's mind races as he formulates a plan to save them and the other prisoners trapped within the asylum.

As the Doctor successfully overrides the Dalek systems, the asylum begins to destabilize. The walls tremble, and the ground shakes beneath their feet. The Daleks, realizing their control is slipping, become frantic, their voices rising in a cacophony of commands and threats. The Doctor, Amy, and Rory make a break for it, sprinting through the crumbling corridors, the sound of Dalek extermination beams firing behind them.

They reach the TARDIS just in time, the familiar blue box standing as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. The Doctor flings open the doors, and they tumble inside, breathless and shaken. The TARDIS whirs to life, and the Doctor sets the coordinates to escape the asylum. As they dematerialize, the camera captures the Dalek asylum fading into the distance, a haunting reminder of the horrors they have just faced.

Once they are safely away, the mood shifts. The Doctor, ever the optimist, tries to lighten the atmosphere with a quip, but Amy and Rory are visibly affected by their experience. The tension between them is palpable. They stand apart, the emotional distance between them stark against the backdrop of the TARDIS console. Amy's face is troubled, and she finally voices her feelings, revealing that she feels they have been drifting apart. Rory, hurt but understanding, listens intently, his expression a mix of concern and sadness.

In a moment of vulnerability, Amy admits that she is scared of losing Rory, and he reassures her of his love. However, the weight of their unspoken issues lingers in the air. The Doctor, sensing the emotional turmoil, gives them space, his own expression reflecting a mix of concern for his friends and the burden of their shared experiences.

As the episode concludes, the TARDIS flies through the time vortex, leaving the Dalek asylum behind. The camera lingers on Amy and Rory, their hands almost touching but not quite, symbolizing the unresolved tension in their relationship. The Doctor, ever the protector, stands at the helm, unaware of the deeper issues brewing between his companions. The screen fades to black, leaving the audience with a sense of unease about the future of Amy and Rory's relationship, even as they have escaped the immediate danger of the Daleks.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In "Asylum of the Daleks," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes or content after the credits roll. The story wraps up with the Doctor, Amy, and Rory having faced the Daleks and their emotional struggles, particularly focusing on the complexities of Amy and Rory's relationship, but there is no further scene to follow the main narrative.

How does the Doctor's relationship with Amy and Rory evolve in this episode?

In 'Asylum of the Daleks', the Doctor's relationship with Amy and Rory is strained. The episode opens with the couple's marital issues, as they are seen arguing and contemplating their future together. The Doctor's arrival forces them to confront their problems, and throughout the episode, they navigate their feelings of love, betrayal, and the fear of losing each other, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of their bond.

What is the significance of the Dalek Parliament in 'Asylum of the Daleks'?

The Dalek Parliament is a crucial element in 'Asylum of the Daleks' as it represents the hierarchy and governance of the Dalek race. It is here that the Daleks decide to send the Doctor, Amy, and Rory to the Asylum, a planet where the most insane Daleks are kept. This decision showcases the Daleks' fear of the Doctor and their desperation to eliminate him, highlighting their ongoing conflict with him.

What role does Oswin Oswald play in the episode?

Oswin Oswald is a pivotal character in 'Asylum of the Daleks'. She is introduced as a clever and resourceful woman who has been trapped in the Dalek Asylum. Despite being converted into a Dalek, she retains her human consciousness and helps the Doctor, Amy, and Rory escape. Her character adds emotional depth to the story, as she embodies the struggle between humanity and the Dalek's monstrous nature, ultimately revealing a shocking twist about her identity.

What is the purpose of the Asylum planet in the story?

The Asylum planet serves as a prison for the most deranged and unstable Daleks, a place where they are kept away from the rest of the Dalek race. It is a desolate and dangerous environment filled with madness, reflecting the chaotic nature of the Daleks themselves. The Doctor, Amy, and Rory must navigate this treacherous landscape to uncover the Daleks' plan and find a way to escape, emphasizing the theme of survival against overwhelming odds.

How does the episode explore the theme of identity through the character of Oswin?

The theme of identity is intricately explored through Oswin's character in 'Asylum of the Daleks'. Initially presented as a human trapped in a Dalek body, her struggle to maintain her sense of self despite her transformation highlights the conflict between her humanity and the Dalek's programming. This duality culminates in the revelation that she is actually a Dalek, yet she retains her memories and personality, raising questions about what it means to be human and the nature of identity.

Is this family friendly?

"Asylum of the Daleks" from Doctor Who's Series 7 contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

  1. Daleks: The episode features the Daleks, who are known for their menacing and aggressive behavior. Their iconic catchphrase "Exterminate!" can be frightening for younger viewers.

  2. Violence: There are scenes depicting violence, including the Daleks attacking and exterminating individuals, which may be intense for some viewers.

  3. Tension and Fear: The atmosphere of the episode is filled with suspense and fear, particularly in scenes set within the asylum, which may be unsettling.

  4. Emotional Conflict: The episode explores complex emotional themes, including relationship struggles and feelings of abandonment, which may resonate deeply and provoke strong emotions.

  5. Dark Themes: The concept of an asylum for the most dangerous Daleks introduces darker themes related to madness and confinement, which could be distressing.

These elements contribute to the overall tone of the episode, which balances science fiction adventure with moments of horror and emotional depth. Viewer discretion is advised for younger audiences or those sensitive to such themes.