User blog comment:POMfannumber1/The Daleks/@comment-3538016-20140203181717

Although Steven Moffat is my favorite DW writer, my favorite Dalek episode is the one written by Robert Shearman for Series 1 of the revived series--simply called Dalek. (Obviously spoilers in what follows.)

Of all the episodes old and new, Dalek paints the most terrifying picture of the shelled mutants from Skaro. This lone individual is capable of performing immensely complicated decryption techniques in a fraction of a second. Bullets disintegrate in the air before even coming into contact with the Dalek. It mechanically guns down dozens of armed men, yet when faced with numbers even it might be challenged by, it shows almost Doctor-like ingenuity in prevailing (I refer specifically to the Dalek using sprinklers to amplify the effect of its weapon).

For the first and possibly time, the Daleks are truly believable as a race capable of fighting on equal footing with the Time Lords. But the menace of the episode's namesake Dalek isn't the only positive feature of the story. The Dalek shows genuine pathos and characterization over the course of the adventure, showing greater and greater degrees of emotion as it ultimately rejects its instincts. The scene at the end, in which the Dalek kills itself out of horror over what it has become, is heartbreaking. Robert Shearman actually makes us feel sorry for a tin-plated squid monster. Bravo, sir. Bravo.

Also, Adam had great potential as a companion. I am unhappy with his treatment in the following episode, The Long Game.

Conclusion: the episode Dalek is so far the greatest portrayal of the mutants from Skaro. Here Robert Shearman impressively displays both the terrifying and emotional aspects of the species, and leaves us regretting the sub-standard episodes that came later. (Looking at you, Daleks in Manhattan and Evolution of the Daleks.

Honorable mentions go to Doomsday and Asylum of the Daleks, both of which are great episodes, but ultimately fail to characterize the Daleks as effectively as Dalek.