It was many years after I saw various other Dalek serials (my first being "Genesis..." since my PBS station started with Tom Baker), but after finally seeing the very first Dalek serial ("The Dead Planet"), I must admit I found that interpretation the most interesting. Remember, this was before they were reworked as "Robo-Nazis from Outer Space" (as presented in their second story, "The Dalek Invasion of Earth") or the purposely gene spliced mutant soldiers of "Genesis..." As introduced, the Daleks were pitiful, "tragic" figures.
For a moment, let's ignore the later narratives that basically rewrote Dalek history. Let's just focus upon the information revealed in episodes 5 through 11 of the original series. The Thals admitted their ancestors instigated hostilities against the (at that time) still humanoid Dals. We don't know all the details, but we do know that in desperation, the Dals, then a society of scientists and philosophers, detonated a neutron bomb. This suggests the ware was likely very short compared the the generations long conflict described in "Genesis..." The surviving Dals "bunkered" within their (most likely destroyed) city. Then began the progression of genetic mutation, each successive generation suffering worse symptoms. And with each new generation, they grew ever more fearful that some Thals may have survived and might one day return to attack them again. This understandable concern grew into paranoia and eventully full fledged xenophobia.
Remember the escape from the cell using mud to blind the Dalek and the nonconductive cape to short its power from the floor? That Dalek didn't exist on hate alone. It was scared, terrified. It equated the TARDIS group with the Thals its race had grown to fear. One could hear the panic in its voice. It saw the humans as "monsters" ready to finish the goal the ancient Thals had started.
At the story's conclusion, when the power grid that charged the Daleks' casing was disrupted, one last surviving Dalek contemplated this was extinctive of its race and (unlike the Daleks that would come later) begged the Doctor to save them. When the Doctor admitted he did not have the skills to do so and also hinted he wouldn't bother even if he had the ability, the Dalek cried out in anguish, practically wept as the power in its casing finally drained.
As I stated above, the Daleks here were "tragic" characters, worthy of pity. Why? well, unlike Davros' creations that were effectively "programmed" to hate and conquer, these Daleks had a choice. They could have elected not to trigger that neutron bomb, but they would not have had a reason if the Thals had not attacked. But gievn the device was exploded, the Dals could have could have elected to keep their fears in check. Though difficult, they could have chosen not to "drown" themselves in a destructive "pool" of blind, unreasonable xenophobia. They could have said, "No, we will NOT repeat the mistakes of our ancestors. Though our bodies are twisted, we will not let our spirits match those deformities. We will not become the very people who started this, or worse." But they didn't, and that collective choice sealed their fate.
Sincerely,
Bill
