Ian and Barbara believe the TARDIS has finally returned to their contemporary London, but soon discover signs of plague and warfare. Their old enemies, the Daleks, have invaded the Earth of the 22nd century. Separated and fighting for their lives, the travellers must try to aid the remaining humans and overthrow the Daleks' cruel tyranny. (Originally broadcast in six parts.)

The Doctor and Ian are taken to the Dalek saucer while Susan and Barbara join the rebels in planning an attack.

The Doctor manages to escape from the Dalek saucer and meet up with Susan and David but Ian is left trapped onboard. Meanwhile, Barbara and her new friends face a dangerous journey across London.

While Susan and David try to find a way out of London, Ian and Larry infiltrate the Dalek mine workings.

The Doctor's party investigate the Daleks' central control in Bedfordshire while Barbara and Jenny's attempt to reach it are derailed when they are betrayed.

The Daleks' plan to transform Earth into a giant spaceship and wipe out its inhabitants is nearing completion and the Doctor and his friends face a race against time to prevent them from destroying the planet's core.