10 Saddest Doctor Who Moments

Earthshock quickly became a cult classic amongst the fandom. Not only because of the triumphant return of the Cybermen; their first appearance since 1975s Revenge of the Cybermen, but also the bold choice to have Adric killed off.

This was in fact the first time a companion was written out in this fashion since The Daleks' Master Plan, which saw both Katarina and Sara Kingdom perish during their battle against the Daleks. It's a rarity that this ever happens in Doctor Who, making it all the more shocking when it does occur. What makes this death all the more saddening is Adric could've survived the event.

However, he chose to stay behind in a desperate attempt to crack the Cybermen's system, thereby averting the cargo freighter from crashing into Earth. His noble sacrifice ensured both humanity's survival, and the prevention of the Cybermen's victory. This moment would weigh heavily on the Doctor, inevitably becoming his greatest failure during his fifth incarnation.