10 Shocking Classic Doctor Who Era Cliffhangers
5. The First Dalek (The Daleks)
Similar to Earthshock, the first segment to The Daleks, The Dead Planet, is a slow, suspenseful journey that builds upon the terrors surrounding the TARDIS crew. Also, the imagination of Terry Nation has to be applauded, particularly in using real life experiences and fears left behind from World War II, thus creating this frighteningly, realistic world that essentially could've become our future during the Cold War.
It's an eerie mystery as to what has happened on this strange world they've materialised upon. Nevertheless, the companions wish to leave this dangerous place. However, the First Doctor has other ideas, as he manipulates them into remaining for his own personal curiosity. How different the Time Lord was back then. This inevitably led to them searching the seemingly abandoned city, resulting in Barbara being lured into a trap, and dragged deeper into the city.
And then we meet the Daleks! It's strange how this infamous cliff-hanger was essentially just a cameraman lunging at Jacqueline Hill with a plunger, but by heck was this sequence effective. It's still horrifying to this day, particularly with Barbara's terrified scream, before fading to black. And then we're given the title for next week's episode: The Survivors. Absolutely chilling!