This ones a nice and simple way of removing a Companion from the equation. Particularly if the actor in question doesnt want to come back. Not counting Adelaides suicide in The Waters Of Mars (2009), Doctor Who has featured no direct and permanent companion deaths since Adric in 1982s Earthshock; one of the most shocking moments in 1980s Who. Its a fate used so sparingly used that it would have a massive impact and help to cement the darker tone that Series 8 is trying to establish. Particularly as Clara is a very likeable character and is set to develop significantly over the course of Series 8, making her potential death even more of a blow to fans of her. However, this was sort of done with the Ponds (though offscreen and decades after their last appearance), and would most likely bring the Doctor back to his depressed state that we saw in the Snowmen (2012). So its unlikely that Moffat will go down the same route with Clara. And shes been killed off twice already so how effective a third death would be is questionable.
JG Moore is a writer and filmmaker from the south of England. He also works as an editor and VFX artist, and has a BA in Media Production from the University Of Winchester.
