13 Darkest Doctor Who Endings Ever

The ending of Face the Raven delivers one of Doctor Who’s most devastating farewells – the death of Clara Oswald (and yes, Hell Bent dislikers, this still counts. Clara dies here. Eventually).

Having taken a miscalculated risk by willingly accepting the death mark meant for Rigsy, Clara traps herself into a contract that can only end in her death. There are no timey-wimey tricks here, no last-minute rescues. This isn’t a huge, world saving sacrifice – Clara attempts to save Rigsy and due to her own recklessness, gets herself killed. It’s a tragic culmination of her arc, and her death scene is brutal by the standards of this show. Clara’s screams of agony are muted for the audience, but for the only time in the revived show, we watch a companion die, permanently, on screen – dead body and all.

But it’s what happens to the Doctor once he realises Clara is doomed which really solidifies Face the Raven’s placement on the list.

The Doctor immediately snaps, going full Time Lord Victorious at the drop of a hat. Twelve inhabits this cold, ancient and terrifying creature, abandoning his name as he threatens to bring Ashildr’s life crashing down on her. Capaldi is perhaps the most terrifying a Doctor has ever been in this scene, and we know it’s not just for show.

The episode ends not with the usual triumphant return to the TARDIS, but with silence, grief, and a Time Lord spiralling towards vengeance. The perfect set-up for the perfect episode to come.