Doctor Who: 10 Most Traumatic Companion Departures

6. Susan Foreman (The Dalek Invasion Of Earth)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um5Cn5eHsGo Susan was the original companion, the granddaughter of the Doctor. Although if you read some of the novels, then the definition of granddaughter rather goes all over the place. Despite this, with the familial tie in place to the Doctor and without the prior knowledge that the companions would depart, it must have been quite a shock to have Susan leave. It wasn't just the fact it happened, but it was the way it happened too. During the events of The Dalek Invasion of Earth, Susan fell in love with a 22nd century freedom fighter, but felt that she had to stay with the Doctor. In the end, the Doctor took the decision out of her hands and literally locked her out of the TARDIS and left her behind. It was the most shocking exit for a companion for some time to come. For many future departures, we'd seen the companion leave and return home, and the Doctor would occasionally check on what happened to them. But no mention was made of what happened to Susan at all €“ in fact, the seventh Doctor stated that she didn't know if she was still about. Technically, the character reappeared technically three times €“ first in The Five Doctors and again in the charity special Dimensions In Time. Susan's most recent appearance was in the background of a single scene in The Name Of The Doctor, although she was also referenced in The Rings Of Akhaten. Yet despite these re-appearances, you've got to admit it was something of a brutal dumping.