Doctor Who: 10 Brilliant But Overlooked Moments In NuWho
3. Steffi Dies - The Waters Of Mars
The Waters of Mars has so many outstanding scenes that the death of a minor character, like Steffi, easily goes unnoticed.
With the Doctor having foreknowledge of the tragic events that strike Bowie Base One, we’re encouraged to spot the stiffs. Therefore, when the water showers through the roof and cuts Steffi off from the group, it’s obvious she’s a goner.
Every death in this episode is upsetting, which isn’t always the case in Doctor Who (may I remind you of the “What are you gonna do, sucker me to death?” guy in Dalek?). However, Steffi’s death is one notch above the rest. It’s not frightening like Tarak’s or pivotal to the plot like Ed’s but instead harrowingly emotional.
Steffi is so vulnerable, cowering back into the adjoining room as the water traps her. Her decision to turn her back on the water and play a video message from her young daughter is heartbreaking. Graeme Harper directs so that we focus on Steffi’s tear-stained face and watch as the water suddenly hits her from behind.
This is interspersed with shots of the Doctor leaving the base. He can hear Steffi crying and the innocent voice of the little girl but he still walks on. This is shocking from the man who’s usually the hero, and proves how immeasurably hard the situation is.
Steffi’s death is one of the best-executed deaths in NuWho. Graeme, you are a cruel man…