Doctor Who: 10 Most Infuriating Cliffhangers Of The Classic Series

1. Genesis Of The Daleks (Episode 2)

This is unquestionably the most infuriating cliffhanger on this list, purely because the series just flat out resorts to cheating in order to resolve it. The climax of Episode 2 features Sarah Jane Smith (who has been forced into slavery by the Thals and made to load radioactive materials into a rocket, by the way) trying to lead an escape attempt as she climbs higher and higher up the rocket's scaffolding. One by one her fellow escapees fall off to their deaths and finally she loses her grip and falls as well, with the episode ending on a freezeframe shot of her plunging to what could only be her certain doom. Imagine the aggravation of the viewer, then, when, at the beginning of Episode 3, they return to see her falling, but instead of plunging to her doom, she lands gently on a previously unseen platform, and then keeps on climbing as if nothing had even happened. So where did that platform come from?! It wasn't there in the last episode, because surely some of the extras who died would've landed there as well? It's the most egregious case of deus ex machina, writing the character into an impossible situation that can only be resolved through cheating. It's especially bad in comparison with later in the same story, where there are such excellent cliffhangers like the end of Episode 4, where the Doctor is forced to tell Davros the future of the Daleks military exploits. This moment arises naturally out of the story and is genuinely gripping to watch. Sarah falling onto a magic platform, meanwhile, is not. What did you think of this list? Are there any other infuriating cliffhangers from the Classic Series which should have been included? Join the conversation in the comments section below.