What is the plot?

The episode "Death in Heaven" begins with the aftermath of the events from the previous episode, "Dark Water." The Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi, is in a graveyard, where he is confronted by the Cybermen, who have been reanimated from the dead. The scene is tense, with the Doctor realizing the gravity of the situation as he sees the Cybermen rising from their graves. He is filled with a mix of determination and dread, knowing that he must confront this new threat.

Meanwhile, Clara Oswald, portrayed by Jenna Coleman, is dealing with the emotional fallout of the Doctor's actions and the loss of her friend, Danny Pink. She is at the funeral of Danny, who has died in the previous episode. Clara is visibly distraught, struggling with her grief and the reality of Danny's death. As she mourns, she is approached by the Doctor, who tries to comfort her but is also focused on the Cybermen threat.

The scene shifts to the Cybermen, who are now fully operational and attacking the area. The Doctor and Clara work together to escape the chaos. The Doctor devises a plan to confront the Cybermen, using his sonic screwdriver to try and find a way to stop them. Clara, still reeling from her emotions, is torn between her loyalty to the Doctor and her grief for Danny.

As the Doctor and Clara navigate through the chaos, they encounter a group of Cybermen led by Missy, played by Michelle Gomez. Missy reveals that she is the Master, the Doctor's long-time nemesis, and has been orchestrating the events leading to this moment. She explains her plan to convert the dead into Cybermen, using the emotional energy of the living to power them. The Doctor is shocked and angered by her betrayal, realizing the extent of her manipulation.

In a pivotal moment, Missy offers the Doctor a chance to join her, but he refuses, standing firm in his beliefs. This confrontation is charged with tension, as both characters grapple with their past and their conflicting ideologies. Missy, unfazed by the Doctor's rejection, activates the Cybermen to attack.

The battle escalates as the Doctor and Clara fight against the Cybermen. Clara, in a moment of bravery, confronts one of the Cybermen, trying to reach the humanity within. She is determined to save Danny, who she believes may still be alive inside the Cyberman. The emotional stakes are high as Clara's love for Danny drives her actions.

As the fight continues, the Doctor realizes that he must make a difficult choice. He uses a device to disable the Cybermen, but this also puts Clara in danger. In a heart-wrenching moment, Clara must decide whether to save herself or risk everything to save Danny. Ultimately, she chooses to confront the Cyberman that she believes is Danny, leading to an emotional reunion.

However, the reunion is short-lived as the Cyberman reveals that he is not the Danny she knew. This revelation devastates Clara, and she is forced to confront the reality of her loss once again. The Doctor, witnessing Clara's pain, feels a deep sense of empathy and sorrow for her.

In the climax of the episode, the Doctor confronts Missy one last time. He manages to outsmart her, using her own technology against her. In a dramatic showdown, he disables the Cybermen and ultimately defeats Missy, who is killed in the process. The Doctor is left to grapple with the consequences of their battle, feeling the weight of his actions and the loss of his friends.

The episode concludes with the Doctor and Clara parting ways. Clara, still mourning Danny, decides to leave the Doctor, feeling that she needs to find her own path. The Doctor, understanding her decision, respects her choice but is visibly affected by the loss of their companionship. The emotional farewell is poignant, highlighting the deep bond they shared throughout their adventures.

As the Doctor watches Clara walk away, he is left alone, reflecting on the events that have transpired. The episode ends with a sense of melancholy, as the Doctor contemplates the cost of their battles and the fragility of life.

What is the ending?

In the ending of "Death in Heaven," the Doctor confronts Missy, who reveals her plan to create an army of Cybermen from the dead. After a tense standoff, the Doctor manages to defeat her, but she escapes. Clara lies to the Doctor about her relationship with him to protect him. The episode concludes with the Doctor mourning the loss of his friends and reflecting on the nature of life and death.


As the episode "Death in Heaven" reaches its climax, the scene opens in a graveyard where the Doctor, portrayed by Peter Capaldi, stands face-to-face with Missy, played by Michelle Gomez. The atmosphere is thick with tension as Missy reveals her grand scheme: she has been resurrecting the dead as Cybermen, creating an army that she intends to use to conquer the world. The Doctor, filled with a mix of anger and sorrow, confronts her about the implications of her actions, grappling with the moral weight of life and death.

In a dramatic turn, the Doctor uses the Cyber-Brigadier's emotions against the Cybermen, reminding them of their humanity. The Cybermen, momentarily confused, hesitate, allowing the Doctor to gain the upper hand. However, Missy, ever cunning, manages to escape, leaving the Doctor with a sense of unresolved conflict and loss. The Doctor's internal struggle is palpable; he is a protector, yet he feels the burden of his failures weighing heavily on him.

Meanwhile, Clara, played by Jenna Coleman, is in a separate confrontation with the Cybermen. She faces her own emotional turmoil as she grapples with the reality of her situation and the loss of her friend, the Doctor. In a moment of desperation, she lies to the Doctor about her feelings, claiming she has moved on and is happy, when in truth, she is heartbroken. This lie serves to protect the Doctor from the pain of their separation, showcasing her deep love and loyalty to him.

As the episode draws to a close, the Doctor stands alone, reflecting on the events that have transpired. He is haunted by the memories of those he has lost, particularly the fallen soldiers and his friends. The weight of his choices and the lives affected by his actions linger in the air, creating a somber atmosphere. The Doctor's internal conflict is evident as he contemplates the nature of his existence and the consequences of his adventures.

In the final moments, the Doctor receives a message from Clara, who is now far away, and he realizes that their paths have diverged. Clara's fate is left ambiguous, but it is clear that she has chosen to move on, while the Doctor is left to navigate his loneliness and the complexities of his role as a Time Lord. The episode concludes with the Doctor looking out into the distance, a figure of solitude, embodying the themes of loss, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of friendship.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In "Death in Heaven," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes with a poignant and emotional resolution to the story arcs of the characters, particularly focusing on the Doctor and Clara. The episode wraps up the themes of loss, sacrifice, and the complexities of their relationship, leaving viewers with a sense of closure rather than an additional scene after the credits. The final moments emphasize the bittersweet nature of their journey together, culminating in a heartfelt farewell.

What happens to the Cybermen in 'Death in Heaven'?

In 'Death in Heaven', the Cybermen are revealed to be reanimated corpses, as Missy has been converting the dead into Cybermen. The Doctor and Clara face an army of these Cybermen, who are programmed to follow Missy's commands. The Cybermen's emotional inhibitors are removed, allowing them to feel fear and pain, which adds a layer of horror to their presence.

How does the Doctor react to the revelation of Missy's identity?

When the Doctor discovers that Missy is the Master, he is initially shocked and conflicted. He grapples with the emotional weight of facing an old friend turned enemy, feeling a mix of anger, betrayal, and a lingering sense of camaraderie. This internal struggle is evident in his interactions with her, as he tries to understand her motivations while also confronting the threat she poses.

What is Clara's emotional state throughout 'Death in Heaven'?

Clara experiences a tumultuous emotional journey in 'Death in Heaven'. She is devastated by the loss of the Doctor, believing him to be dead, and is determined to confront Missy. When she learns the truth about the Cybermen and the Doctor's survival, her emotions shift from grief to relief, but she also faces the moral dilemma of her actions and the consequences of her choices.

How does the episode explore the theme of death and resurrection?

In 'Death in Heaven', the theme of death and resurrection is explored through the transformation of the dead into Cybermen and the Doctor's confrontation with mortality. The episode raises questions about what it means to truly die, as characters grapple with the implications of being brought back in a mechanical form. The Doctor's refusal to accept the loss of his friends and his determination to fight against the inevitability of death highlight this theme.

What is the significance of the final scene between the Doctor and Clara?

The final scene between the Doctor and Clara is significant as it encapsulates their complex relationship. Clara, having faced the reality of her choices and the consequences of her actions, decides to leave the Doctor to live her own life. The Doctor, in turn, is left with a sense of loss and longing, emphasizing the emotional weight of their bond and the sacrifices they both must make. This moment serves as a poignant farewell, marking a turning point in their journey together.

Is this family friendly?

"Death in Heaven," the twelfth episode of Doctor Who's eighth series, contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

  1. Death and Grief: The episode deals heavily with themes of death, loss, and mourning, which may be emotionally challenging for younger viewers.

  2. Zombies and Corpses: The presence of Cybermen, who are reanimated corpses, can be frightening. Their appearance and the concept of the dead returning in a mechanical form may be unsettling.

  3. Violence: There are scenes of conflict and violence, including confrontations between characters and the Cybermen, which may be intense for some viewers.

  4. Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience significant emotional distress, including fear, sadness, and betrayal, which may resonate deeply and provoke strong feelings.

  5. Moral Dilemmas: The episode presents complex moral questions about life, death, and what it means to be human, which may be difficult for younger audiences to fully grasp.

These elements contribute to a darker tone in this episode, making it potentially less suitable for very young children or those sensitive to such themes.