Sometimes, for whatever reason, you just want to cry. This is probably how Lurlene McDaniel and Jodi Picoult sell so many books. Life can be pretty fucking depressing at times, and during these times it can be comforting to watch a show where the characters are just as miserable as you, or where they’re upset about something silly or crazy or so foreign to you, it helps you forget. It’s also nice to be able to cry at something, and then be able to turn it off and walk away. For all those times when a good cry is in order, or when you want to feel so-very-sad, here are some episodes that should get you started.
Doomsday – Series 2, Episode 13
Doctor/Companion: Tenth Doctor (David Tennant)/Rose Tyler (Billie Piper)
Backstory: This is the second part of the two part finale for series 2. Rose has been travelling with the Doctor for quite a while, even saving his life, and witnessing a regeneration. In one of their prior adventures, they stumbled upon a parallel world, where Rose’s dad was still alive, but her parents had never had her. Events occur, and the worlds are brought together again.
Synopsis: Basically, two of the best villains of the show’s run, the Daleks and the Cybermen, are in the middle of a massive war and they’ve caught Earth in the middle.
Why It’s Sad: This is the episode where we say goodbye to Rose in a heartbreaking farewell. Bring a tissue.
The End of Time – Two-Part Christmas 2009/New Year’s Day 2010 Special
Doctor/Companion: Tenth Doctor (David Tennant)/Wilfred Mott (Bernard Cribbins)
Backstory: Quite a lot – this is the episode that ends Tennant’s run as the Doctor and Russell T. Davies’ run as the show runner. Understandably so, it makes reference to Tennant’s entire run as the Doctor in various ways, including wrapping up a series long arc, and revisiting his former companions.
Synopsis: The Doctor has spent the last few episodes running from a prophecy that this version of himself will die. This version of the Doctor quite likes being the Doctor and is eager to avoid whatever ill fate lies ahead. He is warned of trouble at the well on Earth and finds himself once again facing off against the Master.
Why It’s Sad: As mentioned, the companions are revisited, the Doctor saves the world, and before regenerating into Matt Smith, leaves us with an incredibly short but just as sad farewell speech.
Angels Take Manhattan – Series 7, Episode 5
Doctor/Companions: Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith)/Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill), River Song (Alex Kingston)
Backstory: This episode features the Weeping Angels, beings that are “quantum locked”; they’re frozen and turn to stone when observed, but can move at lightening speeds in the blink of an eye. They send their victims back in time by touching them. At this point in the series, Amy and Rory have been travelling with the Doctor for many years, and have discussed stopping, but have not yet made a final decision.
As with any episode with Amy, Rory and River, there are a few spoilers contained in the episode if you aren’t caught up, such as River’s parentage.
Synopsis: The Doctor takes Amy and Rory to New York City, where they wind up in 1930s New York and find themselves up against the Weeping Angels.
Why It Will Make You Cry: This is the episode in which Amy and Rory stop travelling with the Doctor and if his reaction doesn’t make you cry, the portrayal of the Angels as compared to their initial introduction certainly will.
Time of the Doctor – Christmas 2013 Special
Doctor/Companion: Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith)/Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman)
Backstory: There have been certain mysteries that have run throughout Matt Smith’s entire tenure as the Doctor, such as the existence of the Silence, the once ubiquitous cracks in the universe, and the events that are to befall the Doctor on Trenzalore. Many familiar enemies of the Doctor appear, including Daleks, Cybermen and the Angels.
Synopsis: The Doctor winds up protecting an adorable town called Christmas from a whole host of Doctor Who villains, for a great many years.
Why It Will Make You Cry: “Goodbye Raggedy Man”. Yup. That oughta do it. Also, full disclosure, I cried just looking for the above gif.