Could Osgood Still Be Alive?

Guest contributor Ethan McDonald wonders if it really was the end for the character.

We first saw Osgood, played by Ingrid Oliver, in the 50th anniversary special and I like so many others fans loved her straight away. She represented what most Whovians would be like when meeting the Doctor for the first time, from her Tom Baker scarf, to her later addition of the Matt Smith bow tie.

So I’m sure most would agree with me that Osgood’s tragic death in the Series 8 finale at the hands of Missy was really shocking. I felt like the character had so much more to provide in the show and could have even become the Doctor’s companion in the future. This was even hinted at in Death in Heaven when the Doctor revealed she could be in for a trip into time and space. So I was absolutely saddened to see her life cut short. I understood that it showed that the Master was evil but it still did not feel right somehow.

Missy Then they must be mine. Say something nice
Osgood: Missy, the Master, whatever you call yourself. I promise, I’m much more useful to you alive
Missy: OH, yeah, that’s true. That’s definitely true, that is a good point well made. I’m proud of you sister. But did I mention Bananas!

The finale also didn’t seem to reflect on Osgood’s death that much as there was already so much happening in the story. There was little time to take it all in, and before you knew it Kate was sucked out of the plane to her apparent demise as well. With this lack of reflection it raises the question, could Osgood actually still be alive?

In The Day of the Doctor, Kate Stewart faced a very difficult situation as she came face to face with the Zygons as they prepared to take over the Earth. When Kate triggered a detonation underneath the tower of London, the Doctors were quick to resolve the problem using memory modifiers confusing everyone and causing them not remember to remember if they were Zygon or Human. The detonation was stopped and the Zygons and Humans made a peace treaty (which we did not really learn much about). The question is, do the Zygons have any involvement with UNIT now? Could this peace treaty involve the Zygons working with UNIT?

So this brings me back to Death In Heaven. Now what if the Zygon version of Osgood was actually the one on the plane who died? Many of you may disagree with me but I reckon it would be fantastic if we found out the real Osgood isn’t in fact dead, but the Zygon clone instead. Kate didn’t get time to reflect on Osgood’s demise as she got sucked out of the plane meaning she could easily reveal in a future UNIT episode that she is safe and sound. It would pose the question though, what was the real Osgood doing? Was she on holiday? Was she sick?

Actress Ingrid Oliver revealed in Doctor Who Extra that she was shocked at Osgood’s death but appears to want to come back somehow. I would easily go along with this storyline to do that, would you? Or do you think it would cheapen the whole scene? Please tell me what you think in the comments.