Cryostat

The cryostat stands as a central control device in the cavern, regulating the cryogenic stasis of the Cybermen tombs. The Doctor activates it to freeze the awakening Cybermen, prompting Klieg to reverse the controls and initiate thawing with a decisive flip. Later, the Doctor and Jamie rush to reactivate it amid chaos, succeeding as ice rapidly coats the cavern walls and seals the threat. Toberman's struggle buys them the moments needed, turning the device into the linchpin of survival.

4 appearances

Purpose

Freezes Cybermen in their tombs or reverses to thaw them through control adjustments

Significance

Serves as the pivotal tool in the standoff against awakening Cybermen; Klieg's sabotage unleashes doom, while its reactivation delivers temporary victory, underscoring themes of control over ancient perils and human folly in tampering with them

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments

S5E4 · The Tomb of the Cybermen Part 4

Doctor exposes Klieg’s delusions

The cryostat is the central device controlling the Cybermen's dormancy. The Doctor initially activates it to freeze the Cybermen, but Klieg violently reverses the levers, awakening them. This object becomes the linchpin of the power struggle, with its control shifting between the Doctor and Klieg as they battle for dominance. The cryostat's state—frozen or thawing—directly determines the fate of the cavern's occupants and the Cybermen's threat level.

Before: Activated by the Doctor to freeze the Cybermen, with the levers in the 'cryo' position.

After: Reversed by Klieg to thaw the Cybermen, with the levers in the 'awaken' position, causing the cavern walls to begin icing over as the Cybermen stir.

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S5E4 · The Tomb of the Cybermen Part 4

Doctor exposes Klieg’s delusional grandeur

The cryostat is the central control mechanism in the cavern, regulating the cryogenic stasis of the Cybermen. Klieg reverses its levers, believing he can now control the Cybermen after their Controller’s death. The Doctor had initially activated it to freeze the Cybermen, but Klieg’s reversal sets the stage for their awakening. The cryostat’s state shifts from a tool of containment to an instrument of doom, directly tied to Klieg’s delusional ambition and the Doctor’s psychological maneuvering. Its mechanical hum and the icy mist it emits create a visceral atmosphere of impending danger.

Before: Activated by the Doctor to freeze the Cybermen, maintaining their dormant state. The cavern is cold, and the Cybermen remain still.

After: Reversed by Klieg, initiating the thawing process. The cavern begins to warm, and the Cybermen stir ominously as ice melts from their forms.

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S5E4 · The Tomb of the Cybermen Part 4

Klieg’s execution by Cybermen

The cryostat is the central control device in the cavern, regulating the cryogenic stasis of the Cybermen tombs. Its reactivation by the Doctor and Jamie is the climax of the event, freezing the Cybermen permanently and preventing their escape. The cryostat's function is critical to the narrative, as it represents the only means of containing the Cybermen's threat. Its successful operation is a direct result of Toberman's intervention, which buys the Doctor and Jamie the necessary time to manipulate the control panel and restore its function.

Before: Deactivated, with the Cybermen awakening from their cryogenic stasis. The cryostat is inactive, and the cavern is beginning to thaw, allowing the Cybermen to move freely.

After: Fully reactivated, with the cavern rapidly freezing over. The cryostat's function is restored, and the Cybermen are sealed back into their tombs, their threat contained permanently. Ice coats the cavern walls, symbolizing the end of the immediate danger.

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S5E4 · The Tomb of the Cybermen Part 4

Toberman’s sacrifice and cryostat reactivation

The Cyberman Deactivation Foam is a critical byproduct of the Cyberman’s chest unit being smashed open by Toberman. The foam spills out onto the cavern floor, visually confirming the Cyberman’s disablement and providing a stark contrast to the otherwise sterile and mechanical environment. Its presence underscores the immediate and tangible impact of Toberman’s sacrifice, as it directly contributes to the Doctor and Jamie’s ability to reactivate the cryostat and seal the Cybermen away.

Before: Contained within the Cyberman’s chest unit, not visible or active.

After: Released and spilled onto the cavern floor, marking the Cyberman’s disablement and contributing to the scene’s chaotic energy.

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