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Silhouettes are a type of android that appear in the Doctor Who mythos. They are tall, humanoid constructs that are black all over, earning them their name. These automatons were active in the 26th century and were employed by the Cybermen.

Characteristics[]

The Silhouette androids were humanoid in structure and appeared to be black all over, with no seams or other features anywhere on their bodies. They made a distinctive whine and were not detectable by scanners. Their right hands had energy weapons embedded in them that could turn a human into a boiling puddle of molten flesh. They were fitted with visual monitoring so that the Cybermen could receive the images; a Cyber-Leader could also able to communicate with them. The Silhouettes were highly resistant to energy weapons and could only be destroyed by concentrated fire.

While programmed to follow the Cyber-Leader's commands, Silhouettes were also programmed with survival protocols; they would not take unnecessary risks and would take action to avoid damage.

TV Appearances[]

Earthshock[]

In 2526, the Cybermen had hidden a bomb within a cave system on Earth, planning to detonate it to destroy the planet. While an expedition team was studying the caves, a pair of Silhouettes were created to guard the hatch which held the bomb. A conflict between the androids' duty and survival allowed the Fifth Doctor to confuse them by having Lieutenant Scott's men fire at the hatch — i.e. what they were programmed to protect. In their confusion, Adric was able to distract the first Silhouette long enough for Scott and his team to destroy it. The second android was subjected to an intense fire attack, also resulting in its destruction.

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