Cyberman android
The Cyberman androids, (TV: Earthshock) also known as Silhouettes, (COMIC: Goodbye to All That) were tall, black androids designed for killing. A pair of them were used by the Neomorph Cybermen when they planned Earth's destruction in 2526. (TV: Earthshock)
Characteristics[[edit] | [edit source]]
The androids made a distinctive whine and were not detectable by scanners. Their right hands had weapons embedded in them that could turn a human into a boiling puddle of molten flesh. They were fitted with monitoring so that the Cybermen could receive the images; the Cyber-Leader was also able to communicate with them. The androids were highly resistant to energy weapons and could only be destroyed by concentrated fire.
They were programmed both for survival and to strictly follow their programming. If they were damaged they would not take unnecessary risks. (TV: Earthshock)
History[[edit] | [edit source]]
Use by Mr. Longbody[[edit] | [edit source]]
The Terileptil Longbody employed several Silhouettes as a personal army while he was on Earth. Gustave Lytton fought them in some catacombs. (COMIC: Even the Oppressed Own Their Lives..., Goodbye to All That)
Use by Cybermen[[edit] | [edit source]]
In 2526, the CyberNeomorphs 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, the androids 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 android 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. (TV: Earthshock)
Behind the scenes[[edit] | [edit source]]
- The androids were referred to in the scripts for Earthshock parts one and two as "Male Android Silhouette" and "Female Android Silhouette". Although they were never identified as Silhouettes on-screen, the name did appear in the single-line synopsis featured in the Radio Times programme listing for part one: "What do the 'Silhouettes' guard?" (original published text)
- One of the android costumes was re-painted and used as the Raston Warrior Robot costume — a rather amusing turn of events, as the Raston Warrior Robot is a staunch enemy of the Cybermen — mostly seen destroying an entire squad of them.
- The androids were played by Barney Lawrence and Carolyn Mary Simmonds, who remained uncredited both on-screen and in Radio Times.[1]
