If there is one constant in Doctor Who, it is that nothing lasts forever. Each character will come and go, with even those who are seemingly immortal, like Captain Jack Harkness, potentially dying as the Face of Boe. Companions come and go, while allies and friends can appear and leave in less time than it takes to eat a sandwich. Even the Doctor himself is ever changing, regenerating into a new body and personality if he sustains enough damage.
Yet, for all of the changes and the constant stream of companions that have come through the TARDIS, Clara Oswald has done her best to remain. Currently serving as the longest tenured companion in Doctor Who history, the polarizing Clara seems like she will remain indefinitely, despite Jenna Coleman’s vacillation as to whether or not she would return for Series Nine.
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Even though Clara is back, and, at least at this point, has not stated an inclination to leave, that decision might be made for her. If one is to believe the statement that Peter Capaldi made about how he knows the fate of all of his companions, and the shadow creeping up on the Twelfth Doctor and Clara, her time may be coming soon. This time, the fate of Clara Oswald may not be in Coleman’s hands.
"“…In a way, the Doctor knows the fate of all of his companions. That makes it… difficult. But [with Clara] he is deliberately enjoying the relationship and this great toy box of time and space that they can explore together. But of course, as it’s Doctor Who, there is an ever deepening shadow pursuing them,” Capaldi said."
That is certainly a quote that will generate attention and speculation among Whovians. Even though the statement is, on the surface, completely innocuous, the fact that Capaldi specifically mentioned that he can see the end when it comes to his time with Clara can leave quite a bit open to interpretation.
Obviously, quite a bit is expected to change for Clara during Series Nine of Doctor Who. Her relationship with the Doctor is expected to be more open and honest, changing their entire dynamic. Add in the unfinished business that Clara still has, as well as the mystery surrounding how her and the Doctor met in the first place, and this could be quite the interesting season in terms of Clara’s development.
When all is said and done, that development may not matter. In the end, Clara Oswald could potentially be killed off at some point in Series Nine of Doctor Who. Even the Impossible Girl, scattered throughout all of time and space, may not last forever.