I remember watching this when it came out, and I was shocked that they killed her off, truly shocked by it. And while upon a rewatch almost six years later it doesn't have the same umph to it (give I knew it was coming), the fact I remember this scene so clearly from the first time is testament to how well done it was. A bold writing decision (i.e. Killing off the companion so soon) is what a good show needs every now and then to keep it fresh.