Doctor Who (TV Series)

The Snowmen (2012)

Neve McIntosh: Madame Vastra

Photos 

Quotes 

• Jenny : Madame Vastra will ask you questions. You will confine yourself to single word responses. One word only. Do you understand?

  Clara : Why?

  Madame Vastra : Truth is singular. Lies are words, words, and words. You met the Doctor, didn't you?

  Clara : Yes.

  Madame Vastra : And, now, you've come looking for him again. Why?

  Jenny : [as Clara hesitates]  Take your time. One word only.

  Clara : Curiosity.

  Madame Vastra : About?

  Clara : Snow.

  Madame Vastra : And about him?

  Clara : Yes.

  Madame Vastra : What do you want from him?

  Clara : Help.

  Madame Vastra : Why?

  Clara : Danger.

  Madame Vastra : Why would he help *you*?

  Clara : [taken aback]  Kindness.

  [Jenny looks to Madame Vastra] 

  Madame Vastra : The Doctor is not kind.

  Clara : No?

  Madame Vastra : No. The Doctor doesn't help people. Not anyone, not ever. He stands *above* this world and doesn't interfere in the affairs of its inhabitants. He is not your salvation, nor your protector. Do you understand what I am saying to you?

  Clara : Words.

  [Madame Vastra is now taken aback, her lie called out. Jenny looks proudly at Clara] 

  Madame Vastra : He was... different, once. A long time ago. Kind, yes. A hero, even. The saver of worlds. But he suffered losses that hurt him. Now, he prefers isolation to the possibility of pain's return. Kindly choose a word to indicate your understanding of this.

  Clara : Man.

  [Madame Vastra looks to Jenny, who imperceptibly but enthusiastically nods rapidly] 

• Madame Vastra : You can't help yourself. It's the same story every time, and it always begins with the same two words.

  The Doctor : She'll never be able to find me again. She doesn't even have the name Doctor. What two words?

  [Clara suddenly pokes her head through the roof of the hansom cab] 

  Clara : Doctor? Doctor who?

• Madame Vastra : [Madame Vastra tells The Doctor Clara's answer to the One-Word Test]  Pond.

• Madame Vastra : There are two refreshments in your world the color of red wine. This... is not red wine.

• Alice : Captain Latimer! In the garden, there's snowmen! And they're just growing! Out of nowhere by themselves! Look!

  [she opens the door] 

  Madame Vastra : Good evening! I'm a lizard woman from the dawn of time and this is my wife.

  Strax : This dwelling is under attack. Remain calm, human scum.

  The Doctor : So. Any questions?