Who is Madame Vastra and What’s Her Role?

Fans of ‘Doctor Who’ could easily compile a list of their favorite characters, given the show’s rich history. With countless actors joining the cast over the years, the series offers a vast array of memorable characters. Among these is Madame Vastra, a standout figure with a unique backstory.

Madame Vastra, portrayed by actress Neve McIntosh, first appeared in the 2011 episode ]A Good Man Goes to War.’ This episode, part of the sixth series, introduces Vastra as a Silurian—a reptilian humanoid species that once dominated Earth before retreating underground. The show explores her character primarily through other media such as books, games, and audio dramas, revealing that she awakened from her long slumber in the 1880s after being disturbed by construction workers.

Image Courtesy: BBC

 Initially violent, Vastra was later calmed by the Ninth Doctor and began to integrate into Victorian society. She eventually fell in love with a young woman named Jenny, who became her partner.

Vastra becomes an ally to the Doctor, aiding him in various missions. In ‘The Snowmen,’ she, along with Jenny and their new butler Strax, forms the Paternoster Gang. They assist the Doctor in locating Clara Oswald and face numerous adventures together. Despite her infrequent appearances on the show, Vastra’s backstory is richly developed in supplementary media. She became a renowned detective, reportedly inspiring the tales of Sherlock Holmes, and solved high-profile cases such as Jack the Ripper.

Image Courtesy: MSN

Although there has been fan interest in a spin-off featuring the Paternoster Gang, it has yet to materialize. Steven Moffat, who introduced Vastra, had considered the idea but ultimately did not pursue it. While the Paternoster Gang’s adventures have not continued on-screen, Vastra’s character remains a fascinating and engaging part of the ‘Doctor Who’ universe.

–Farheen Ali