Doctor Who: The Great Detective (Christmas Special Prequel) - Children in Need 2012 - BBC One

Subscribe and 🔔 to the BBC 👉 bit.ly/BBCKZbinSub
Watch the BBC first on iPlayer 👉 bbc.in/iPlayer-Home www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey
Donations change the lives of children right here in the UK.
Matt and Jenna introduce the Doctor Who Christmas Prequel, The Great Detective, in which Vastra, Jenny and Strax try to persuade the grumpy Doctor to engage again.
#bbc
All our TV channels and S4C are available to watch live through BBC iPlayer, although some programmes may not be available to stream online due to rights. If you would like to read more on what types of programmes are available to watch live, check the 'Are all programmes that are broadcast available on BBC iPlayer?' FAQ 👉 bbc.in/2m8ks6v.

[@ShenaniganManFilms]

Matt: "...Amelia Pond, the woman who can never be replaced in his hearts." Jenna: "Hi"

[@IRiboty]

ShenaniganManFilms that absolutely killed me 😢

[@Outrider85]

and she never was.

[@dr.davidwho4053]

😁

[@blastvortex]

maybe should've expected some sort of... vavavoom

[@zekeg.4821]

I liked amy and clara. They had their moments.

[@Jasmine-mh3kf]

"I've declared war on the moon!" Gotta love Strax. ....damn moon.

[@MegaGermanShepherds]

At least he didn’t, the moon is an egg!

[@jamieolberding7731]

@@MegaGermanShepherds Hate to break it to you...................but the actual real life Moon isn't an egg you idiots.

[@jonathancantrell4926]

@@jamieolberding7731 Because they were obviously talking about the real moon.

[@dr.davidwho4053]

😁😆

[@dr.davidwho4053]

Strax, talk to Piccolo, he'll blast it for you.😁

[@claraj1968]

They really should make a spin off with Vastra, Jenny and Strax, it would be so much fun! Strax alone is enough to get people to watch, he's so funny!

[@Alxx2]

oh yes please!

[@DarthNoox]

Agreed

[@heyitsme3586]

Actually they're doing one in 2019 I think

[@dr.davidwho4053]

I wonder if Strax has Nameccian blood?😆

[@cosmichobo4216]

They have a big finish series

[@thebestderpever681]

He acts like the docter even when he's not on the show acting

[@conkrcstf6405]

I know it's brilliant isn't it.

[@jonathannilsson8482]

I think he's just being himself actually and made that into his Doctor.

[@ITPalGame]

Like the late Robert Culp.

[@abcdefgh6951]

Yes, I thing that is why 13. doctor don't work so well, becouse she don't bring something from herself, and she is only trying to act like the Doctor, maybe it is not her fault, mayby Chibnail wrote 13. Doctor this way, maybe he was trying to show something like was tenth again, becouse it had sucess. Becouse, I can see clearly how she is making effort to be the Doctor and it is the cringe thing on it, but this is only my opinion and after all I respect her as the Doctor, only it is not so fun...

[@martylaren11]

No, the Doctor acts like Matt Smith

[@Drakelx555]

And yet they made an episode called "Kill the Moon" and didn't invite Strax?! Tsk tsk missed opportunities

[@carealoo744]

#BringBackThePanternosterGang!

[@carealoo744]

I used to think, they were called: 'The Phanostra Gang!' Heh, Heh! :)

[@yeshello3775]

😂

[@dutchmansmine9053]

Dear Lord, anything to make that episode less painful.

[@YatzSliversword]

"I've declared war on the Moon!" It's after midnight. Should I be laughing this much?

[@repulser93]

Considering "Kill the Moon", he might've had the right idea.

[@LeisurelyShtooping]

Adam Sherman long live the prophet Strax, hallowed be his name.

[@numberoneintrovert]

YatzSliversword Dee moooooon!

[@tomnorton4277]

I like that Vastra, Jenny and Strax have clearly been trying to get the Doctor back in the game for ages. You can just feel Vastra and Jenny's desperation like they're willing to try anything to get him to stop sulking and start saving the world again, not only for the planet's sake but also because they care about the Doctor and hate seeing him so miserable. And of course, Strax is completely oblivious to how out of character it is for the Doctor to avoid getting involved and is just focussed on declaring war on anyone and anything that looks at him the wrong way.

[@gamemaster613]

They should have said "The Daleks are going to Exterminate every single Fez and Bow Tie in the Universe unless you stop them".

[@snowplexus]

YES. JUST YES.

[@gwentaylor8840]

Haha

[@barn8793]

Good idea

[@SorchaSublime]

I dont think hed care. he was very, very depressed.

[@thebachiever234]

Hit him where it hurts

[@LittleGoblinBastard]

I can see strax shooting at the moon every night

[@objectdefiance4027]

lol

[@Anatsuii]

I keep on discovering "minisodes" of doctor who or things like dr who proms etcaetera... and I'm so excited and happy everytime I do ! This is definitely my favorite show. for ever.

[@saumyagupta1210]

So true. Every time I think I've finally watched each and every episode, I discover new episodes :3 Best feeling :')

[@candice_ecidnac]

Dudeonwheels, the list has been deleted so I'm unable to reference it there. There is, however, a list on the Doctor Who Wiki: tardis.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Doctor_Who_mini-episodes

[@goddess2008]

I'm 7 years late and I'm just watching this one. I'm always delighted ☺️

[@Vexvaporrub]

Dr who proms?

[@adambugala705]

Matt: "Amelia Pond, the woman who will never be replaced in his hearts." Jenna: "Hi..." As if I couldn't ship Whouffle any harder! I'M DYING!

[@einezcrespo]

I miss Whouffle. Matt admits he regrets not doing a full series with Jenna.

[@ebty4969]

i mean capaldi and coleman were still great together

[@evaniaendellion6173]

I love how they're all like "There's no one on the moon!" Maybe not ON the moon, but IN the moon!! =)

[@shadowhunter240]

DUN DUN DUHHHH

[@bencoleman7787]

“ his best friend Rory “ that’s so lovely cause Rory always felt like he just tagging along in a way. Like if Amy wasn’t there Rory wouldn’t be there but it’s nice to think the doctor really valued Rory

[@HarryRickard]

All this time on and Jenna's little smile is still just as adorable as ever

[@soritahin1283]

i want spin-off of the 3 of them. it would be so much fun.

[@windrunnerradiant4776]

Sorita hin Yes!!!!!!

[@carealoo744]

Looks like we're farther away from that happening, than ever before. 'Big Finish's,' got it Going, though! :)

[@james8194]

They should make a spinoff for Vastra and the gang on CBBC to replace SJA.

[@edgymcfredster]

YESS

[@Kissfan96dr]

I think they tried but it didn't take off

[@MadScientist512]

I'd be onboard for that, it's a shame that hating them's become a thing amongst many KZbin critics and those fans who blindly make that opinion their own. A lot of this seems based not on lack of merits but rather this anti-SJW/PC movement that perceives any non-stereotypical gender roles as a plot to influence people. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, new companion Bill certainly seems like she ticks all the diversity boxes and shows she's gay as often as possible in a "look how woke we are!" way, but knee-jerk labeling characters and even not liking them because of a minor 'infraction' doesn't help that argument in cases where it might actually be true. I've always thought the Victorian Gang were great comic relief and an interesting mix of characters, an odd-trio if you will, and I enjoyed their occasional messing with Victorian values on gender roles in a comedic manner, but sadly that one thing has many disliking them.

[@BenNightHound]

No, there's already a Big Finish series and a tv series would cost too much due to needing Vastra and Strax on every episode which one be expensive due to the costume. S

[@marinettedorien8236]

@@BenNightHound the bbc actually suggested one but Moffat said no

[@Waltham1892]

ALL YOUR FAVORITE DR. Who Christmas Carrols! Dalek the halls with boughs of Holly; Silence Night; Hark the Weeping Angels sing; Good Time Lords looked out, on the feast of Stephen; Act NOW and get a set of Ginsu Knives!

[@iLikeTheUDK]

*Steven.

[@Waltham1892]

Jeez, thanks for clearing that up...

[@DragonFlower167]

"The Great Detective" thought it was going to be some Sherlock thing for a minute

[@Heowa]

Me too - but I guess that was what they were aiming at anyway... ;)

[@albaortiz0573]

In one episode the Great Intelligence (a man who will become it) says that Sherlock Holmes was inspired by madame Vastra. I'm seven years later, but anyways

[@ShadesOfMisery]

I love how much of Matt's personality gets into his acting. I half expected him to say "Minisodes are cool!"

[@iamaweasel]

Just love Jenny. Invisible Wife..........

[@iamaweasel]

+Kevin Thorpe & that the actress is actually Welsh, with a distinct Welsh accent in 'real' life makes this all the better.

[@colinjupp9406]

Awesome 😀😀😀🤙🤙🤙

[@KittehNinjaz]

I love the bejeebers out of Strax - he's my absolute favorite - but honestly? Jenny stole the show here. Strax is a riot, but there's something about Jenny's line about the man on Pride Street, the one with the invisible wife. "Or maybe he just doesn't have a wife..."

[@vegitoxtreme]

Why was the Doctor dressed as mad hatter? Or should I say "Matt" Hatter. I'm a horrible person.

[@mhairiharris4872]

vegitoxtreme That is an awesome pun sir! Very well done.

[@dr.davidwho4053]

😁😆 No. What you said is brilliant!!!!!!

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

@vegitoxtreme >>> It DOES sound a bit *_"Ood"._* 😝😝😝😝

[@christina4012]

😭😭😭

[@voldlifilm]

To be fair, if Strax had been allowed to wage his war on the moon, we may have all been spared a horrible episode a few years later.

[@voldlifilm]

No. It was horrible. Nothing in the episode worked. It was Doctor Who at its very worst. Poor pacing, poor storytelling and horrible science. The episode had no heart, no soul and no brain. It needs two of these to function. Three to be great.

[@StarRider587]

+Lars Erik Volden Is it worse than that one 10th episode with the absorbing alien thing?

[@voldlifilm]

Yes. Finally something was.

[@ruewelch258]

+Dominic Maas Yeah sleep no more was a bit pants. Season 9 is definitely MILES better than Season 8 though. I think some of the best writing to come out of Nu Who has been this year. Heaven Sent was just wonderful...

[@Voyagersguidebook]

Yes, I refuse to accept that episode. Some things you just leave alone. The moon is what it is.

[@DambustaAnimations]

Well, there's nothing living ON the moon, they got that right, IN the moon however.....,...

[@InfinityStar764]

The moon was an egg.

[@DambustaAnimations]

superdigiwolf i know, and in that egg was a living creature.

[@InfinityStar764]

dambusta2 Yeah I see what you meant now, sorry.

[@DambustaAnimations]

superdigiwolf s'alright

[@brch2]

dambusta2 Forget about the spider like creatures?

[@mzytryck]

I'm glad that Vastra, Jenny and Strax are back. Fans loved them in A Good Man Goes To War, and asked for more, so it's great to see that the producers are listening to their loyal fans. And it's so sweet to see them all trying to help the Doctor through his depression.

[@christopherhui1087]

strax is smarter than you think(cough kill the moon cough cough)

[@kellyreynolds5948]

NO DON'T! IT'S AN EGG REMEMBER????

[@MATTierial]

"I've declared war on the Moon!" I love that line so much :D

[@lyndha]

Its a mini-sode, I watch mini-dodes now, mini-sodes are cool...

[@TranscendentLion]

If they'd listened to Strax, the Earth would have been saved from the Cybermen attacking the Moonbase. :P

[@AcetylsaliciIique]

Well... no because the moonbase won't be there for about half a century =/ I checked, the events of Moonbase happened in 2070. It will be awkward when we reach that time with no weather controlling Moonbase =p

[@TranscendentLion]

They could establish a presence there that would hold all the way through to the 21st century.

[@AcetylsaliciIique]

TranscendentLion Except we know for a fact that humans hadn't gone to the moon yet at the time of Victorian England =p

[@ShootStyleZombie]

Or giant spider monsters

[@jonathanhamstra3319]

2:44 the baby in the moon! it won't expect anything.....

[@StarRider587]

+David Blake Hush... that episode doesn't exist.

[@evilwolf5556666]

Damn moon...

[@ramzdeastv]

Strax is one of my favorite characters

[@seanboyle7391]

Mooninites!!!!

[@seanboyle7391]

Foiled yet again, Strax! We are the Mooninites! Thank you ATHF. :P

[@ambassador-classenjoyer6239]

"...too abominable to be photographed." Poor Strax. If you're looking for a scary face, look at the moon!

[@objectdefiance4027]

*The Abominable Bride*

[@kennethsatria6607]

Well he's not wrong, the moon definitely had some things on it and in it

[@kellyreynolds5948]

Yeah like the time it was actually an egg. and not an actual moon.

[@joebaumgart1146]

who here thinks they should get their own spin off? I mean if K-9 can make it work anyone can. they could even cross it over with Sherlock!

[@srishtymahesh3957]

finally someone said it!!

[@M0kki]

Joe Baumgart, K-9?

[@objectdefiance4027]

A Robot Dog

[@garyw370]

0:21 The way Jenna says "Hi!", my heart melts! 😳😊

[@lolbotist]

Madam Vastra and Co. should have been a spin off, crime solving show

[@MrMeszaros]

I love how the doctor is depicted with only half his face lit, and the other dark. It reminds me the feeling when I lost someone dear to my heart. It felt like part of my body died - fell into darkness and despair. Like I was missing an arm or a leg.

[@ellen8005]

Oh Matt is so adorable. Talented as well! To able to be as adorably endearing at the start and then become that serious brooding character! And yes I know it isn't in the same scene or successive but the fact that he can play both parts so incredibly well..... he will go far. And I am pleased nay honoured to have known and seen him as the Doctor.

[@Efflorescentey]

+

[@grab006]

Strax declaring war on the moon. Priceless.

[@gsolee]

I knew those Moonites have been keeping an eye on us!

[@gsolee]

***** look who decided to comment. long time no read-your-comments

[@raphaelos2456]

this is my favorite mini episode, it really show that doctor is also a man with feelings, and has bad days and good days. Depressing and sunshine days , i love that kind of stuff when they show the main character is also a being with feelings not just a untouchable person who won't feel anything at all that what i love about doctor who they show that everyone wont always survive the horror you face.

[@Sapphiredragon123]

i love strax XD

[@Gh0stSh33p]

Here I am 11 years later enjoying this for the first time!

[@davidharding9240]

I'll miss Clara

[@KiSm15]

Haha Jenna is so adorable

[@ZerjtheZerg]

Guys, just love all the writers and doctors. They all bring their own strengths and weaknesses to the table in their own pleasant way. Everybody has their ups and downs so there is no reason to discredit any of the contributors as the show as a whole is fantastic.

[@Lieutenant_Dude]

Strax IS TF2's Soldier.

[@dalekrenegade2596]

***** GOD DAMMIT NAPPA!

[@krashface4870]

Well, this explain why I love him so much.

[@Lieutenant_Dude]

Now I really want him to have a hat.

[@numberoneintrovert]

1:08 "Too abominable to be photographed." *Immediately shows Strax* Ladies and gentlemen, Doctor Who.

[@jamestroughton5652]

How did I never see this?

[@mrbeans2425]

" I have declared war on the moon! Too long the moon has hung unwarranted and unsuspected in the sky, it has gained enormous tactical advantage!" "there's no one living there' "Then it is clearly time to strike! They wont suspect a thing!" "Who wont?" "Moooooonites!"

[@ajeuwa]

I've grown REALLY emotionally attached to this show. There's no going back at this point 💀

[@ivanspoljaric9267]

Jenna is just precious

[@Daioblis]

3:58 Even when he's not acting as The Doctor, he's still The Doctor. That's Matt Smith to you!

[@TomJeffries1]

It's been said many times before, but these 3 need a series

[@blindio10]

well 2 and a half strax isnt all their but seconded all the same :)

[@dourecognizemefrom2014]

"Blimey Jenna" XD Oh and I loved that episode. He did a brilliant Sherlock iimpression XD

[@netherillager5959]

I love how Matt just gives off "The Doctor" vibes 24/7 for me

[@user-zc7qx9ob4c]

My, you can see by his attire that the Doctor thought he was permanently retiring. He has no bowtie (signature of 11th) and it's strange to see him like that.

[@nspartan011]

Strax:IVE DECLARED WAR ON THE MOON!! Me: ROLFMAO

[@mateo3380]

Strax was right. They should have listened him.

[@quickhakker]

dosent strax know that crowley owns the moon?

[@mangobean9052]

+quickhakker I love you

[@barn8793]

I love you 2

[@JamesBradlee1]

I love you 3

[@barn8793]

i love you 4

[@Anonymous-yq6wy]

+BarneyPlayz I love you 5

[@MrHorrorking13]

I would love to see Vastra and Jenny have a child. A clone of Vastra with some aspects of Jenny's DNA or find a lost Silurian egg and they raise the orphan reptile baby as their own child. Also, the child comes back from the future, now as an adult, tries to rescue it's mothers from a time traveling enemy who has gone back in time to kill them both.

[@sekai9906]

That would be absolutely epic !

[@dcworld1076]

here i am a decade later watching for the first time

[@coreyadams25]

The best part, is that Strax is serious the entire time.

[@natalelenrok9091]

Gotta love Strax's comment bout the moon XD ..."Damn Moon" :P

[@gagejoseph91]

2:30 ...........So much Irony >.>

[@ohthewhomanity]

"Yes." This clip was when I knew I loved Jenna.

[@Atillux]

I love this group, Vastra,Jenny and Strax!

[@m.oliveira5627]

Ohhhh I just love strax he is the best

[@animatorgirl6481]

Matt Smith is so good as the doctor. I miss him

[@mattmclachlan7214]

awesome mini prequel to the Doctor Who Xmas special!

[@SkyWingFeather]

“There’s no one living up there, Strax.” Yup…because it’s an EGG

[@moongem4489]

Forget Rose, Madame Vastra, Jenny and Strax are my favourite companions.

[@lewismurphy8078]

i want a spin off with those 3 one because it'd be great and funny as hell two i love the Victoria era

[@adalangbroek2706]

The Paternoster Gang deserves a spin-off series 😄

[@nikdzuba1209]

Strax's speech about the moon made me lose it 🤣🤣🤣

[@candycandy319]

I HAVE DECLARE WAR ON THE MOON. *burst out laughing* XDXD oh my...Strax... typical military commander... :P

[@ThePadawanK]

I declare war on the moon.

[@whitenerdymoonwalker]

You TOO?!

[@SimonB198207]

These were such brilliant characters andv the set up for their back stories was perfect. I think maybe too much time has elapsed for there to be a series but, if only something could be done with them - a steampunk spectacular of a miniseries - 2 or 3 hour long episodes just to sate the fans...

[@yehudisfriedman8459]

Don’t hurt the moon, Strax! It’s just a baby! Hasn’t even hatched yet!

[@jasonpdsi]

I would love to see the Paternoster Gang get their own show, like a Victorian era antithesis to Torchwood...

[@qwertylazerti]

Strax!!! What did the moon ever do to you! Leave it alone...

[@LaurenAlaina144]

This is my 1st time seeing Doctor Who and I am hooked!!!!!

[@cherryblossom2009]

I love this mini episode I feel like it should of been in the episode though. But seeing Matt and Jenna showing the mini episode is great too I loved the mini episode when I first saw it I actually thought that someone else was standing in the shadows wearing Matt’s doctor’s clothes because where he was standing was really dark. But then he came out and I’m like Matt ❤ but yes I love how Matt acts it’s incredible how he can switch from happy to sad or angry it was proven in The Doctor’s Wife. Matt is very talented

[@Kittykatty224]

They should make The Great Detective a TV show like torchwood or the Sarah Jane adventures.

[@MrZachywack]

did anyone else crack up at 0:19

[@Tamashi88]

Strax is one of my favourite side characters.

[@SamiCreut]

I can't wait for the Christmas show!

[@danielfurman1771]

Hopefully Kill The Moon next week will have Strax...

[@PhoenixDilemmaProductions]

I HAVE DECLARED WAR ON THE MOON!

[@benfrenzy]

Gotta love that exchange at the end.

[@bondbug73]

Very witty :-) Looking more forward to the Christmas episode.

[@animalportal1661]

is this why beiber came to be? the doctor was retired?

[@Camw1n]

How people still find Beiber jokes funny....

[@animalportal1661]

Camw1n because hes a douche bag

[@iiiiitsmagreta1240]

Beeb, just give us a Paternoster Gang spin-off already.

[@ChaseHavoc]

I can't wait to the Christmas Special.

[@brichards71993]

that thing jenny was saying about drilling through the crust sounds like the 3rd doctor serial inferno.

[@sorra300-]

Is that Mark Gatiss reading? *_*

[@AlTheTroll]

Damn moon.

[@Mowingthefrontlawn]

He'll be in two more next year! Looking forward to it.

[@CloudFreedomFighters]

It got to the point where I looked forward to the Moffat episodes over the finales. Once I heard he was taking over I couldn't wait to see what he had to show us and apart from the non-Moffat episodes of series 6, I've loved it.

[@UnFadingFox]

No Strax! Declare war on the sun!.....I hate that bright shiny annoying beast...