The episode begins in Victorian London, where the Doctor, portrayed by Matt Smith, is in a state of self-imposed exile. He is mourning the loss of his companion, the Ponds, and has distanced himself from the world. The scene opens with a cold, snowy landscape, and the Doctor is seen in a pub, avoiding any involvement in the affairs of humanity. He is approached by a barmaid, who is curious about his unusual demeanor, but he brushes her off, indicating his reluctance to engage.

As the Doctor sits alone, a mysterious figure named Madame Vastra, a Silurian detective, and her companion, Jenny Flint, enter the pub. They are investigating a series of strange occurrences linked to the snow. Vastra is determined to find the source of the mysterious snowmen that have been appearing around London, which seem to be connected to a greater threat. She tries to convince the Doctor to help, but he refuses, still haunted by his past.

The scene shifts to a young boy named George, who is seen playing in the snow. He builds a snowman, but it suddenly comes to life and attacks him. The boy's screams attract the attention of his governess, Clara Oswald, who rushes to his aid. Clara is portrayed as brave and resourceful, and she manages to save George from the animated snowman. However, the snowman disappears, leaving Clara confused and concerned about the strange events unfolding.

Meanwhile, the Doctor is drawn back into the fray when he receives a message from Vastra, urging him to investigate the snowmen. He reluctantly agrees and arrives at the scene where Clara is present. The Doctor and Clara meet for the first time, and there is an immediate spark of chemistry between them. Clara is intrigued by the Doctor, and he is captivated by her spirit and determination. They share a brief conversation, but the Doctor is still hesitant to fully engage.

As the investigation continues, the Doctor learns that the snowmen are being controlled by a malevolent entity known as the Great Intelligence. This entity is using the snowmen to gather information and create an army. The Doctor realizes that he must confront this threat to protect Clara and the people of London. He decides to take action, and with Clara's help, they begin to unravel the mystery behind the Great Intelligence.

The Doctor and Clara visit the home of the late Dr. Simeon, who is revealed to be in league with the Great Intelligence. They discover that Simeon has been experimenting with the snow and has created a way to control them. The Doctor confronts Simeon, but the villain reveals his plan to use the snowmen to take over London. A tense confrontation ensues, with the Doctor using his wit and intelligence to outsmart Simeon.

As the climax approaches, the Doctor and Clara devise a plan to stop the Great Intelligence. They gather allies, including Vastra and Jenny, to confront the snowmen in a final showdown. The Doctor uses his sonic screwdriver to disrupt the control that Simeon has over the snowmen, causing them to malfunction. In the chaos, Clara shows her bravery by confronting the snowmen directly, helping to protect the innocent.

In the final moments, the Doctor faces the Great Intelligence directly. He uses his knowledge and resourcefulness to defeat the entity, banishing it from London. However, in the process, he realizes that Clara is not just an ordinary governess; she is someone special, and he feels a deep connection to her. As the snow begins to melt, the Doctor and Clara share a poignant moment, hinting at the adventures that lie ahead.

The episode concludes with the Doctor deciding to take Clara on as his new companion, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He is filled with hope and excitement, ready to embrace the future once more. Clara, intrigued by the Doctor's world, accepts his invitation, and they set off together, leaving behind the snowy landscape of London.

At the end of "The Snowmen," the Doctor, having faced the threat of the Great Intelligence and its snowmen, ultimately defeats the enemy with the help of Clara, a woman he has just met. Clara sacrifices herself to save the Doctor and the world, leading to a poignant moment where the Doctor, heartbroken, decides to leave Victorian London. He resolves to not travel alone anymore, and he is left with a sense of loss and determination to find Clara again.

As the episode unfolds towards its conclusion, the Doctor, portrayed by Matt Smith, stands in the snowy landscape of Victorian London, where the Great Intelligence has unleashed an army of snowmen to terrorize the city. The Doctor, initially reluctant to engage with the world after the loss of his previous companion, is drawn back into action by Clara, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman, who is a spirited and brave woman working as a governess.

In a pivotal scene, the Doctor confronts the Great Intelligence, who has taken control of the snowmen. The Doctor uses his sonic screwdriver to manipulate the snowmen, but the Great Intelligence reveals its true power, threatening Clara and the city. Clara, showing her bravery, steps forward to confront the Great Intelligence, which leads to a tense standoff. The Doctor, realizing the stakes, rallies his courage and devises a plan to defeat the enemy.

As the climax builds, Clara's fate becomes intertwined with the Doctor's. She bravely sacrifices herself to save him, plunging into the icy depths of the snow, which ultimately leads to the defeat of the Great Intelligence. The Doctor watches in horror as Clara disappears, and the snowmen begin to melt away, their threat neutralized. The emotional weight of Clara's sacrifice hits the Doctor hard, and he is left grappling with the loss of someone he has just begun to connect with.

In the aftermath, the Doctor stands alone in the snow, reflecting on the events that have transpired. He is visibly shaken, his face a mixture of sorrow and resolve. He decides that he cannot continue to travel alone, haunted by the memories of those he has lost. The episode closes with the Doctor making a vow to find Clara again, hinting at the deeper connection they share and the adventures that lie ahead.

The final scenes emphasize the themes of loss, bravery, and the importance of companionship. The Doctor's journey is marked by the emotional scars of his past, and Clara's brief but impactful presence serves as a catalyst for his decision to seek out companionship once more. The episode ends on a note of hope, as the Doctor prepares to embark on a new adventure, determined to honor Clara's memory and find her again.

In "The Snowmen," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes with the Doctor, played by Matt Smith, having a poignant moment as he reflects on the events that transpired. After the defeat of the Great Intelligence and the snowmen, the Doctor is left in a somber state, contemplating his loneliness and the loss of his companion, as well as the weight of his responsibilities. The episode ends on a note of introspection, focusing on the Doctor's emotional journey rather than providing a teaser or additional scene after the credits.

The Great Intelligence serves as the primary antagonist in 'The Snowmen'. It is a mysterious and malevolent force that seeks to gain physical form and power. The Great Intelligence manipulates events from behind the scenes, using the snowmen as its agents to carry out its plans. It is revealed that it has a connection to the Doctor's past, particularly through its interactions with the character of Professor Simeon.

In 'The Snowmen', the Doctor is deeply affected by the loss of his companion, Amy Pond, and her husband, Rory Williams. This grief leads him to isolate himself from the world, choosing to live in solitude and avoiding human connections. His emotional turmoil is evident in his reluctance to engage with Clara, the new character he meets, as he fears forming another bond that could lead to loss.

Clara is introduced as a pivotal character in 'The Snowmen'. She is a spirited and resourceful woman who works as a governess for the children of a wealthy family. Her curiosity and bravery draw the Doctor back into action. Clara's character is significant not only for her immediate role in the story but also for her mysterious connection to the Doctor's past, which becomes a central theme in subsequent episodes.

The Doctor first encounters Clara when he is investigating the strange occurrences surrounding the snowmen. He meets her at the home of the children she cares for, where she is trying to protect them from the snowmen that have come to life. Their initial interaction is marked by Clara's boldness and the Doctor's reluctance to engage, setting the stage for their complex relationship.

The snowmen in 'The Snowmen' are not just winter decorations; they are animated creatures created by the Great Intelligence to serve its purposes. They symbolize the manipulation of innocence and the dangers of allowing fear and grief to take control. The snowmen's ability to come to life and their menacing presence serve as a physical manifestation of the Great Intelligence's power and the threat it poses to humanity.

"The Snowmen" is generally considered family-friendly, but there are a few scenes and themes that might be potentially objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

1. Death and Loss: The episode deals with themes of loss and grief, particularly surrounding the character of the Doctor and his emotional state after the events of the previous season. This may be heavy for younger viewers.

2. Monsters and Threats: The Snowmen themselves, while not overtly terrifying, can be seen as menacing. Their ability to attack and the overall atmosphere of danger may be unsettling for some children.

3. Dark Themes: There are darker undertones related to the villain, who has a sinister plan involving the manipulation of the Snowmen and the threat they pose to humanity.

4. Emotional Turmoil: The Doctor's struggle with his emotions and the concept of loneliness may resonate deeply, potentially leading to feelings of sadness or confusion for younger audiences.

5. Mild Scares: There are moments of suspense and surprise that could startle younger viewers, particularly during scenes where the Snowmen are active.

Overall, while the episode contains some darker elements, it is crafted to be suitable for a family audience, with the potential for deeper emotional engagement.