7. A Non-White Doctor
Just like our last possibility, this one deals directly with the Doctor. Similarly to the question of gender, race has been tapped as a potentially game-changing factor in the show. As casting for the 12th Doctor is underway, names like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Idris Elba have been tossed into the ring, largely by fans. A story-based objection to changing the Doctor's race has been making the rounds, and its one that barely deserves the space online that I'm using to discuss it. The argument goes that a (for example) African American Doctor would preclude the show from telling historically-based stories, because a Doctor of color couldn't walk freely and do as the Doctor does in history. This argument is empty and nothing better than a coward, racist way around discussing a very real possibility for the show. Frankly, stories in which the Doctor faced racism or similar issues could very well make for riveting storytelling with real heart, no matter the color of the Time Lord's skin.