Does the inclusion of more female directors and script writers this series signal a lasting change? Or is this lip service paid to an audience becoming ever more vocal over the lack of diversity in their favorite TV show? The back office does appear to be sincere in their willingness to push boundaries and it behooves the rest of us to encourage them to keep going in that direction. The Woman Who Lived was not perfect but it certainly proved Catherine Tregannas worth as a Doctor Who writer and one that bears hearing from again. The longer Doctor Who shuts its doors to the voices of women and minorities the more irrelevant it is in danger of becoming. Series nine features two women directors, Rachel Talalay and Hettie MacDonald along with the two new female script writers Catherine Tregenna and Sarah Dollard. While more improvement needs to be made this is an important foray in the right direction. The Doctor Who fan base is a wide one with people of all genders and origins, many of whom have spent their lives consigned to the fringes of society. The Woman Who Lived is one small step for Doctor Who but a giant leap for person-kind.
Mary Ogle is the author and illustrator of “Orangeroof Zoo” a whimsical tale of magical realism told through the pages of a coloring book for adults. Working as a professional artist in the digital medium, Mary’s commissions have included everything from fine art to fan art, book cover design, illustration and book layout. Find more of Mary’s work at www.maryogle.com. Mary currently finds inspiration in the Ojai Valley, residing in a snug little cottage with a recalcitrant cat.
