Humans and aliens alike have known for a while that they would be introduced to a new Time Lord following Doctor Who’s Christmas 2017 special. However, it was announced this month that the 13th Doctor would be revealed following the end of the Wimbledon men's singles final. News then broke on July 16 that Jodie Whittaker will be assuming the role of the infamous Time Lord, historically breaking the long list of men who have filled the role since the series’ first run from 1963 to 1989, then again briefly in 1996 and finally when the series was revived in 2005. Whittaker being the first woman to be given the titular role is impossible to overlook, and should be recognized not only as a positive step for the series, but also one that is long overdue.

Although fans have had mixed responses to the news, The Doctor should have regenerated in the form of a woman a long time ago. Although there were some excellent male actors to portray the Doctor in the show’s recent history (namely Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, as the 9th and 10th Doctors, respectively), we have also seen truly powerful female actors, who have assumed the roles of companions that can sometimes lead the show, alone. If you are still not convinced, though, considering the fact that The Doctor is an alien, there is no reason why a gender rotation should cause an upset amongst fans who, despite growing used to male actors playing The Doctor, are extremely used to the show changing up its cast on a regular basis. In case anyone missed it … that is kind of the premise of the show.

Moving forward, it seems obvious to me that the landmark decision should be met with intrigue since we have never had a female star, but also with support. Since the news broke, former cast members and writers of the show have shown their support, including previous Doctors and companions, alike. Therefore, where we go from here in terms of fan retention is simply a matter of where people’s mindsets are currently placed. In 2017, the world of Doctor Who is definitely ready for a female Doctor. It will likely offer a different dynamic in the TARDIS between The Doctor and her future companions, but that is not inherently bad. So for anyone who may feel that they are “no longer represented” in the form of The Doctor, all I have to say is: welcome to a woman’s reality. It feels pretty strange not to see yourself represented, right? The good news is that if you stop blaming the change on people being “politically correct”, you will still be able to see yourself represented by your once claimed favorite character. It simply will not just be all for you, though.

Moreover, to Jodie Whittaker: I wish you nothing but the best in your new role. You may have to work twice as hard to prove yourself to a sea of disgruntled men, but if your past performances are anything to go by (namely your role in “Broadchurch”), you are more than up to the challenge.