Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. This not only includes fictional female characters in geeky media, but creators as well. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for young girls to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for Doctor Who. Enough spoilers to fill a TARDIS that’s skyrocketing to the end of the universe.
13th Doctor
Fast Facts:
The 13th Doctor (portrayed by Jodie Whittaker) is an alien known as a Time Lord, originating from the planet Gallifrey nestled in the Kasterborous constellation. She possesses two hearts and the ability to regenerate upon death. As far as we know, this is the first time the Doctor has regenerated into a woman. However, it is well known that Time Lords can change genders (i.e. The Master to Missy). The 13th Doctor is armed with a handy dandy space ship called the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space) that also functions as a time machine. She keeps her sonic screwdriver at the ready for inspection of unknown lifeforms and in case she needs to close a metal door in a jiffy. Unfortunately, said sonic screwdriver is essentially useless when it comes to breaking wood.
Now, the 13th Doctor travels time and space in her TARDIS with her companions. They swoop in to save those who need saving. Our 13th Doctor despises violent weaponry and prefers to use her intellect to solve problems. Oh, and her TARDIS is fully equipped with a custard creams dispenser. Who says you can’t snack while you traverse amid the stars?
The Real Deal:
Of course, you may be asking yourself why the 13th Doctor has achieved crush status after so little screen time? To me, she’s already earned her place among her predecessors after two episodes of Doctor Who. I found myself pondering why her gender was such a big deal to begin with. She fits the role of our favorite Time Lord like a glove. The 13th Doctor is curious like 10 (David Tennant), effortlessly quirky like 11 (Matt Smith) and tenacious like 12 (Peter Capaldi). She possesses all of the traits of her previous forms while forging her own unique persona. 13 has a lust for knowledge and charges toward danger with gusto, regardless of what it may entail. She also crafted her own sonic screwdriver, which is something we haven’t seen in the history of Doctor Who. Not to mention, she radiates positivity. However, she can be serious when necessary. That’s when the booming gravitas of 12 kicks into high gear.
In short, she gets s**t done. As the 13th Doctor would say, “Let’s get a shift on!”
Why She Matters:
Alright, why does the 13th Doctor matter? Personally, I’ve always envisioned myself as the Doctor more than a companion. To have the ability to travel through time and space. Not to mention, being capable of regeneration and essentially living an immortal life. For the past 50 plus years, we’ve only had male Doctors, despite the Doctor Who cannon telling us that female Time Lords can exist. Now, little girls everywhere can imagine themselves as the Doctor. They can be the Time Lord that saves the day. For that reason alone, she matters immensely. She embodies female empowerment, which is what these weekly columns are all about.
Now, as I mentioned before, the 13th Doctor may harbor traits of her predecessors, but she’s also her own Time Lord. She even brought up this sentiment in “The Woman Who Fell to Earth,” in how she’s acknowledging who she was before and willing to accept who she will become. Change is the very essence of Doctor Who, and 13 is more than ready to face profound change, come what may. Rolling with the punches is a valuable lesson we all can learn from. Her courage in the face of the formidable is admirable, and worth emulating. 13 also encourages us to use our minds as weapons, and that violence is never the answer.
So, be like the 13th Doctor. Be curious. Arm yourself with a never-ending thirst for knowledge. Embrace change. Seek companionship, because travelling through life alone can get awfully lonely. Always save the day and help those who need it. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Oh, and be sure to share your custard creams. Everyone loves a good biscuit.
RELATED: Read All DOCTOR WHO Recaps Here
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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