It is not often that a character who is in a supporting role is featured in the different events promoting a new season for a television show. Yet, that has been the case with Michelle Gomez, who has been a major part of the Doctor Who Series Nine promotional tour. She has been at San Diego Comic Con, had a prominent role in the LEGO Dimensions and at other major events. She has given several interviews since it was announced that Missy would return, and it appears as though she is being put in the forefront, along with Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman, to promote this new series. Gomez, despite the popularity of her character, just seems like an odd choice for that type of promotional role.
One could argue that, as the most recognizable character aside from the Doctor and Clara, that Gomez would be the perfect person to bring along on the promotional tours. Likewise, we know that she is going to be at the forefront of the first two episodes, making her appearances somewhat explainable. While this is true, it is still rather unusual for a supporting character, and one that is not expected to appear throughout the entirety of the series to go on these tours.
Unless, of course, Missy is going to have a more prominent role overall in Doctor Who, beyond just those two episodes this season. Could Missy make other appearances this season, such as during that cliffhanger to close out the series that Steven Moffat has talked about? It is possible, considering that very little information has truly come out about these episodes.
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Or, could Doctor Who have another, more interesting, plan for Missy? We have already seen how Capaldi’s Doctor is a throwback to previous incarnations, and this version has been compared to Jon Pertwee’s Doctor. Who can forget seeing Capaldi in the cape and outfit reminiscent of that worn by the Third Doctor, as he continually has different homages to those who controlled the TARDIS before he did?
Perhaps the plan with Missy involves a bit of a throwback to that era as well. Back then, the Master was more than an occasional threat; he was someone who was consistently around, continually plaguing the Doctor throughout that incarnation. Could the plan be for Missy to follow around the Doctor, much like how Roger Delgado’s Master was a constant thorn in the side for Pertwee’s Doctor?
Instead of using the Daleks or the Cybermen as the recurring threats, and those who are constantly out to get the Doctor, having Missy in that role would be a nice touch. It would bring that familiarity that has been lacking for much of the new incarnation of Doctor Who back, giving the Doctor someone that he has to constantly remain on guard for. Just the threat that Missy could appear at any time would be a fun change in direction.
Perhaps Michelle Gomez being involved so prominently in the Doctor Who promotions for Series Nine is just a matter of bringing a popular character along. Yet, it is certainly worth noting, especially given the different changes that Moffat has promised for Series Nine.