Even in an age of relative enlightenment when it comes to gender equality, female characters still usually fit into specific molds. Having Michelle Gomez as Missy on Doctor Who shows that the stereotypical female role model is ready to change.
When one thinks of the typical female lead on television, there are a few traits in common. Even if she is a stronger type, she will typically abide by the rules and serve as a moral compass. Also, either a) one of her main motivations will be to find romance, b) she will have to reckon with at least one other character’s romantic feelings for her, or c) at least one other character will, unbeknownst to her, be pining over her… or any combination of those themes. It is rare for a female character to operate outside of these parameters.
And then, there is Michelle Gomez, Missy on Doctor Who. Her character does not fit into those established guidelines, turning convention on its head. Instead, Missy is delightfully evil, endearing psychotic, and wonderfully murderous. And, more importantly, she serves a special role as the perfect role model for women.
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Ok, this is the point where you’re probably thinking to yourself how words like “murderous,” “psychotic,” “evil,” and “role model” can be in the same sentence without someone wanting to become the next Elizabeth Bathory. Let’s take a moment here, and look at what Missy really represents.
She is someone who does not play by the established rules. Missy does what she wants, and does not feel a need to apologize for it. If that means that she lands outside of someone’s comfort zone, so be it. Life, for her, is a zero sum game, and one that she is quite adept at playing.
Likewise, Missy will not be serving as anyone’s moral compass, unless they are looking for the best way to become a crazed murderer. She does have her own set of guidelines, but they fall so far outside the realm of what is accepted, that she may as well not have any at all.
These traits are important for women to see depicted on screen. They need to know that it is perfectly acceptable not to play by the rules and to make their own way; that conforming to the norm is not the only path in life. She also does not need to be a lackey of someone else to be a strong person. The Doctor may have some fantastic companions, but it is quite difficult to get out from under his shadow. Also, did you ever notice the patriarchal nature of his one man “strong female character” factory?
Having more characters like Missy, who throw the conventional female character out the window, is a positive for the world at large. It is a trend that has been increasingly popular lately and is hopefully here to stay. It is just frustrating that many writers feel as if they need to resort to creating a murderous, psychotic, and evil character in order to portray strength and independence in a female.
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