I'd like to focus on one classic episode of Doctor Who that I think represents female characters in diverse ways. I'd go broader, but I happen to have the screencaps for this one. :)
Little girl
When TV needs a really
creepy child, it seems like it's usually a little girl, not a little boy. Girls are supposed to be sweet, so the contrast of sugar & spice with EVIL is more... deliciously disturbing? I just hadn't noticed until I realized how this girl reminded me of
the girl in the White Room in Angel and
Jasmine in Torchwood.
She's so wholesome-looking!
But also creepy. For good reason.
Female scientists
This wasn't the only serial with what, for the television times, was probably a decent representation of women in respected positions. In this one, the scientists got to mix it up with the military a lot.
Dr. Jensen was awesome, and she was awesome in a fuzzy sweater suit. Assistant Allison wasn't bad either.
And she had a good rapport with Group Captain Gilmore. (I admit, I was also imagining the... meeting of minds they might have had going on after hours in the lab.)
Ace
I like the contrast between Ace and the more sophistocated professional women. They contribute to the solution in different ways. Ace is confident and very enthusiastic, affectionate, and impulsive but willing to learn.
Before we get to the weapons, I need to pause and pay tribute to this outfit. Back in the late 80s I too had awful, musical instrument-covered tee shirts that I wore baggy and tucked in weird. It's okay, Ace!
Okay, weapons. Ace with a rocket launcher is fantastic.
But, famously, Ace beating a Dalek with a BAT is the most awesome. She even starts to run away, then goes back to get in one more hit. Because hitting Daleks with a bat is really satisfying.
She even gets to be thoughtful and nurturing.
Yay Ace!