It seems to me the show has been foreshadowing the gender swap for a long time -- way back in "The Doctor's Wife" (Season 6 Episode 4), they discuss the fact that Time Lords can regenerate as Time Ladies.
And way, way back in "Journey's End" (Season 4, Episode 13), we see how awesome a female Doctor could be when Donna becomes "Doctor Donna."
I'm excited to see what the new Doctor is like, as I always am at this point in "The Regeneration Cycle."
But, man, her wedding ring slipping off! My heart lurched a little bit when that happened. I took it as a symbol for saying that relationship is over, but I hope they resolve that idea more clearly.
Great article! I look forward to seeing more of your posts :)
Thank you! My hope for a female Doctor was reborn with Missy. If the Master can regenerate into a woman, then the Doctor will too, at some point.
Also:
Of course! How could I forget Missy?! Yet another example of how this seems like it's been a long time coming. Are people actually surprised that the Doctor regenerated as a woman?