I sense this debate is becoming more political than intended…

No, it really doesn't - because it doesn't inevitably follow that ALL Time Lords become women at some point. This is just a way to refresh the Master, that's all.

I wrote a large-ish response to "kilk7e"… but this sums it up in a much better way! That's basically what I meant - the show has addressed the issue now so I really don't see it making a major reappearance. The Master's sex change is pretty daring, but he/she is not the main character. I really don't think the Beeb…

What's the modern version of smacking a woman about? LEAVING HER OUT OF THE MOVIE ENTIRELY.

It actually sort of looks like George. Very sweet of them.

Spot on. Gomez completely sold it from her first appearance (even if it was unclear who she was playing) and I hope she sticks around for a while. To her credit, she's so good that the gender bending doesn't just feel like a tacked on plot point.