“The Waters of Mars”: Doctor Who has a problem with older women in authority

A recent interview with Doctor Who actor David Tennant and writer Russell T. Davies on the BBC’s forthcoming television special “The Waters of Mars” reveals that the Time Lord feels threatened by his new companion, an older woman named Adelaide, played by actress Lindsay Duncan. Here's an excerpt from the interview:

Q: The Doctor has had pretty steady companions for a few series, and then for the specials the Doctor has been solo with new companions. How was it to shoot those specials? How did that change the dynamic on the set for you?

David Tennant: It's been slightly different in each one. In the first one, we had Michelle Ryan who, for all intents and purposes, was the companion, and she was fantastic. Although she was a very distinct character, she was in the mold of the traditional young, beautiful woman, who is also feisty. But, in the next special, the closest thing we have to a companion is Lindsey Duncan, who is an older woman, which is not something the show has done before. And, she probably thinks she's more in charge than the Doctor is. In many ways, she is, actually. So, that's a different dynamic.

Pictured: Actress Lindsay Duncan as Adelaide.