‘Three Women’ Recap: ‘maggie’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Gabrielle Creevy as Maggie in Episode 104 of ‘Three Women’ – ‘maggie’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four ‘Three Women’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are many topics in this life, that we simply don’t discuss because they are uncomfortable to chat about. But that flat out needs to change. Because silence allows for issues to persist, for problems to fester. To the point where they force us to talk about them after something bad has happened, and we know this and yet… we would rather let it stew than say aloud… that racism is alive in America. That we elect candidates that are unqualified for office. That women are not treated equally and that men, continue to do a lot of stupid shit in this world that makes life hard for women. How and why, that makes us uncomfortable to talk about, no one knows… but slowly and surely, some are forcing us to look at what we ignore and face it and discuss it, as evidenced by this week’s episode of Three Women on STARZ.

Because ‘maggie’ finally focused on something we truly do everything we can to NOT discuss in our world, and that is how there are grown men in this world that outright find themselves sexually attracted to younger women, some of whom are minors. Are girls. But we need to discuss that uncomfortable truth because silence… allows for this to persist. But of course, it is also not enough to just point out that this happens, we also need to understand the why, so we can look toward prevention and well, the show made sure to look at both of those elements, courtesy of a powerful decision on Maggie’s part. In that, she was ready to go to the police over what happened at last, and when she did, she reflected upon her journey and how she got here.

Much of which related to a sexual encounter with a thirty-year-old military man, when she was sixteen, and went to visit her sister in Hawaii, the summer before she became the object of her teacher’s eye. Because that sudden and quick relationship was intense in nature and made her feel special and wanted at a time where she nothing at home. And of course, it didn’t last, and she was the problem in this matter and word got around back home that it happened, and she was of course… a pariah. A girl who crossed lines and that awkwardness brought her and her teacher close together. Wherein he did the song and dance that so many men will commit to at any age in the desperate attempt to obtain a person they desire. He lovebombed, he was sweet and mysterious and charming all at once and he kept up that ruse long enough to get what he wanted. 

All of which, we can glean so much from. In that, it’s not the woman or child’s fault, despite the fact they often take the blame. But in both instances here, Maggie was subject to the desires of broken men. Who could not reconcile that were rejected by someone or that their life had gone a different trajectory than expected, romantically. So, they manipulated and went after an innocent and pure soul to feel special, to feel desired and wanted and well… pardon the French but that’s fucked up. Because that involves mind games, and manipulation and is indeed a power play and it is disgusting we don’t call this out more often and put better penalties upon men that go the route these two did. But we don’t and we should, because… they’re the instigators, they’re broken and desperate and willing to use toxic behaviors and charm to fill a void and that’s beyond problematic. In large part, because it’s illegal. But let’s not also forget, that it is damaging, for it creates lasting impact upon a very innocent mind.

All of which made for an infuriating episode, but that’s the point. We should not be comfortable or happy after watching this episode. We should be angry, and we should be expecting better. Because none of this is acceptable in the slightest… but it is happening in our world… and we let it because of silence and a worry that a conscious choice to do this will ‘ruin’ a life. But we should see to it they pay the piper. Because Maggie was a child, plain and simple, and did not deserve to have a midlife crisis and a broken ego impart that damage upon her, and truly… no woman does. For other people are not made to heal our problems, that’s on us. And perhaps that’s where we start, with better outreach programs for mental health, and for men that are deeply broken. To get them help and head them off at the pass before they do something this ugly and this stupid. But all commentary and frustration aside, this episode deserves respect for showing this, for having the uncomfortable discussion no one wants to. Because that is how we enact change, and hopefully, this episode… inspires some.

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