Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. Now, this not only includes fictional female characters in geeky media, but creators as well. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for young girls to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers galore for The Magicians. If you’re not caught up, I suggest you binge the series all at once, then count down the days until Season 3 (which is definitely not what I’m doing).
Margo Hanson
Fast Facts:
Margo Hanson (portrayed by Summer Bishil) is the High King of the fictional magical realm Fillory on the equally fictional (and formerly magic-less) series The Magicians. After discovering Fillory during her tenure at magical university Brakebills, Margo and her friends decided to flock to greener pastures and leave Earth. Margo was initially appointed High Queen alongside her best friend Eliot (Hale Appleman), who was High King. Together, the feisty and sharp-tongued pals ruled Fillory.
However, magic was “shut off” by the old gods, thus rendering Fillory practically useless. Its very foundation is magic, after all. Margo and co. set out on an epic quest to collect seven golden keys. Said keys were necessary to the restoration of magic. Later, after being temporarily ousted from her throne, Margo is elected to the seat of High King, being the first female to hold the prestigious position. She is woman, hear her roar.
The Real Deal:
Now, Margo is not only the sole ruler of an entire kingdom, but she’s also a skilled magician to boot. Her magical inclination, or “Discipline” as it was referred to at Brakebills, is that of the physical. She can manipulate heat, light, matter, etc. In short, I wouldn’t want to encounter her in a desolate, darkened alley. Margo also boasts a strong connection with Eliot, her partner in crime (and sometimes excessive partying). Their close bond is something to be admired and envied. In a world where magic has been zapped, where catastrophes bloom left and right, Margo could glean support from her El.
Of course, she’s fiercely independent, and quite capable of forging her own path. She’s also witty beyond compare. Margo’s one-liners will pepper our history books one day. Witty, whip-smart, powerful…she’s got it all. Did I also mention that she rocks a mean eye patch like nobody’s business?
Why She Matters:
So, why exactly does Margo matter? She’s an exemplary role model for women from all walks of life. For one, she isn’t the stereotypical, sweet ingenue that’s always being forced together with the romantic male lead. Thankfully, The Magicians has never been guilty of doing that with any of their characters. Margo, while she does possess a strong connection with Eliot, can stand just fine on her own two feet. She doesn’t need a man to be, well, her. Secondly, while Eliot and friends were off gallivanting on the first leg of their quest, Margo ran Fillory solo. She alone kept the kingdom together. That’s not something to take lightly. Of course, she inevitably ends up snagging the title of High King without even being in the running for the crown.
Not to mention, her desire to include all magical folk on her high council (animals, fairies, etc.) shows how inclusive and accepting she really is. Her love of Fillory sparked her own character growth. Remember Season 1 Margo, the snobby “mean girl” who just wanted to have a good time? That Margo has left the building, and in her place stands a fully-fledged, multi-faceted woman who is unstoppable. Her development, and of course Bishil’s brilliant portrayal, is one of the best I’ve seen on TV. I watch a lot of TV.
Did I mention she’s also hilarious? Like I said before, her legendary one-liners should be carved into stone tablets. Scrawled in every textbook across the world. She pulls no punches. Margo’s blatant honesty is more a virtue than a fault. She tells it like it is, which to me is quite admirable. If I didn’t know any better, I’d surmise she was a native New Yorker.
Everyone should try to be more like Margo Hanson. Well, except there’s only one Margo Hanson, and she would drag you through the seven levels of hell for attempting to copy her. Our Margo is unique. Long live the King.
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