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 youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following is rife with spoilers for WandaVision and its version of Monica Rambeau. You’ve been warned. Proceed at your own peril.
Monica Rambeau
Fast Facts:
Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau in Marvel Studios’ WANDAVISION. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2020. All Rights Reserved.
Captain Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) is the daughter of the late Maria Rambeau (Lashana Lynch). Monica’s mother, a pilot, founded S.W.O.R.D. (Sentient Weapon Observation and Response Division). Additionally, she befriended Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) prior to the latter’s Captain Marvel transformation. Monica followed in her mother’s footsteps by later joining S.W.O.R.D. herself. Then, in 2018, Monica disappeared courtesy of Thanos’ Snap. She reappeared five years later amid the Blip to find that her mother had died from cancer.
Later, Monica returns to S.W.O.R.D. and is promptly dispatched to Westview, New Jersey for a missing person’s case. Upon arrival, she meets FBI agent Jimmy Woo (Randall Park). She learns that Westview doesn’t actually exist. Monica discovers that an inexplicable energy field is impeding them from entering the nonexistent town. She touches it and is sucked into a new world. While inside, she becomes friends with Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), but not as herself. Monica claims her name is Geraldine. Wanda starts to grow suspicious of Monica after the latter mentions Pietro Maximoff’s death at the hands of Ultron. That’s when Wanda expels Monica from her alternate realm.
Then, Monica is tended to by S.W.O.R.D. personnel after returning to actual reality. She receives x-rays that don’t reveal anything. Just a white light. Monica is introduced to Dr. Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings). She informs Jimmy and Darcy that Wanda created the world all by her lonesome after the death of Vision (Paul Bettany). In fact, she resurrected him and curated an alternative reality just for them. Monica eventually confronts Wanda after the Scarlet Witch temporarily leaves her haven for the outside world. She tries to sympathize with Wanda, but to no avail. Now, Monica is doing everything she can to get Wanda out.
The Real Deal:
Monica is the real deal. She’s pragmatic and levelheaded, which are great qualities to have as a captain working with supernatural phenomena. Additionally, she’s resilient. Despite what happened to her in Westview and what she endured, Monica is determined to push through in the hopes of helping out Wanda. While everyone is keen on branding Wanda as a terrorist, Monica asserts that she’s simply a grieving woman. She doesn’t want to hurt anyone. Monica harbors a compassionate heart and a genuine desire to do right by others. While she’s kind, she also doesn’t have time for bullsh*t. She knows when to put her foot down and say “Enough is enough.” Not to mention, even though she lost her mother, Monica throws herself into contributing to the work her mom started.
Why She Matters:
Pictured: Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau in Marvel Studios’ WandaVision. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios.
Why does she matter? Monica is a kick-ass Black woman in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is a wonderful step in the right direction for the MCU as far as diversity goes. Hopefully, we get to see her superpowers blossom on WandaVision. She’s a multi-faceted woman with a strong moral compass and a courageous spirit. Monica oozes an easy confidence that reminds folks that she knows what she’s doing. She has a big heart and sees the best in people (Exhibit A: Wanda).
So, be like Monica. Be tenacious. Have compassion. Embrace different perspectives. March to the beat of your own drum. Oh, and when in doubt, steer clear of the weird energy field.
RELATED: Catch up on all the strange with our WandaVision recaps!
Melody.McCune@geekgirlauthority.com
What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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