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 contains spoilers galore for Syfy’s Wynonna Earp. Proceed at your own peril. 

Mercedes Gardner 

Fast Facts: 
Still of Dani Kind as Mercedes Gardner/Widow Mercedes in Wynonna Earp.

Pictured: Dani Kind as Mercedes Gardner/Widow Mercedes in Wynonna Earp.

Mercedes Gardner (Dani Kind) was born and raised in Purgatory alongside her younger siblings Beth (Meghan Heffern) and Tucker (Caleb Ellsworth-Clark). She attended high school with Wynonna Earp (Melanie Scrofano). After graduation, Mercedes went on to become a real estate developer. Later, she returned to Purgatory after having spent over a decade out of town. Her parents passed away and left their money to their children. 

Now, Mercedes’ first appearance on Wynonna Earp was in the Season Two episode, “Shed Your Skin.” Wynonna crossed paths with her as the latter was overseeing the construction of new condos on the grounds of a historic church. Naturally, demonic shenanigans ensued because it’s our sh*tshow.

Next, Mercedes was overtaken by one of Bulshar’s Widow wives. She spent the remainder of the second season possessed by said Widow wife. Both of her siblings met their demise while she was under supernatural influence.

Thankfully, when we see her again in Season Three, she’s back to her old self. However, since the Widows essentially removed her face, Mercedes underwent a series of extensive facial reconstruction surgeries. Waverly (Dominique Provost-Chalkley) utilized her angelic abilities to restore Mercedes’ face to its original form. Additionally, Mercedes and Kate (Chantel Riley), a vampire/tarot reader/Doc Holliday’s (Tim Rozon) wife, became roommates. 

Then, Wynonna was taken aback to find Mercedes at Bulshar’s (Jean Marchand) side by Season Three’s end. Bulshar was about to unlock the Garden and destroy the world. But Mercedes was merely trying to ensure her survival. After Bulshar’s defeat, Mercedes was kidnapped while waiting for a date. 

At the beginning of Season Four, Mercedes escaped her captor and took up residence at the Homestead. She reunited with Wynonna. The pair dug up dirt about an elusive someone named “Valdez,” a BBD agent whose name was scrawled on Wynonna’s wall. Mercedes tended to Nedley’s (Greg Lawson) wounds. Wynonna left in search of her missing loved ones. 

Later, while Wynonna, Doc and Waverly were entrapped in the Garden, Mercedes was hired to work at Amon’s (Noam Jenkins) seedy establishment, “The Glory Hole.” She feigned being a vampire as a means of shielding herself from the supernatural horde. Mercedes performed as a dancer under the name “Portia-Control.” 

Next, Mercedes was shot by a BBD big wig while attempting to help Doc, Jeremy (Varun Saranga) and other Purgatorian residents escape. Doc, who was a vampire at this point, decided to sire Mercedes in order to save her from impending death. Then, Mercedes utilized her newfound vampire strength to break free the rest of the Purgatory citizens being held captive by the Black Badge Division. 

The Real Deal:

Now, Mercedes is the real deal. She’s a survivor, first and foremost. Of course, this can be said about all of the women on Wynonna Earp. You have to be whenever you’re living in a supernatural town as one of the only humans. Not only that, but she knows how to kick back and have fun. Mercedes never takes herself too seriously. That’s a vital quality to have in life, especially when you’re perpetually surrounded by perilous situations and life-altering turmoil. She’s intelligent, witty and street smart.

Additionally, Mercedes is never apologetic regarding who she is. This is Mercedes — take it or leave it. She’s bold, tenacious and perspicacious. Mercedes embraces her power as a woman. She’s a strong feminist who’s kind but doesn’t take sh*t. She’ll most certainly embrace her strength as a vampire. Freddy the Florist was right: vamp does look good on her. 

Why She Matters: 
Still of Dani Kind as Mercedes Gardner in Wynonna Earp.

Pictured: Dani Kind as Mercedes Gardner in Wynonna Earp.

Why does Mercedes matter? She’s a woman who doesn’t apologize for who she is. She never suffers fools and has zero time for the male ego. She’ll put you in your place when it’s required. Mercedes knows how to enjoy the finer things in life. She can let loose and have fun. In addition, Mercedes has impeccable survival skills. She’ll persist long after the rest of us are gone. She was born to be a vampire.

So, be like Mercedes. Never shy away from a good time. Wholeheartedly embrace your identity. Never apologize for who you inherently are. Survive. Dance like the customers of The Glory Hole are watching. Seize the role you were born to play. Chuck that knife. Even if you’ve never thrown one before, chances are you’ll nail it on the first try. 

RELATED: Looking for another strong female crush? Check out our Geek Girl Authority Crushes of the Week here!

RELATED: Catch up on all the sh*tshow antics with our Wynonna Earp recaps!

How the Women of WYNONNA EARP Inspire Me to Be Better

 

 

 

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