Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight strong women and non-binary folks who inspire us. These characters are prime examples of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said examples to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for The Equalizer, particularly Viola Marsette’s arc. Proceed at your peril.
Viola Marsette
Fast Facts
Viola Marsette (Lorraine Toussaint) is better known to The Equalizer fans as Aunt Vi. She is the woman who stepped up to raise Robyn McCall (Queen Latifah) after her father was murdered. After that, she became the matriarch of the family, and she continues to have this role to this day. Even though Robyn seems to be the tough one who takes care of the family, it is Aunt Vi behind the seasons who does the heavy lifting.
Marsette repeats history by stepping up to raise Delilah (Laya DeLeon Hayes) as Robyn has a very complicated and dangerous job. Even though the teenage girl has a father, Aunt Vi is the one who spends the most time with her. Every time Delilah has a problem or is facing an existential crisis, she turns to Aunt Vi. She also turns to the older woman every time Robyn is in danger, which happens quite often.
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It’s been made clear throughout the seasons that Viola Marsette put her career (and life) on the back burner to help Robyn. However, she never complains about this or seems to regret it. On the contrary, she is happy to have raised a woman like Robyn and helped with Delilah. Nevertheless, viewers may feel there’s more to Aunt Vi than this part of her story.
When her backstory is shared, it is very interesting. As an artist, Aunt Vi sees the world from a different perspective. As a woman of color, she has used her experience and the injustices of the world to create art and to help others who may feel like she does. She has also used her art to help teenagers and students who may feel stuck or unable to use their voices.
The Real Deal
One way in which we have learned more about Aunt Vi’s life has been through her relationships. The show never discusses her sexual orientation, but she has dated both men and women. The first serious relationship introduced is with Trish (Gloria Reuben). The two women used to date when they were younger and have much in common. Trish is a gallerist and has a special appreciation for Aunt Vi’s art.
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This relationship sadly ends because Aunt Vi cannot be honest with Trish about Robyn’s work and why she is always making up excuses to postpone their dates. As The Equalizer Season 5 rolled around, Viola Marsette met Captain Curtis Martin (Christopher B. Duncan). At first, it seemed this relationship wasn’t getting anywhere because they had different points of view. However, Aunt Vi’s fire caught the captain’s attention, and she agreed to go out for coffee. Whether this relationship goes anywhere is yet to be discovered.
Why She Matters
Viola Marsette is the heart and soul of The Equalizer. She is the glue that keeps Robyn’s family together, and without her McCall wouldn’t be able to do her job. She is the first example the show gives audiences of strong, independent and resilient women who do what it takes to help other women survive.
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So, be like Viola Marsette. Turn to art when words aren’t enough. Step up to the plate and take care of your family. Create your own sense of style. Answer the uncomfortable questions. And date whoever your heart desires.
The Equalizer airs on Sundays on CBS.
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