“Alexa, play ‘Tell That Devil’ by Jill Andrews.”
Earpers, it’s been an absolute dream having our sh*tshow back. There was a Wynonna Earp-shaped hole in my heart, but thankfully, it’s been replenished. To commemorate the arrival of Wynonna Earp: Vengeance, I want to delve into how the women of Wynonna Earp have inspired me. Because let’s face it, these ladies are pretty damn inspirational. Now, I specifically chose the more prominent female characters of the series (Sorry, Rosita, Kate, Cleo and Rachel). However, every single woman in Purgatory has positively impacted my life — even the baddies.
Mama “Michelle Gibson” Earp
You may wonder why I included Mama Earp (Megan Follows) on this list. She goes on the hunt for Julian in the middle of Season 3 and vanishes from Wynonna Earp (for now). That said, Mama Earp’s tenacity, grit and gumption are admirable traits. Sure, she harbors a strained relationship with Wynonna and Waverly, but we saw the trio mending fences — slowly but surely.
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She spent the majority of her life trying to protect Waverly from Jolene. Mama Earp even sacrificed her freedom and “sanity” to ensure Waves’ safety. Of course, she’s made her fair share of mistakes. But everything she did was for love. Everything was done with love. It must have been difficult to endure years of people thinking you’ve lost your mind. Mama Earp’s ferocious fighting spirit and stalwart demeanor are worthy of inspiration. I’ve learned from the matriarch of the Earp clan that you should always stick to your guns, and love can weather just about any storm.
Mercedes Gardner
Mercedes Gardner (Dani Kind) is the very definition of “fun.” Seriously, you’d probably spot a photo of Mercedes next to that word in the dictionary. She likes to let loose and kick up her heels. You’ll find a party wherever she’s at. Not to mention, she’s a chameleon. She knows how to adapt to any situation. Exhibit A: Bulshar’s attempt to end the world by accessing the Garden. While Wynonna wasn’t a fan of Mercedes seemingly cavorting with the enemy, the latter was merely ensuring her own protection. Mercedes was thinking ahead, especially if the Earps unfortunately failed. Thankfully, Bulshar lost. Big time.
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Additionally, Mercedes takes up a job at Glory Hole, pretending to be a vampire. Why? To keep herself safe while working amid a slew of demons. Mercedes is a survivor and will probably outlast us all. I’ve learned from Mercedes that you gotta have fun. Release your inhibitions and enjoy life from time to time. Also, I’m inspired by her ability to adapt and stay ahead of the curve.
Nicole Haught
Like Mercedes, Nicole Haught (Kat Barrell), aka Daddy Haught, is a survivor in every sense of the word. She survived a massacre at the hands of Bulshar, for starters. Nicole withstood 18 months, three weeks and four days on the Homestead without Waverly and Wynonna. She busted her ass protecting the Earp land from a bevy of formidable supernatural beings and suffered relegation from sheriff to civilian. In short, Nicole has been through the wringer on Wynonna Earp. Fortunately, she’s tough as nails.
Nicole is unapologetically herself. She’s comfortable in her own skin. That’s hard to do sometimes, even in today’s modern world. Nicole lives her life without fear of judgment or reproach. She loves with her whole heart and is immensely loyal. If you’re her friend, she’ll gladly fall on her sword for you. I’ve learned from Nicole that being true to yourself is the ticket. I’m a survivor. Lastly, I shouldn’t care about what other people think, especially if they couldn’t care less about me.
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Waverly Earp
Waverly Earp (Dom Provost-Chalkley) is as sweet as punch. She wears her heart on her sleeve. Waverly genuinely cares about others, including total strangers. Her friendly demeanor and chipper nature are instantly endearing. Not to mention, Waverly’s intellect and her desire to nurture said intellect should be something we all aspire to. Smart is en vogue, folks. Additionally, Waverly’s journey of self-discovery has been a beautiful thing to behold, unveiling not just her half-angelic nature but her bisexuality as well.
Now, Waverly, like Nicole, is learning how to love herself for who she truly is. I find that I identify with Waverly in more ways than one. I’m an inherent “people pleaser,” which makes it difficult to simply stop caring about what others think of me. I, too, am learning to take care of myself, first and foremost. It’s a hard pill to swallow. I’ve learned from Waverly that kindness is contagious and that love persists. Waverly’s path toward self-acceptance has inspired me. Her sensitivity is her strength.
Wynonna Earp
Our titular gunslinger (Melanie Scrofano) is the Earp heir extraordinaire. She utilizes humor as a defense mechanism. Her dry, snarky wit is inimitable. Unmatched. Nobody can out-sass Wynonna. She had to grow up from a young age after losing her father, older sister and mother in one fell swoop. Wynonna clearly suffers from PTSD, notably regarding the night her dad died. Grappling with that kind of trauma and grief is difficult. It’s something with which Wynonna struggles.
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Not to mention, she’s saddled with a curse that makes her solely responsible for sending demons back to Hell. Talk about an unimaginable weight on your shoulders. Still, Wynonna soldiers on, forging ahead into oftentimes uncharted waters. She’s saved Purgatory (and the world) countless times. In addition, Wynonna had to give up her baby, Alice, so the latter would stay safe from her enemies. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is. I’ve learned from Wynonna that strength is derived from within, and a snarky one-liner never goes out of style. Lastly, you should never run. Ever.
How do the women of Wynonna Earp inspire you? Sound off in the comments below.
Wynonna Earp: Vengeance is now streaming on Tubi.
This article was originally published on 03/08/2021 and updated on 09/13/2024.
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/geek-girl-authority-crush-of-the-week-nicole-haught/
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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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