The captivating character of Mags Bennett in the hit show “Justified” is a testament to Margo Martindale’s talent and the show’s success. Mags is a multifaceted character who seamlessly transitions between being a beloved community member and a ruthless drug lord. She skillfully manipulates her community’s perception of her, making use of their warm regard to her advantage in tricky situations. Despite her cold traits, Mags still displays a sense of humanity, which is especially evident in her relationship with Loretta, a young girl she takes under her wing after killing her father. Margo Martindale’s portrayal of Mags not only breaks barriers for older actresses in Hollywood but also adds depth to the show.
“Justified,” an FX original, gained critical acclaim as one of television’s finest modern Westerns during its initial run from 2010 to 2015. The show follows U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens as he navigates crimes within his hometown of Harlan, Kentucky. Throughout the series, Raylan faces various criminals, ranging from small-time crooks to high-ranking members of the Dixie Mafia. Among these formidable characters, Mags Bennett stands out as one of the most intriguing and embedded figures in the series.
Mags Bennett is a complex character who viewers can easily relate to. Beyond her involvement in the Bennett family’s marijuana empire, she is a humble general store owner who is beloved within her small town community. However, beneath this façade lies a cunning and ruthless drug lord, with her family controlling the majority of Harlan’s marijuana distribution. Moreover, Mags has a longstanding feud with Raylan’s family, which adds an additional layer of complexity to her character.
Mags’ cunning and ruthlessness are highly evident throughout the series. She possesses a hidden and steely nature, alternating between motherly love, humility, and menace. Mags cleverly uses the respect she garners from her community and her deep roots in Harlan to her advantage. This is clearly exemplified in Season 2, Episode 8, where Mags speaks against a land deal proposed by Boyd and Black Pike during a town hall meeting. By rallying the citizens against the deal, she gains leverage and time to join forces with Boyd in presenting a counteroffer to the oil company.
In addition to her strategic tactics, Mags is also known for her readiness to resort to ruthless methods, including murder. Her weapon of choice is poison, which aligns well with her crafty nature. While many suspect that she delivers the poison through her homemade “apple pie” moonshine, she actually lines the serving jar with it. This subtle approach makes her even more menacing, catching her victims off guard.
Despite her cold demeanor, Mags’ humanity remains a prominent aspect of her character. From the very beginning, she strikes a chord with viewers, evoking a sense of familiarity. This can be attributed to Margo Martindale basing her portrayal of Mags on her own experiences living in Texas and Kentucky. Although Mags may have betrayed the community she loves, her decision to do so was driven by her desire to secure a better future for her family.
One of the most poignant displays of Mags’ humanity is seen in her bond with Loretta McCready. While Mags is responsible for the death of Loretta’s father, she took this drastic step to protect Loretta from a registered sex offender. As a result, Mags becomes a surrogate mother to Loretta, raising her as her own. The scenes between Martindale and Kaitlyn Dever showcase the duality of Mags, highlighting her role as a crime lord and a nurturing mother figure.
Margo Martindale’s portrayal of Mags Bennett also carries significant weight beyond the character itself. It challenges ageism in Hollywood and opens doors for older actresses to take on more complex roles. Martindale’s dedication to the character, eschewing vanity by forgoing makeup and embracing her physical appearance, allows her to deliver an honest and powerful performance. She strongly believes that age should not limit an actor’s range, and her portrayal of Mags serves as proof that older characters can be just as compelling.
As “Justified” continues to gain recognition and appreciation, it is essential to acknowledge the impact of characters like Mags Bennett. Martindale’s portrayal serves as a reminder that age should never restrict an actor’s potential. Whether you’re a fan of the original series or its spin-off, “Justified” offers a thrilling journey full of complex characters and captivating performances.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
