Wicked's Biggest Flaw: The Haunting Plot Hole

Hey guys! Let's dive into a musical that has captured the hearts of millions: Wicked. This incredible show, a prequel to the classic Wizard of Oz, tells the story of Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the bubbly Good Witch. Wicked is celebrated for its amazing music, stunning costumes, and a powerful message about friendship and standing up for what you believe in. However, beneath the glitz and glamour, there’s one glaring flaw that has always bothered me and, I suspect, many other fans. So, let's get into the nitty-gritty and explore this haunting plot hole together!

Character Development or Derailment?

One of the most significant aspects of any story is the character development. We watch characters grow, change, and evolve throughout the narrative. In Wicked, the transformation of Elphaba from an idealistic young student into the infamous Wicked Witch is central to the plot. Her journey is filled with moments of betrayal, injustice, and heartbreaking decisions. Initially, Elphaba is portrayed as a fiercely independent and compassionate young woman, fighting against the oppression of the Animals in Oz and standing up for what she believes is right. Her friendship with Glinda, despite their differences, is one of the most heartwarming parts of the musical. We see them challenging each other, supporting each other, and ultimately shaping each other’s lives. This complex relationship forms the emotional core of the story, making their eventual separation and the public’s perception of Elphaba’s “wickedness” all the more tragic.

However, the issue arises when Elphaba’s actions start to feel inconsistent with her established character. There are moments, particularly in the second act, where her decisions seem abrupt and almost out of character. For instance, her willingness to resort to certain extremes feels jarring, considering her initial dedication to peaceful resistance and her deep empathy for others. The plot requires her to make these choices to fit the narrative of the Wizard of Oz, but they don’t always feel organic to the character we’ve come to know and love. This can leave the audience feeling a bit confused, as if Elphaba’s character arc has taken a sudden, uncharacteristic turn. It’s as if the writers painted themselves into a corner, prioritizing plot contrivances over consistent character behavior. We want to root for Elphaba, we understand her anger and frustration, but sometimes her actions leave us scratching our heads, wondering, “Would the Elphaba we met in the first act really do that?”

The Glaring Plot Hole: The Motivation Mystery

The main flaw, in my opinion, lies in Elphaba's motivations and how they're portrayed, especially concerning her descent into becoming the “Wicked Witch of the West.” The musical does a fantastic job of showing us the injustices and betrayals she faces, but there's a leap in logic that never quite sits right. We see her fighting against the corrupt Wizard of Oz, trying to protect the oppressed Animals, and dealing with personal betrayals. All of this understandably fuels her anger and resentment. However, the transition from a passionate activist to a figure perceived as purely evil feels rushed and, dare I say, a bit unconvincing. The musical hints at her desperation to protect her loved ones and her growing distrust of the Wizard's regime, but the specific steps that lead her to embrace the “Wicked Witch” persona remain somewhat vague. We’re shown the consequences of her actions – the fear and hatred directed towards her – but the internal reasoning behind those actions isn’t always clearly articulated. It’s as if the plot demands her to become the Wicked Witch, regardless of whether her character development fully supports that transformation.

Think about it: Elphaba is initially driven by a strong moral compass. She’s fiercely loyal, deeply empathetic, and willing to risk everything for what she believes in. Yet, at some point, she begins making decisions that seem to contradict these core values. The musical touches on the idea that power corrupts and that desperation can lead people to do terrible things, but it doesn’t fully explore the psychological toll this takes on Elphaba. We see the external pressures she faces, but we don’t always get a clear sense of her internal struggles. This lack of clarity makes it harder to empathize with her choices and understand why she ultimately becomes the villain of the Wizard of Oz narrative. The gap between her initial idealism and her later actions feels like a significant plot hole, one that undermines the otherwise compelling story of Wicked.

The Missing Pieces: Filling the Gaps

So, what could have been done to bridge this gap? One approach could have been to delve deeper into the specific events that push Elphaba over the edge. Perhaps showcasing a moment where she believes her actions are the only way to achieve her goals, even if it means compromising her principles. Maybe a scene where she directly witnesses the devastating consequences of the Wizard’s actions, solidifying her resolve to fight him at any cost. Showing the gradual erosion of her faith in the system and her growing sense of isolation could have made her transformation more believable and emotionally resonant. These additional scenes could have provided crucial context, allowing the audience to better understand and empathize with Elphaba’s descent. It’s not about excusing her actions, but about making them feel like a natural progression of her character arc.

Another solution might have involved exploring the psychological impact of her experiences. The musical could have incorporated moments where Elphaba grapples with the moral implications of her choices, where she questions whether the ends justify the means. Showing her internal conflict – the battle between her desire for justice and her fear of becoming the very thing she’s fighting against – could have added layers of complexity to her character. This internal struggle is hinted at, but it’s never fully explored, leaving a crucial piece of the puzzle missing. By giving the audience a glimpse into Elphaba’s inner world, the writers could have made her transformation feel less abrupt and more psychologically driven.

Unpacking the Oz Narrative

Another potential point of contention lies in how Wicked tries to fit into the established Wizard of Oz narrative. The musical sets out to subvert the traditional good versus evil dichotomy, presenting Elphaba as a misunderstood heroine rather than a villain. This is a noble goal, and in many ways, it succeeds. We see the world of Oz through Elphaba’s eyes, witnessing the corruption and oppression that drive her actions. However, this subversion sometimes clashes with the pre-existing narrative of the Wizard of Oz. The musical needs Elphaba to become the Wicked Witch, to be defeated by Dorothy, and to ultimately disappear. These plot points are necessary to align with the original story, but they can feel forced within the context of Wicked’s narrative. It’s as if the writers are trying to reconcile two conflicting storylines, and the seams sometimes show.

One of the challenges is that the Wizard of Oz paints the Wicked Witch as a one-dimensional villain, a purely evil figure with no redeeming qualities. Wicked, on the other hand, tries to humanize Elphaba, to show her motivations and her vulnerabilities. Reconciling these two portrayals requires some significant narrative gymnastics. The musical attempts to do this by emphasizing the propaganda and misinformation spread by the Wizard, suggesting that Elphaba’s reputation is largely based on lies and misconceptions. While this is a clever approach, it doesn’t completely erase the inconsistencies. There are still moments where Elphaba’s actions seem to align more with the traditional Wicked Witch persona than with the idealistic young woman we met at the beginning of the musical. This tension between the two narratives is a persistent issue, one that contributes to the overall sense that Elphaba’s transformation isn’t entirely believable.

The Haunting Lingers

Despite this glaring flaw, I still adore Wicked. The music is phenomenal, the performances are captivating, and the story, at its core, is incredibly powerful. The themes of friendship, prejudice, and standing up for what you believe in resonate deeply, and the emotional moments are truly heartbreaking. But the plot hole surrounding Elphaba’s transformation continues to haunt me. It’s a nagging feeling that something is missing, a sense that the story could have been even more impactful if this crucial aspect had been handled with greater care. It’s not enough to show us the external pressures Elphaba faces; we need to understand her internal struggles, her moral compromises, and the psychological toll of her choices. Only then can we fully empathize with her journey and truly understand how she became the Wicked Witch of the West.

So, what do you guys think? Does this plot hole bother you as much as it bothers me? Or do you think the musical does a sufficient job of explaining Elphaba’s transformation? Let’s discuss in the comments below! I’m eager to hear your perspectives and see if we can collectively unravel this haunting mystery.

Final Thoughts: Wicked's Enduring Magic

In conclusion, while the issue of Elphaba’s somewhat rushed transformation remains a significant flaw in Wicked, it doesn’t diminish the musical’s overall impact. The show’s enduring popularity is a testament to its strengths: the memorable songs, the compelling characters, and the thought-provoking themes. Wicked invites us to question our assumptions, to consider different perspectives, and to recognize the complexities of good and evil. It’s a story that stays with you long after the curtain falls, prompting conversations and inspiring reflection. The plot hole may be a nagging imperfection, but it’s one that we can discuss, debate, and even use to deepen our appreciation for the musical’s many virtues. Ultimately, Wicked is a magical and moving experience, one that continues to enchant audiences worldwide, flaws and all. And maybe, just maybe, the ongoing discussion about Elphaba’s journey will inspire future adaptations or reinterpretations that address this haunting flaw in a satisfying way. Until then, we can continue to enjoy the spectacle, the music, and the powerful message of Wicked, while also acknowledging the areas where it could have been even better.