The Wicked Witch of the West, a name synonymous with iconic cinematic villainy and what better a study subject as an example for both television or films since it manages to create a discussion ( or controversy ) that still resonates among pop culture. But its popularity lies not merely in her menacing presence but her specific method of apparent demise. Most are familiar with that specific image where a mere bucket of water melts away a power force which seemingly defied most common sense logic in such grand fictional setting. Her story, while often told, continues to invite analysis and through that perspective one can truly find greater value on how character intention and morality provide stronger story foundations than previously thought. That also applies to how different narratives tend to handle concepts of good and evil so today lets use the Wicked Witch and contrast her story through the use of themes and specific underlying messages of “Yellowstone”. This approach should highlight several similarities for both concepts as those are connected by underlying elements regarding motivations rather than through simply being ‘bad' characters or good heroes.
The Melting Point: Deconstructing the Witch's Weakness
The classic depiction of the Wicked Witch from "The Wizard of Oz" relies mostly on theatrical presentation but, even at a surface glance her weakness feels odd and peculiar; as if there’s something missing between that ‘water is bad’ element, almost like a puzzle piece in reverse where the ‘piece itself’ seems perfectly normal, its the lack of its proper usage that makes it confusing but as some may claim this idea isn't some production error or easy mistake: What’s mostly implied but often under explored is a very key and critical idea: it isn’t truly about the water that kills but who is using that item as a means and with specific intentions behind it as kindness when done truly for others may have more importance than power ( usually shown as malice or violence ). And therefore such a 'mundane object’ might just be as much potent as magic ( and by this concept also makes good the opposite ‘elemental weakness trope’ of magic, with kindness being their ultimate undoing or kryptonite).
The common interpretation of the Witch as being ‘afraid of water’ is simplistic. Some fan theories suggest it’s not just the water itself but the genuine kindness and intent behind Dorothy's action (or any true display of selfless compassion and empathy ) in trying to protect those in danger rather than simply defeating the bad ( which was the Witch’s major fault as she only intended to harm for her personal gain ) that triggers her demise; The water in itself wasn’t deadly, it was Dorothy's action what turned her powers back at her; The Witch’s weakness becomes not only physical but also tied to a deeper more spiritual vulnerability which would require something far more than any magical act but rather a simple kind and caring individual who wasn't planning to harm for evil's sake, that all ties onto some very unusual concept regarding morality in that land where the only person that can be powerful in the 'good side’ must be so incredibly far removed from any trace of violence to create a specific weakness that defies logic within the standard heroic arc where most ‘good guys’ usually fight against evil by trying to be good but mostly use violence, something not very present on that original novel which is the power of intent versus the value of acts on themselves.
Echoes of Oz in the Landscape of 'Yellowstone'
Moving onto "Yellowstone", we can easily apply these themes present in this specific 'witch' concept with some recurring ideas from what the main storyline brings about and what makes “Yellowstone” a series with such unique tone which also highlights the true importance on character motivations behind ethical ( or lack thereof ) behaviors. When seeing it from an overall large format what becomes fairly obvious is how several characters ( not only lead ) are clearly shown to hold great moral strength from all outside and often ‘corrupted’ forces as even while presented as ‘bad’ individuals a closer examination often showcases deeper meanings for actions. And most importantly, much like the Wicked Witch all of the Dutton’s do fail or achieve something based always on motivations; their actions are often only extensions of those values.
This concept also ties together with long standing issues over violence versus peaceful solution: in this universe many characters often get away with being bad through acts of intimidation and violence as almost everyone is equally flawed in what concerns any logical method in approach, it seems that just by their willpower those character’s tend to solve (temporarily, almost always with bad long run consequences) most situations but whenever a good member takes action from non malicious perspectives many forces seem at a complete stand still as the actions often seem so outside that context that they become unpredictable with often more successful approaches but by no means that implies it all creates positive outcomes. Just like the witch’s sudden death; it just occurred from that simple action when she never intended it too happen in such manner. Which gives the concept a far more profound value as kindness also has immense value but doesn’t create immediate positive results. All these approaches make “Yellowstone" not just another series and bring all themes into a new meaning, which mirrors some elements presented long ago at those old narratives.
The Power of Intent: Beyond Good and Evil in 'Yellowstone'
In "Yellowstone," most characters that might be seen as the villain usually carry strong motivation; often driven by power ( usually not their own as their ambitions tend to always come to nothing). John's stubbornness as well as all of Beth’s actions, or even those of Jamie as all act in function of some ideal or legacy, that seems good ( and valid ) only through their perspectives. Which also brings back elements about that old "Oz" narrative when applied under a completely different format as if its through malice or violence the 'power' is constantly eroded but kindness ( or any acts motivated on selflessness) can provide what it is truly valuable and meaningful. That becomes the central theme and it becomes incredibly important within these story telling designs.
This ethical dimension provides that series its unique edge because the show makes clear on multiple plotlines over how often times the worst acts may be born of ‘good intention’ gone bad and, this makes for a more critical reflection that always seems to show that ‘intent doesn’t completely excuse behavior’ as one often cannot hide behind what is considered morally right because bad choices have grave repercussions regardless of who takes that decision as long it comes with those specific bad qualities ( a theme present also when watching Dorothy’s storyline and how she must carry her personal responsibilities).
Conclusion: From Water Buckets to Moral Ground
The Wicked Witch, when looked past those initial layers of surface level simple understanding ( just another cartoon character that died in cartoon manner) it does show interesting moral value in the concept that intent matters as good does seem able to come back from unexpected sources or behaviors, and often that isn't something one should immediately assume. "Yellowstone's" success is built upon such aspects as those characters that have power are always undermined by very clear limitations which create conflict ( often leading to major self-destruction) while the people that genuinely mean well are rarely strong or violent enough to create long-lasting differences. That dichotomy is an ever-present struggle for all (as often we notice those small or 'lesser people' making changes even through great odds ).
Through this analysis, a long time viewer might notice that those old tales of fantasy have far more to add to modern context that normally assumed and that both of these properties showcase the true power of those individuals whose heart drives that process for long lasting positive ( often not explicit) impact and all those elements create an important commentary on how and why all such stories do hold meaning and are often worth exploring as there is value within the character motivations that isn’t based on magic, or weapons or anything but good intentions within bad actors and environments that usually lead to different perspectives.