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‘The Hunting Wives’ is a Texas-set murder mystery replete with guns

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The O’Neils enter the scene at a rally where Banker, aspiring governor, delivers a speech advocating for the National Rifle Association. He emphasizes the importance of firearms for “decent folks” to protect themselves from “all kinds of rascals” and the increasing number of “dubious characters” entering the country daily. This is the only platform he’s prepared to present; narratively, it’s crucial to understand that his political ambitions might uncover his scandalous personal life.

At the gathering, I encountered some key figures: Jill (Katie Lowes), who’s hitched to Rev. Clint (Jason Davis), the local megachurch leader; their son, Brad (George Ferrier), who’d be simply referred to as Brad, is a rather unappealing basketball-playing lad, pursuing or attempting to woo Abby (Madison Wolfe), a kind girl from a less privileged background. Jill isn’t fond of their relationship, while Abby’s mother, Starr (Chrissy Metz), also harbors doubts. Callie (Jaime Ray Newman), one of the women in the title, is married to Sheriff Jonny (Branton Box); it’s unclear if Jonny is his first or last name, but this seems like a place where the sheriff would be known by his first. The additional wives, Monae (Joyce Glenn) and Taylor (Alexandria DeBerry), are merely there to fill out the group.

The character most prominent in this scenario is Margo Banks (Malin Akerman). Sophie meets Margo in a bathroom where she was taking Xanax to manage her social anxiety. Notably, and on more than one occasion, Margo was seen casually without a top. Interestingly, Margo does not seem to struggle with social anxiety like Sophie does.

Margo quickly takes a liking to Sophie, either due to a genuine bond or because she sees in her someone she can influence and dominate for their mutual benefit. She then announces that they’ll be inseparable friends, causing tension with Callie, who feels jealous and is intent on disrupting their friendship.

As a fan, I’d rephrase it like this: Once upon a time, Sophie was known as a free spirit, a party-loving girl who later transformed into a career woman, specializing in political PR, and for the past seven years, she’s been a dedicated mother. Graham often takes on a protective role, ensuring she avoids alcohol and driving – you can probably imagine why. However, it won’t be long before Sophie indulges in a drink and gets behind the wheel. Margo gives her some advice, “Two rules,” she says, putting her in the driver’s seat. “Just trust me and follow my instructions to the letter.

Drawing into Margo’s realm, Sophie swiftly learns skeet shooting, later even purchasing her own firearms for hunting wild boars. Echoing Chekhov’s maxim, it seems inevitable that one of these weapons will be discharged in the ensuing events – the suspense lies in determining which gun, when, and who may be on its receiving end.

The series “Hightown,” based on May Cobb’s 2021 novel, gently includes political allusions such as “deplorables” and references to Marjorie Taylor Greene, feminism, and liberal politics that could have been omitted considering the isolated setting of “The Hunting Wives.” One might anticipate a “Stepford Wives” dynamic given the liberal Northerners in a conservative Southern environment, but it deviates from that. Instead, within their societal confines, the women enjoy themselves vigorously, while the men, despite their perceived power, appear dull, unengaging, and preoccupied. Even kind-hearted Graham can seem rather dim; he’ll jokingly offer “Take my wife, please” when Margo arrives on a jet ski to whisk Sophie away during a family day at the lake.

The personalities are stereotypes, yet the performers give them depth, and the relationship between Margo and Sophie is truly complex. Margo is intriguing because she’s elusive. Similar to Sophie, Margo has a concealed past, which becomes evident when a strange man at the local roadhouse (Jullian Dulce Vida) calls her Mandy, causing her unexpected unease since she was once known as Mandy. She deceives her spouse; she’s having an affair with Brad, which seems inappropriate. However, there’s something genuine and sincere about Margo that stands out, amplified by Akerman’s captivating portrayal. Margo is a temptress, perhaps even a guardian angel for Sophie – but potentially a fallen one too.

To begin with, it’s crucial not to overlook the fact that the story commences with a murder, hinted at in the opening scene through a flash-forward; by the conclusion of Episode 3, the narrative returns to this event. The introduction of Karen Rodriguez as Detective Salazar signals potential intrigue. Additionally, there’s a fleeting reference to a missing girl, suggesting her connection to the unfolding plot. However, after viewing three out of eight episodes, it remains uncertain where the story is heading – unless you’ve read the book, though even then, one can never be completely sure. What’s evident, however, is that there are numerous secrets waiting to be uncovered, and with these grand houses having ample storage spaces, it seems as if skeletons will keep emerging.

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2025-07-21 13:31

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