In the second season of the show Minx, Ophelia Lovibond’s character, Joyce Prigger, finally assumes control over the magazine’s business and creative content decisions. Partnering with publisher Doug Renetti, they bring the magazine back in full force with the financial backing of Constance Papadopoulos, a billionaire shipping magnate. This new hierarchy allows Joyce to shape the magazine according to her own vision with fewer compromises.
According to Lovibond, Joyce is enjoying the power and the ability to make decisions that pack a punch. She monetizes her opinions and asserts her authority. However, being in a leadership position is challenging for Joyce as she lacks experience in making such decisions. Growing up in the 1970s as a woman, she was denied the opportunity to practice and develop these skills. Lovibond explains that Joyce’s mistakes highlight the fact that women like her haven’t had as much practice as men in positions of power.
Throughout the second season, Joyce faces challenges and struggles to navigate her new role as the boss. In the latest episode, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Sexiness,” she turns down Richie’s pitch for a bathhouse-themed magazine spread. Although the pictures are beautiful, the decision is made based on business implications. The woman who financially supports the magazine warns Joyce that they will lose advertisers if they don’t follow a specific demographic. Despite wanting to say yes, Joyce must prioritize the magazine’s financial success.
This situation puts Joyce in a difficult position, as she tries to balance the demands of the financial backer and the content she wants for the magazine. She believes that if she can keep everyone happy, she can eventually include the ideas she supports. However, this approach hurts Richie, who feels dismissed and undervalued. Lovibond notes that Joyce is making mistakes and trying to please everyone, but her actions ultimately have negative consequences.
Related Post
The show Minx tackles social and identity issues of the 1970s through a current lens, making it relatable to a modern audience. It highlights the double standards women face in leadership positions and how even a single mistake can lead to dismissal. Lovibond mentions that feminism in the 1970s was divided, with some feminists rejecting the idea of inclusivity. While Joyce doesn’t intentionally exclude anyone, her actions reflect the limitations of her time and the negative outcomes of her newfound power.
Joyce’s ambition and popularity distract her from her initial mission and her core beliefs. She becomes derailed by the attention and opportunities that come with success. Lovibond explains that Joyce’s downfall is not directly related to her position of power but rather her eagerness to embrace her newfound popularity and indulge in activities that are detrimental to her decision-making.
As the second season of Minx continues to air on Starz, audiences can expect to see Joyce struggle with her role as a leader and face further challenges that test her ability to navigate the complexities of power and influence.
