“It’s about murder and it’s gay, what do you MEAN you don’t watch Mindhunter?”
That’s what I heard, over and over again, for what felt like an eternity. Which, on one hand, was flattering. My brand was strong. But on the other hand, was a little annoying. I didn’t really WANT to watch Mindhunter. It was based on true events, and I prefer my true crime with a dash of comedy, a la the My Favorite Murder or Wine & Crime podcasts. I don’t mind an occasional “ripped from the headlines” episode of Criminal Minds, but I was worried the inception of criminal profiling was going to be mind-numbingly dull. And in my defense, it was. At first.
I spent the first two and a half episodes cursing everyone who had told me to watch the show. It was just about some boring white men. Being a musical theatre fan, I happen to adore Jonathan Groff, and yet, his character was boring at best, exhausting at worst. The only women in the show in the first two episodes exist only in relation to the two main male characters, to the point where I was getting worried that Groff’s character Holden’s girlfriend Debbie was a figment of his imagination. (She was not. Just an underused character who basically helped give him the idea for criminal profiling but was never given credit and was eventually unceremoniously sent out into the parking lot of no return because she dared to want to be treated like the modern, independent woman she was and not an object for Holden to use how and when he pleased.)
But then. In walks Doctor Wendy Carr. Played by Anna Torv (from Fringe and the UK version of Mistresses), Wendy Carr is a force to be reckoned with. She is smart, confident, unapologetic, and seemingly unflappable. When Holden and his partner (sadly only at the FBI, not in life) Bill Tench come into her office with their half-baked plan, she talks to them like they’re children who accidentally discovered a rare dinosaur bone on the playground. Partly impressed that they found it, partly appalled that they had no idea what they had on their hands. And she graciously agrees to be part of their project, in a part-time way at first, and mostly just to tell them all the things they’re doing wrong. Which is a delight to behold, let me tell you.
That feeling when you know you’re the best of the best.`
There’s something about the crisp, confident way she talks that had me hooked from her very first scene. Which is why I was delighted to see her stride right up to a woman and kiss her on the mouth pretty early on. For some reason I had assumed I wouldn’t get to The Gay Stuff™ until Season Two, but here we were. Annaliese Stilman, played by Lena Odin, is the first person we see meet Wendy at her level, intellectually, but she’s also not very nice to the new love of my life.
She does sit gay, at least.
Season One ends that relationship abruptly and mostly off-screen, however, when Wendy decides to move away from Boston to pursue this FBI research gig, which Annaliese said would be a dealbreaker for them.
While Season Two features the sudden disappearance of Debbie and the complete lack of Annaliese, Wendy is finally a bigger part of the picture. Anna Torv really does shine in every scene she’s in, and Wendy’s calm, cool, collected confidence continues to be unshaken.
This still has already come in handy more than once and I watched this episode less than two weeks ago.
Warning: Mindhunter Season 2 Spoilers ahead!
Until she finds herself in a dive bar, where a tall brunette bartender is playfully telling the locals she plays for the other team. Kay, played by real-life queer woman Lauren Glazier, catches Wendy’s attention and thus sparks the most interesting interpersonal relationship of Season Two. Sorry to Bill’s sociopathic son, and his severely underappreciated wife (who also, thankfully, had a bigger role in season two, though was really put through the ringer).
Wendy and Kay’s story begins when Wendy works up the nerve to go to the dive bar alone to talk to Kay. At first, Kay is a flame, fluid and flickering, almost too bright to look at, while Wendy is solid ice, strong and sturdy but a little cold, hard to get too close to. But the longer the two of them are near each other, the more Wendy melts. And she asks Kay where she should go for fun. She asks, “Is there a place… for us?”
And, listen, I already knew by this point that Anna Torv was a force. But it was that space between “place” and “for us” that really drove it home for me. It’s the first time we see Dr. Wendy Carr hesitate. It’s the first time we see so much as a hint of doubt in her eyes. Her voice almost can’t even commit to the “for us” because there’s a small part of her that suddenly worries if she’s making the right choice, asking this girl this question. And then Kay asks for clarification as to whether Wendy is asking her on a date, and when Wendy sees the flash of playfulness in Kay’s eyes, she melts completely. The unflappable woman, fully flapped. A smile she’s not fully in control of tugs at the edges of her lips and she confirms. A date. And so it begins.
I thought I would never finish this season because I’d be watching this one scene over and over forever.
Wendy and Kay’s storyline on Mindhunter is a diamond in a coal mine. It’s like when you go into an antique store and are perusing the useless junk — which is interesting, mind you, but pretty common stuff, nothing you haven’t seen before. And then you stumble upon a priceless artifact. You ask the owner about it but they just shrug and call it junk. They have no idea what they have in their possession. That’s how it feels to have Anna Torv on this show, to have the Wendy and Kay storyline nestled amongst the stories of Holden the Entitled being buried under red tape and Bill the Distracted struggling with work/life balance. It’s almost like Wendy and Kay’s story figured out how to shine despite it all, instead of being carefully curated into something great. Which maybe is unfair; because what we did get was spectacular. But to be honest, as a viewer, it was hard to tell how much of that was on the page and how much of it the actors brought to it. If I had seen Wendy and Kay’s scenes in a vacuum, I would think they were written with great care. But in the context of the show, the time dedicated to the relationship feels inconsequential. This subplot, while phenomenal, feels a bit like an afterthought.
Granted, the cases themselves are interesting. Specifically the case that’s the focus of Season Two, the Atlanta Child Murders, and the systematic racism that kept them from being properly investigated or solved. But for some reason, it seemed like Wendy and Kay were on an entirely different show.
IS THIS FANFICTION OR
There were things that felt so genuine and authentic about Wendy and Kay. A lot of the progression of their relationship happened off-screen, but they let us know in their own way what stages they were at. And, I mean, there was, of course, the best sex Wendy has ever had.
SEND
HELP
We go from Wendy nervously explaining the etiquette and importance of showing up to a movie on time to Wendy suggesting they skip their dinner plans (if you know what I mean). We go from Wendy being tense as Kay tries to teach her how to bowl to Wendy letting herself into Kay’s apartment, casually pulling out wine glasses, Kay barely needing to ask a question with her words before Wendy can answer it.
I honestly was surprised when Wendy asked Kay to not wear heels because she gives off such Tall Girl Energy I forgot that it was possible someone was taller than her. (Granted, I’m barely 5’4″ so they would both quite literally tower over me at 5’8″ and 5’10”)
There’s a comfort and an ease to their relationship in the later episodes that struck me as unique. I don’t think we get a lot of authentic-feeling long-term relationships on TV. I think a lot of times the queer relationships on TV are just as sidelined as this story, but they’re like the opposite of the toys in Toy Story; they only come alive when we’re watching them. Any progression in the relationship happens on screen, and since they’re so infrequently on screen, they progress very slowly. But Wendy and Kay don’t give a fuck about their screentime. Their relationship progresses based on the timeline of the story, regardless of how much or how little we see of them.
Quality > Quantity. And this shit is QUALITY.
The last we see of Wendy and Kay in Season Two isn’t the most pleasant of exchanges. Wendy has finally let her walls down, but the second she feels threatened, she snaps them right back up. She isn’t in control, like she is when she’s at work, and she isn’t being controlled, like she was in her last toxic relationship. Kay makes her feel out of control, like she’s on a big gay roller coaster, and on one hand she likes it but the most scared part of her always has one eye looking for an exit.
They’re even divided visually. IT HURTS. THIS BETTER NOT BE THE LAST WE SEE OF THEM.
What frustrates me the most is: the show had so many of the right pieces. They had Wendy using her homosexuality (feels weird using that word now but it would have been what they used back then) to bond with a subject, only to later let the men she worked with assume they made it up. They touched on Wendy having been out in Boston but hesitant to be quite as out while she was working at Quantico. They never used homophobia against her, not really. And though Wendy and Kay fought a little about whether Wendy was comfortable being together in public (at least sober) it was never really the focus of their fight. It was of the time, but it wasn’t overly dramatizing it. When it came down to it, Wendy’s problems were similar to that of any queer woman in a male-dominated field today. Trying to keep her private life private, trying to prove herself despite perceptions and assumptions due to her gender, warding off creepy advances at work functions. Trying to work her new relationship into her life, figuring out which spaces it’s safe to be out in, balancing what she wants and needs with what her partner wants and needs. It’s a period piece but a lot of aspects of Wendy’s storyline are, for better or for worse, timeless.
Season One of Mindhunter focused mostly on Holden, and Season Two shifted to be mostly about Bill. So I’m hoping against all odds that if and when we get a third season, it will center Wendy Carr, though I won’t be holding my breath, considering she was in the Season Two finale for all of five seconds. At the very least, I hope Kay doesn’t go the way of Debbie and disappear without so much as a throwaway mention. Because while Mindhunter‘s criminal storylines are more suited for people just dabbling in true crime for the first time, rehashing old stories us veterans have heard time and time again, its queer storyline was something a little more unique, beautifully portrayed by two powerhouse actresses.
You can find the first two seasons of Mindhunter on Netflix, and when you’re done, I’ll be here for you, rocking back and forth to Brass in Pocket by the Pretenders on repeat.
I really, really like Wendy’s character.
And the series is just right up my alley because while some people might think it’s too boring, it gives me what I crave most: character development and peaceful storyline and dialogs.
Granted, the thematic is pretty f— up, the serial killers are creepy and their killings are horrible and it’s even worse because they are/were all real. But i like this team and their dynamic.
While I’m sad Wendy’s relationship with Kay seems to be over, I’m all for her being introduced to a new female interest that’s closer to the team – more opportunities for tension-building and a slow-burn story.
This is a fantastic break down of all the wonderful parts of this season. I have had the biggest crush on Anna Torv ever since falling in love with her on Fringe. I full open-mouth-smiled with delight when her character was introduced in the first season and then for her to be gay was such a gift. I really hope they give us a season 3. She’s just so compelling on screen in any role she takes on.
Remember when I first saw her on screen in “Mindhunter” and prayed “Dear Goddess of TV Shows, please let doctor Carr be gay. I know it’s a show about serial killers and this request is so out of the blue but what if”. Then she was flying home and there was Fleetwood Mac’s “Albatross” playing in the background and I just suddenly knew this was it.
I was hesitant to start watching the series despite reading somewhere that Anna Torv was playing gay again. I mean!
Diving into murderous men’s psyche wasn’t quite what I was looking for at the time in terms of entertainment.
Especially after watching Anna Torv being so up front and centre in Secret City.
But I finally did get into Mindhunter last month, and yes, I can only agree with!every!single!word! you wrote, Valerie Anne.
Dr. Carr was a revelation, so tough in her professional capacity and then so incredibly awkward in her private life. Anna Torv’s subtle approach to the character was mind-blowing. In one of her interviews, she mentioned that director David Fincher instructed her to hold back emotionally – which made her realise that women often bear the emotional burden onscreen.
Either way, I loved how Dr. Carr is at loss on how to deal with someone free-spirited like Kay. Opposite attraction? It was good while it lasted. But given Debbie’s fate on the series, I don’t particularly hold my breath that Kay’s going to be back.
No news yet on S3, but keep streaming, peeps!
I agree! I like her being awkward in her personal life, it goes along her character’s rigidity. Kinda makes me want to see her losing control though, because that’s one of my favorite tropes: a seemingly tight and cool person who loses it when it comes to a romantic interest. Cliché I know.
Or when it comes to phantom cats. :D
But yeah, One of my fave tropes, too.
Give that woman more screentime!
I’ve always wanted to see Anna Torv kiss a lady onscreen in a less “empathic murder hallucination” way
I, too, adored Wendy Carr from the moment she came onscreen! She carries herself with such confidence. I didn’t even know about the queer subplot to begin with, but Anna Torv’s energy definitely gave me vibes of Cate Blanchett in Carol, so I hoped against hope and was not disappointed.
I’ve had a giant crush on Anna Torv since Fringe, and was thrilled to see her doing such amazing work in Mindhunter.
Also, I’d like to point people toward this old add she did for Oxfam back in the day, where she’s looking all cute and casual, while trying to figure out how to gift wrap a goat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWgtAh4KdZ0
Filed under ‘things I never knew I always wanted’: Anna Torv gift wrapping a goat
I don’t like true crime so I was hesitant to watch this show at first but eventually did because Anna Torv 4ever and it has really surprised me how much I like it. I think they do a good job not glamorizing the crimes or showing the dangers of doing so. Agree that we need even more Wendy next season!
Wendy was my favourite from the start before I knew what her storyline would reveal. I loved her even more in season 2 with Kay. I really liked how both actresses explored different dynamics within the script and each other.
I didn’t know the actress that played Kay was queer in real life !! I had a mega crush on her, her swagger, thats cool.
This is one of my favourite articles on autostraddle, thank you Valerie.
In a NYT interview, Anna Torv’s performance on Mindhunter was described as “listening to Dusty Springfield in a world of Mariah Careys.” A splendid observation. Torv is a smooth, subtle, and enigmatic actor. Like her fellow Australian, Cate Blanchett, she’s chameleonic. Whether it’s as Wendy Carr, Olivia Dunham, Nikki Martel, or any other role, you can’t pin her down. Wendy, and what Torv did with her, lessened the drudgery of watching the step-by-step predictable storylines of the two lead male characters, and the inordinate amount of time spent on the Atlanta murders.
Btw, the older I get, the more I like the word homosexual. It is unambiguous, and for me, decisive.
I would not have watched this show if not for the headline. I was never a true crime person-I used to watch criminal minds with friends and it gave me anxiety-I was able to watch this show due to the lack of gore. And I suppose you are right-the show is more for true crime newbies than anything. It got me to pick up Michelle Macnamara’s book about the golden state killer, who lived two blocks over from my cousin, and terrorized the Sacramento community I live in back in the 70s. So thanks, lesbians, for turning me on to something truly horrible that I had no idea I had any interest in!!!
I’m not really a fan of serial killers, but I’m very interested in the psychology and bureaucracy of how we deal with them as a society and “justice” system, so this show about establishing ideas that are taken for granted today has been right up my alley. Anna Torv has just been the cherry on top of that sundae.
I do want to defend Jonathan Groff’s character, though. There’s never been a character on TV who so precisely mirrors the way my brain works. In fact, reading criticisms of why people dislike his character has opened my eyes to why folks who are more neurotypical in certain ways get annoyed by me. That’s been useful. But I also wish people would stop writing him off as just some boring white guy with an ego. A lot of the criticism seems to completely misinterpret the character’s motivations (just like his fellow characters do, as they’re meant to for narrative reasons). Perhaps I’m reading too much into him, but I would caution against taking all cues from characters you “like” more who are annoyed by him, but who have their own flaws that make their interpretations not completely reliable. It takes all three characters’ strengths and weaknesses to make the show work.
His motivations don’t excuse the way he treats other people. He was really shitty to his girlfriend in S1 and it was just…never addressed. He lost her, sure, but he never seemed to learn or grow from it. My cues were from his actions not how other characters feel about him; in fact, I feel like his coworkers seem far less annoyed by him than I would be. That said, everyone reacts to different characters their own way and we tend to be easier to forgive to the characters we relate to vs the ones we don’t. Takes all kinds of kinds.
I agreed with you, and was happy to find someone who saw what I saw in him, he acted at times and even said so, like he expected her to worship him or something, and of course never ever disagree with him!
He frankly seemed at times just as creepy as his subjects, I half expected to find out he killed Debbie!
He is definitely a narcissist at least, I mean he was always praising himself, which was itself kind of creepy!
And the way he would got excited when another person was killed, all because it had proven him right, but he didn’t seem to care that someone had to die to do it, just as long as it did!
I did like Bill though, at least he has some real emotions and feelings towards others, Holden only showed emotions when it had to do with himself, which is the way of a narcissist, and even a psychopath for that matter!
Remember what Wendy said in the beginning, that she was studying psychopaths in big business and politics? Saying that that many got to be one or other because they were psychopaths! It makes sense, not all psychopaths are murders, because unlike a sociopath they are better at pretending to be normal, because they aren’t as antisocial as the sociopath!
By the way I am following on Twitter, which is how I found this article!
I agree with everything you said here! It’s just sad that we probably will never see Wendy Carr again, with or without Kay, now that David Fincher has caused Mindhunter to be unofficially canceled on Netflix, which isn’t their fault for once!
I don’t believe Netflix would have canceled it themselves, but no one can expect them to keep it or wait for Fincher to get back to it, so they let the actors all go from their contracts so they could do other things, at least while everyone waits for Fincher to decide to he’s ready to work on it some more, instead of whatever new project he wants to do! Talk about a selfish prick!
I mean he didn’t just cause the actors to lose their jobs, but all the people behind the cameras too!
I just hope we don’t have to wait forever for Anna Torv to get a new project herself, with as popular as Mindhunter has made her, you would think Hollywood would be knocking down her door, but I doubt they are!
I mean we who love her from Fringe have known how great she is for many years now, and they still ignore her and pick some untalented actresses to put in their shows and movies, rather than choose her, who seems to be able to play any role that is given to her!
yesss i get it