With Wicked dominating the box office this week, fans are fervently debating which villain holds the most responsibility for the dramatic rift between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). The finger of blame is predominantly pointed at the sister adorned in bejeweled shoes. However, as other menacing characters emerge by the conclusion of the first installment of this two-part musical epic, one must question whether the accusations against Nessarose (Marissa Bode)—the unfortunate recipient of Dorothy’s house landing on her—are justified.

The iconic moment when the Wicked Witch of the East—Nessarose’s destined identity—is crushed beneath Dorothy’s farmhouse is a pivotal event that has remained consistent in every adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. This catastrophic incident occurs as a tornado transports Dorothy’s house over the rainbow, ultimately landing on Nessarose, leaving only her feet visible. This chilling scene allows Dorothy to claim her legendary ruby slippers, which sets into motion a series of events that ultimately leads to the Wicked Witch of the West’s demise by water, leading to her melting away.

In the unfolding narrative of Wicked, we now understand that the truly nefarious Madam Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) wields control over the weather, including tornadoes, while the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) reveals himself to be a fraud. However, how does Wicked establish the idea that Nessarose is indeed the Wicked Witch of the East and that her shoes, initially perceived as powerful, are rendered largely ineffective for the time being?

The subtle hints lie in Nessarose’s treatment of Elphaba throughout the film. As TikTok commentator @aspoonfulofchae humorously pointed out, “I’m on the side of the house, the house did nothing wrong,” providing a critical take on Nessarose’s behavior. This commentary suggests that there are deeper issues at play regarding Nessarose’s character and her relationship with her sister.

Critics have noted that Nessarose’s treatment of Elphaba mirrors the harshness they both endured from their father. It’s interesting to highlight how Nessarose seemed eager to escape from Elphaba at Shiz, seeking a fresh start without her sister’s support. This change only occurred when Morrible intervened to override their father’s unusual decision to only allow Nessarose to attend college. What was their father intending for Elphaba while he ruled over Munchkinland as Mayor? Was he attempting to keep her hidden? Elphaba clearly possessed talent, and Nessarose exhibited jealousy when her sister’s abilities emerged, resulting in Elphaba’s special admission to Shiz, with Morrible stepping in as her mentor. This reaction from Nessarose raises eyebrows, particularly her lack of happiness for Elphaba’s achievements.

Nessarose’s desire for Boq and her willingness to credit Glinda for orchestrating their meeting at the Ozdust ballroom further exemplifies her character flaws. Despite knowing that Boq’s affection is primarily motivated by pity stemming from her physical condition, she allows him to pursue her, which indicates deeper issues of self-worth and manipulation. This behavior is compounded when Elphaba interrupts her date with Boq, and rather than defending her sister, Nessarose allows the club to ostracize Elphaba. This level of pettiness is striking, anchoring the narrative that their mother’s shoes will play a significant role in Wicked Part Two when Dorothy ultimately takes them.

While avoiding major spoilers for Wicked Part Two, it’s essential to note that Nessarose’s shoes undergo a transformation that significantly contributes to her emergence as the Wicked Witch of the East prior to Dorothy’s arrival. The second act of the musical will leap into the future, exploring Nessarose’s potential ascension to leadership in Munchkinland after taking over her father’s role. The apparent satisfaction displayed by the characters in The Wizard of Oz at her downfall hints at a larger narrative arc that positions her as a formidable villain, possibly fueled by their shared disdain for the Thropp family and their tyrannical father.

There is much to unpack regarding how Nessarose and Elphaba experience societal rejection, particularly considering that even their mother struggled with fidelity towards their father. Both sisters have been marginalized their entire lives. Nessarose’s character transcends the typical ableist tropes, allowing her to emerge as a fully fleshed-out individual defined by more than just her disability. Her storyline, much like Elphaba’s narrative of racism, reflects how society’s treatment significantly influences their transformations through magic in Part Two. This exploration reveals that true wickedness often stems from deeply human flaws that everyone possesses.

It is also vital to recognize that Nessarose aligned herself with her father’s negative perceptions of Elphaba, revealing that he is indeed the true antagonist. The audience feels a sense of relief when he meets his demise just as Elphaba begins to embrace her powers during “Defying Gravity.” In contrast, Nessarose appears more concerned about their family’s tarnished reputation than her sister’s liberation.

While Wicked is not an official prequel to the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, the characters are presented in a richly dimensional manner, offering viewers much to root for and against as they grapple with what truly transpired leading up to Dorothy’s fateful encounter with the Wicked Witch of the West. Elphaba is far removed from the dog-hating Mrs. Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West portrayed by the iconic Margaret Hamilton; instead, she embodies a Marvel-like variant whose journey unfolds heroically, despite certain fixed points, including her desire for her sister’s shoes after Nessarose is tragically crushed by Dorothy’s house.

Ultimately, we must acknowledge Marissa Bode for her remarkable portrayal, skillfully planting the seeds of the Wicked Witch of the East. Even after her destined fate, her influence remains palpable, intensifying the conflict between Elphaba and Glinda over the coveted sparkly heels when a child snatches them.

Wicked is currently in theaters, and Wicked Part Two is set to premiere on Thanksgiving 2025.

For more updates from io9, discover the latest release dates for Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, along with insights into what comes next for the DC Universe in film and television, and all the essential information about the future of Doctor Who.