Warning! This article includes spoilers for The Bondsman.
In Prime Video’s captivating series The Bondsman, the narrative takes a compelling turn as it uncovers Midge’s intricate backstory and her connection to Pot O’Gold. Played by Jolene Purdy, Midge emerges as a pivotal character in the early episodes, introduced as a dedicated employee of the central corporation. She approaches Hub, played by Kevin Bacon, attempting to persuade him to join the ranks as a demon hunter for the devil.
The layers of Midge’s character and her motivations are gradually peeled back, showcasing that her path to serving the devil diverges significantly from Hub’s. As the series probes her backstory, it becomes clear that she is a victim of unfortunate circumstances rather than a willing participant in her fate.
The Motivations Behind Midge’s Choice to Join Pot O’Gold
Midge’s Desperate Decision to Save Her Son
Episode 5, titled “Slypharis,”reveals Midge’s past as a talented baker, celebrated for her culinary skills until tragedy struck when her newborn son was diagnosed with cancer. Overwhelmed by the medical costs needed for his treatment, Midge resorts to selling off her possessions in a bid to fund his care. It is during this heartbreaking period that she stumbles upon an online ad for Pot O’Gold, sparking curiosity.
Before she fully comprehends the implications, Midge finds herself filling out a form online, supplying her personal details. Shortly after, a man named Ali Khan knocks on her door, persuading her to enroll with Pot O’Gold. He tempts her with a dreadful promise: if she sells her soul and commits to working for the devil, her son’s illness will be cured. Although initially skeptical, Midge eventually succumbs to the desperation of her situation, agreeing to the deal in hopes of saving her child.
Midge’s Role in Harvesting Souls for the Devil
Image via Prime Video
Upon joining Pot O’Gold, Midge learns from Ali Khan that her primary task is now to recruit others into the company. To fulfill this, she must manipulate potential recruits into selling their souls in exchange for promises of value. It’s worth noting that Pot O’Gold operates on a pyramid scheme basis; as Midge signs up new members, a portion of the commission is funneled back to Khan.
| Key Facts About The Bondsman | |
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Created By |
Grainger David |
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Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Score |
79% |
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Streaming On |
Amazon Prime Video |
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No. Of Episodes |
8 |
As the dark reality emerges, it’s revealed that every person who sells their soul and joins Pot O’Gold faces a grim fate of damnation post-death. Midge grapples with her decision, recognizing that she may have unwittingly condemned herself to a hellish existence. Despite her son’s recovery, she tries to separate herself from Pot O’Gold but is inevitably drawn back following his relapse into illness.
Midge’s Path to Redemption Compared to Hub
Midge: A Victim of Circumstance vs. Hub’s Willful Actions
In contrast to Midge’s tragic choices, Hub’s backstory reveals a history of violence, where he takes an innocent life before ever joining Pot O’Gold. Instead of confessing, he actively conceals his crime, sealing his own fate in hell. The devil offers him the chance to extend his time on Earth through his role in demon hunting, further complicating his moral compass.
Midge, however, never set out to harm anyone. Her desperate act of joining Pot O’Gold stemmed solely from a mother’s instinct to protect her child. It begs the question of morality: should a mother’s altruistic motives, borne from overwhelming despair, garner her forgiveness over Hub’s self-serving choices? The evidence suggests that Midge’s path is far more deserving of redemption than Hub’s.