Is Damages’ Patty Hewes Ebenezer Scrooge?

After finishing season two of Damages this week something stuck out in my mind. I think that Patty Hewes underwent an experience this season very similar to Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Before you call me crazy, hear me out; I really think there are some interesting parallels.

It first struck me during Patty’s visit to Daniel Purcell in prison. He had some ominous words for Patty, warning her against continuing down the same path of betrayal and self destruction that he followed. It was very much a “ghost of Christmas future” moment in my mind. As I thought about it more and more, it seemed like there might be something to my thought.

Let’s look at the three ghosts:

• Ghost of the past: This season it was represented by Uncle Pete. To begin, in a very literal sense, Uncle Pete represented Patty’s past. He seemed to be her only family, the only link to an unhappy childhood. He was also the face of so many of her past wrongdoings. He was the person who facilitated the hit on Ellen, as just one example.
• Ghost of the present: This one isn’t quite as clear, but I would give it to either Tom or Ellen, or very possibly both. Ellen is a constant reminder to Patty of her wrongdoings. If you tried to kill someone, do you think you could stand to look at his/her face everyday at work? I know it would be tough for me. Tom must also be a point of guilt, however. When he tried to take the high ground, at the insistence of the Feds, and said no to bribing the judge, he was essentially throwing all of Patty’s sins right back in her face. It’s obvious by her (over)reaction that she felt it and didn’t appreciate it.
• Ghost of the future: As I said, I think this role was filled by Daniel Purcell. He followed a path that he believes Patty is also following, and it led to nothing but tragedy for the man. More than a ghost of the future, I think Daniel comes off as Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s partner who warns him of the three ghosts. Marley sees the error of their ways and begs Scrooge to change, very similar to what Purcell was saying to Patty.

With this experience seemingly behind her, do you think that Patty will change? I find it hard to believe. The investigation and stabbing were a scare, I’m sure, but Patty is such a cold-hearted woman, hating her husband more for getting caught than for actually cheating on her, kicking her son out of the house, driving colleagues to suicide, putting a hit out on Ellen, etc, etc, etc. I don’t think she’s going to be turning any new leaves any time soon, but I can’t wait to see.

Clacked by Bob Degon
on Apr 06, 2009 @ 11:08 EST5EDT