The following article contains discussions of sexual predation and grooming.
Three Womenoffers viewers a compelling depiction of female empowerment without ever being condescending or making light of the challenges faced by women. The 2024 Starz miniseries, which is based on Lisa Taddeo’s 2019 book of the same name, centers on three women, Maggie, Lina, and Sloane, who offer diverse perspectives on what it means for women to take control of their lives and, specifically, their sexualities.While all the women presented are a delight to watch, Maggie Wilken stands alone as the most interesting character in the series.
ThroughoutThree Women, Maggie experiences a tumultuous journey that offers its fair share of both success and heartbreak. In the miniseries, Maggie is a high school student who becomes the victim of an illicit sexual relationship with her married English teacher. Her story in the show closely mirrors that of her real-life counterpart, and that’s a great thing, too. Women, and viewers in general, can benefit from real-life stories of self-discovery and ultiamte triumph like Maggie’s. But just how much of Maggie’s story presented inThree Womenis rooted in reality, and how much was made up for the show?
The Real Maggie Wilken Explained
A 17-Year-Old Wilken Experienced Alleged Grooming From Her English Teacher
The real Maggie Wilken’s story begins back in 2009 in North Dakota, in which the17-year-old Wilken entered a sexual relationship with her 29-year-old English teacher, Aaron Knodel.At the time, Knodel was married with two children. Wilken alleges grooming and sexual preying were involved in their relationship, and that it started when Knodel offered her a shoulder to cry on. Wilken reportedly had a difficult home life, as both of her parents struggled with alcohol abuse.
As the alleged groom continued, Wilken said she was watching a movie in the basement of Knodel’s home while his children were upstairs sleeping. Wilken then went on to share that they said “I love you” to one another, and they proceeded to engage in oral sex while Wilken was still 17. Their sexual relationship allegedly lasted for months after that, and it ended after Knodel’s wife found a text that Wilken sent him.
It wasn’t until 2014, while Wilken was in college studying counseling, that she decided to come forward about Knodel’s alleged sexual misconduct.That same year, Knodel won North Dakota Teacher of the Year. Knodel was subsequently charged with five felony counts of corruption or solicitation of a minor, and was sent to trial, where he was eventually acquitted on all charges. (viaMamamia).
It Doesn’t Show The Support Aaron Knodel Received During The Trial
Maggie Wilken’s story, at least the one that’s presented inThree Women, is very close to what actually happened. The story is likely so accurate becauseWilken herself served as a consultant on the series(viaDeadline). However, there is one part of her story that the series seems to gloss over. WhileThree Womendoes an excellent job depicting all the backlash faced by Maggie as she accuses a beloved teacher of sexual misconduct, it doesn’t depict all of the support Knodel had during and especially after the trial.
Just one month after Knodel was acquitted in 2015, the West Fargo School Board unanimously voted to reinstate his teaching privileges. To this day, Knodel continues to teach.Knodel’s reinstatement is not seen in the seriesbut could have been an impactful addition as it adds more layers to Wilken’s journey. In 2019, a petition to revoke Knodel’s teaching privileges was created. Currently, the petition has over 5,000 signatures.
The Other Two Women Are Also Based On Real People
Sloane Is Actually A Culmination Of Two People
The other two women at the heart of the series, Lina and Sloane, are both based on real people as well. However, their identities remain anonymous, and the names given to their characters in the show are pseudonyms. Lina, the middle-aged woman who begins an affair after being stuck in a passionless marriage, is based on one of the women author Lisa Taddeo spoke to when crafting her book.
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Sloane, in contrast, is based upon two people.Taddeo must’ve combined both of their stories to create a woman in a committed open marriage that’s threatened by two strangers. Even though Lina and Sloane’s real-life counterparts chose to remain anonymous, their stories are no less impactful.Three Womenshowrunner Laura Easonsays many of the best elements in the miniseries came from real life, even if names were changed.
Lisa Taddeo Was Essential To Maggie’s Story Being Told
As a consultant, Maggie Wilken worked closely with the story department to ensure that her journey was accurately portrayed on the small screen. She initially told her story to Taddeo as she was writing the book. In the wake of Knodel’s being acquitted, Wilken claims that she was ostracized from her community, a detail that is present in both the novel and the series.
However, Wilken’s reaction to the verdict is developed more in the book.It’s clear that Taddeo offered Wilken a safe space to tell her story when so many others were quick to criticize her.Regarding her relationship with Taddeo, Wilken said:
“Lisa shows up for me time and time again on so many levels. She also deserves so much credit for lifting me up for others to hear my voice when I had been repeatedly silenced by my own community.”
Where Maggie Wilken Is Now
She Keeps Moving Forward
Wilken, now 33, works as an outpatient therapist and social worker in Fargo, North Dakota.She holds degrees in psychology, physical therapy, and education. From her biography onEllie Mental Health, she is devoted to delivering individualized care aimed at meeting the needs of every patient. It figures that she would pursue a career in the mental health field, as she was studying it in college. Actually, it was only during her studies to be a counsellor, and that reporting cases of sexual misconduct would be part of her job, that she came forward with the alleged abuse she suffered at the hands of Knodel.
Wilken also still remains close withThree Women author Lisa Taddeo. In an Instagram post from 2022, Taddeo posted a picture of Wilkenmeeting Gabby Creevy, the actor who plays Maggie inThree Women. In the caption, Taddeo called Wilken the bravest woman she’s ever met. After everything she wen through,Maggie Wilken’s story is an inspiring look at female empowerment and resilience.
