Sumith Prasad
The second episode of the second season of Paramount+’s Western series ‘1923’ introduces Mamie Fossett, a deputy marshal stationed in Anadarko, Oklahoma. When the marshals Kent and Thomas arrive in the region with Father Renaud to find Teonna Rainwater, they are stunned to know that a woman has assumed office at the local post. She faces their contempt with maturity and a display of strength and determination, clarifying that she is no different from her male counterparts when it comes to their duties and responsibilities. Even though Fossett appears only in one scene in the episode, she will feature more in the rest of the sophomore installment, possibly when Kent and Renaud figure out the whereabouts of the Native American girl!
Mamie Fossett is a Fictionalized Version of a Real-Life Deputy Marshal
Marshal Mamie Fossett can be seen as a fictional counterpart to Mary Francis “Mamie” Fossett, a deputy marshal who worked under US Marshal Canada H. Thompson. There are several fictional details that differentiate the character in ‘1923’ from the real-life inspiration behind her. While the former is equal to Marshal Kent, there are no reports to state that the latter was promoted to the post of marshal from the deputy marshal. Furthermore, the character in the Western drama is posted in Anadarko, but the actual officer was based in Guthrie, over ninety miles away from the setting in the show.
Mamie was born to W.D. “Bill” Fossett, a lawman who served as a deputy marshal in Guthrie, reportedly in 1878. The family moved from Kansas to Oklahoma as part of a land rush. Before becoming a deputy marshal, Mamie worked as an office deputy stenographer under Marshal Thompson. She was promoted to the post of deputy marshal along with S. M. “Sadie” Burche in the late 1890s. They were described by a local newspaper as “young, fairly good-looking, well-educated, fearless, and independent,” which explains the commitment and determination of the character in the Western drama.
Details Concerning Mamie Fossett’s Life and Career Beyond Her Appointment as a Deputy Marshal Are Scarce
Even though Mamie’s work was mostly based in her office, her responsibilities further included serving writs, subpoenas, and warrants and making arrests like any other officer in her rank. Marshal Kent’s shock upon seeing a woman in a marshal’s office is also rooted in reality. The press at the time discussed how a maiden would do her job as a law enforcement officer in the “worst territory in the Union,” populated with “desperate and dangerous class.” However, it did not take long for Mamie to prove her worth as a lawwoman. Along with Burche, she went to the country of the Sacs and Foxes to bring in a few witnesses. With writs, the duo found them and returned to Guthrie after five days of camping.
Mamie and Burche’s contribution to this Native American murder case was celebrated by the press. One particular newspaper recognized their “Wild West spirit” and described them as “fearless, adventurous, energetic, and self-reliant.” They were commended for fulfilling an “extremely difficult and dangerous task” after traveling through “one of the worst districts on Earth.” Her work eventually took her to different parts of Perkins, Flynn, Stroud, and Clifton with subpoenas. According to an unconfirmed report, Mamie and Burche’s bravado even inspired Freeman E. Miller to create “Song of the Bandit Chief.” There is little to no information available concerning Mamie’s life and career beyond this case. It is also unknown how and when she passed away.
Jennifer Carpenter Plays Mamie Fossett in 1923
Jennifer Carpenter, who is known for playing Debra Morgan in nearly 100 episodes of the acclaimed and globally renowned crime drama series ‘Dexter,’ portrays Mamie Fossett in ‘1923.’ The actress also reprises the original character in the ‘Dexter’ sequel series ‘Dexter: New Blood.’ Jennifer first garnered attention for portraying the protagonist in Scott Derrickson’s horror movie ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose.’ After receiving an MTV Movie & TV Award and Scream Award for her performance in the film, she went on to win the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television for playing Debra.
While being a part of the cast of ‘Dexter,’ Jennifer joined several movies, playing notable characters such as Angela Vidal in ‘Quarantine’ and Nan Porterman in ‘Faster.’ Her film credits further include Sharon Ames in the thriller flick ‘Gone,’ Lauren Thomas in the prison movie ‘Brawl in Cell Block 99,’ and Kelly Summer in the crime thriller ‘Dragged Across Concrete.’ On television, she plays Rebecca Harris in CBS’ ‘Limitless’ and Erica Shepherd in NBC’s ‘The Enemy Within.’ Since the available information concerning Mamie Fossett was limited, Jennifer had to rely on a fictionalized backstory to transform herself into the character.
“I don’t think that she [Mamie] is easily knocked off of her course or easily influenced in one way or another. She doesn’t have a side agenda where she could manipulate situations—or even would manipulate situations,” Jennifer told Screen Rant about her character. The fictionalized Mamie in ‘1923’ can be seen as a homage to an inspiring trailblazer who deserved much more recognition and fame.
Read More: Who Plays Pete in 1923 Season 2? Why Was He Recast?
