Exploring the Departure of Nicole Kidman's Expats and Its Impact on Margaret's Storyline

Expats episode 6 wrapped up the storylines that had been unfolding since the start of the Amazon Prime Video drama. However, there was a significant change in Margaret's story that did not align with a key message from the original book. The main focus of Expats was to highlight the differences between expats and locals, but Gus's disappearance took over the spotlight as it had a major impact on two of the three main characters, Margaret and Mercy.

The tragic event also played a significant role in the book that inspired Expats, The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee. However, Margaret and Mercy each handled the aftermath of Gus's disappearance in their own unique ways.

Margaret's decision to stay in Hong Kong tones down the book's message of hope and acceptance.

Margaret's decision to return to the US in Expats episode 5 was influenced by seeing the suffering of Clarke, Philip, and Daisy in Hong Kong. She realized they were struggling being separated from friends and family, prompting her to make the choice to go back.

In both the book and Expats, Margaret struggled to accept her family's difficulties in coping with Gus's disappearance. However, her decision not to go through with the journey home in Expats episode 6 contradicted the message of The Expatriates.

The journey of acceptance for Margaret in The Expatriates involved understanding her family's pain and their desire for normalcy. While the Woos tried to regain normalcy by returning to the US, Margaret's choice not to join them indicated she was not yet ready to accept this new life. This contrasts with her efforts in The Expatriates to find and embrace a new sense of normalcy despite the challenges.

The Expatriates' Ending Embraces Acceptance & a Return to Normalcy

Margaret's encounter with Mercy was a pivotal moment for her, leading her to realize that "everything eventually becomes ordinary." She came to see Mercy as just another person, without any answers to offer. Despite never vocalizing it, their meeting was filled with forgiveness, both for themselves and each other. This defied their expectations, as Margaret didn't harbor any hatred towards Mercy, contrary to what they both believed. This realization served as a starting point for them to move towards a new normalcy after the upheaval of Gus's disappearance.

Margaret’s final thoughts before the epilogue in The Expatriates show a beautiful shift in her mindset. She finally started to believe that things could improve over time. She felt content as she enjoyed a moment at the beach with Clarke, Philip, and Daisy. Dr. Stein’s words resonated with her, reminding her that it was okay to strive for a better life and that there was no reward for being miserable. However, her decision to leave her family behind in Hong Kong showed that Margaret still hadn't fully grasped the need to create a new normal in Expats, which goes against the main message of The Expatriates.

Editor's P/S:

The article explores the divergence between the Amazon Prime Video series "Expats" and its literary inspiration, "The Expatriates" by Janice Y. K. Lee. While the series maintains the focus on the cultural divide between expats and locals, it alters Margaret's storyline, contrasting with the book's emphasis on acceptance and the creation of a new normalcy. By choosing to stay in Hong Kong, Margaret undermines the message of hope and resilience that is central to the novel.

The article's analysis of Margaret's encounter with Mercy is particularly insightful, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness and the realization that life can continue despite trauma. However, her subsequent decision to remain in Hong Kong demonstrates her resistance to fully embracing this new normal. This deviation from the book's message leaves viewers with a sense of disappointment and a diminished appreciation for Margaret's journey of growth and acceptance.