In my family, a love of the Wizard of Oz is a genetic disposition. Spanning four generations, it is a trait sealed into our DNA.

As I’ve mentioned before, I took this love a step farther. I love the Wizard of Oz, but I LOVE Judy Garland. I’ve coerced family members (usually my dad) into sitting through most of her movies. I have Judy Garland posters. I even have Judy Garland earrings. Her 1954 version of A Star is Born is my favorite movie, and I informed my husband that I refuse to see last year’s remake until he watches Judy’s version first. Suffice to say, I can get a little intense about Judy.

It seems, in hindsight, that this Oz gene and Judy obsession has blinded me. Recently, I had a flash-realization. Dorothy is not the best female part in the Wizard of Oz. Nor is Glinda or Auntie Em. The interesting, challenging, gift-to-an-actor role is the Wicked Witch.

Now, to be clear, I don’t mean Elphaba. Elphaba, of the book and musical Wicked, is another character entirely. Elphaba is the underdog of her story.