Why Josephine Bell Is So Obsessed With John Gotti In Under The Bridge

Spoilers are ahead for Under the Bridge's second episode.

Hulu's latest true-crime miniseries adapts Rebecca Godfrey's Under the Bridge, a searing book that explores the 1997 murder of Canadian teenager Reena Virk (played in the series by newcomer Vritika Gupta). The true story of Reena Virk's murder endures because of the way it implicates the teen's peers. Something of an outsider in her small town of Victoria, Reena finds herself drawn to the girls of the Seven Oaks foster home. The group, which is helmed by the ever-manipulative Josephine Bell, treats Reena terribly. Still, she can't help but chase the highs that come with being Jo's frenemy.

Just after Reena Virk's tragic death, Rebecca is also drawn into the secret-filled, jealousy-driven world of Victoria's teens.

Although her family warns her about the Seven Oaks teens, Reena is like a moth to a flame. Meanwhile, writer Rebecca Godfrey (Riley Keough) returns to her hometown, eager to pen her next book. Just after Reena Virk's tragic death, Rebecca is also drawn into the secret-filled, jealousy-driven world of Victoria's teens. As Rebecca soon discovers, the foster girls are treated terribly by the townspeople and law enforcement, who dub the Seven Oaks teens "Bic girls" — disposable like Bic-brand lighters. All of this shapes the John Gotti-obsessed Josephine Bell, pushing her toward violent actions.

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John Gotti's Real Criminal Mob History Explained

The Teflon Don Was Big In The '90s

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John Gotti Jr., who was also known as "The Teflon Don," was a powerful boss in New York City's mafia scene during the 1980s and '90s. The head of the Gambino crime family, Gotti rose to prominence by ordering and orchestrating the murder of his predecessor, former Gambino boss Paul Castellano, in December 1985. The leader of America's most powerful crime syndicate, John Gotti was known to be a dangerous man, though he also loved a media circus. Unlike other mafia bosses, he was an outspoken personality, especially during three high-profile trials in the '80s.

In 1991, Sammy "the Bull" Gravano helped the FBI get Gotti...

Acquitted in all three instances during the mid- to late-'80s thanks to jury tampering and witness intimidation, the so-called "Dapper Don" continued to be a pop-cultural touchstone throughout the 1990s, which is when the events chronicled in Under the Bridge unfold. In 1991, Sammy Gravano helped the FBI get Gotti by turning on his former boss. By the following year, Gotti was convicted of five murders in addition to a laundry list of other charges, ranging from tax evasion to obstruction of justice. While serving his sentence, John Gotti died of throat cancer in 2002.

Related Under The Bridge Review: Hulu's Haunting True-Crime Miniseries Fills The True Detective Void Bolstered by Lily Gladstone, Under the Bridge chronicles a real-life crime by showing viewers just how close to the surface haunting brutality lurks.

Josephine Bell Sees John Gotti's Mobster Life As The Only Way To Leave Victoria & "Succeed"

John Gotti Is A Hero To Jo In Under The Bridge

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Although John Gotti was firmly imprisoned for life — and without the opportunity for parole — by the time the events of Under the Bridge unfold, Josephine Bell (Chloe Guidry) still finds a lot to admire about the notorious crime boss. As the head of the Gambino family, Gotti earned millions, garnering respect by instilling fear in all who crossed him. On the outside, however. Gotti had a boisterous personality. It's clear that Jo takes a lot of cues from the mafia boss's demeanor. She isn't afraid to chat with Rebecca (or the police), and never shows much remorse.

Jo wants some control over her life...

Feeling neglected by her birth parents and trapped by the Seven Oaks group home, Jo wants some control over her life. Although she may act tough, knowing that the townspeople think of her disposable clearly takes its toll. Not only does she want the acclaim that comes with being the Gotti of Seven Oaks (and Victoria at large), but Josephine also believes that women in the mob never go to prison. That would make her a great asset — someone who Gotti would love. After all, escaping any culpability is exactly what happened to John Gotti's wife, Victoria DiGiorgio.

Related How Old Reena Virk & The Seven Oaks Teens Are In Under The Bridge (& How Their Actors Compare) Based a true murder, Under The Bridge examines teenage gangs and peer pressure in society. This is how old each character is compared to their actors.

Jo Becoming Seven Oaks' "John Gotti" Gives Her A Family That Won't Abandon Her

Josephine Leads Her Fellow "Bic Girls" In Under The Bridge

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Under the Bridge's cast of characters often treat each other in ruthless and brutal ways. Jo is no exception. For starters, Josephine's reaction to the news of Reena's death is wildly telling. It's hinted that she wasn't the one to murder Reena outright, suggesting that Jo's part in the death was much like that of a crime boss's role: orchestration. By using Gotti's as a template, Jo creates her own "family" — one that can't abandon her or become disloyal. In fact, Josephine's Seven Oaks "gang" allows her to control others, which Under the Bridge showcases throughout its eight episodes.

The first two episodes of Under the Bridge premiered on April 17. Subsequent episodes will be released on Hulu on a weekly basis through May 29, 2024.