"The Madness" recently released on Netflix and is trending. It features Colman Domingo as Muncie Daniels and John Ortiz as Franco Quinones. This show contains plot twists and suspense, taking the audience on a thrilling journey. This series is for a mature audience only due to violence and language.
Television pundit Muncie plans to write his new book in a peaceful rental home in the middle of nowhere. This home is in Poconos woods and has suspicious individuals in the town. When his power goes out in his rental, he gets help from a neighbor who previously introduced himself. After no answers at the door, Muncie investigates only to find the man decapitated and murdered. This man turns out to be a white supremacist, in which Muncie is the prime suspect in his murder.
Highs
The highs of this series are based on Domingo's incredible acting as Muncie. His acting captures the genuine fear in Muncie’s eyes of being accused of a murder he witnessed. His character's determination to find the true killer and exonerate himself is mighty. The theme of this series is a high due to the exploration of the threatening web of white supremacism. The consequences of spreading hate through the media turn into hate crimes that involve Muncie as the victim. He is in fear for his life that someone is after him. This show captures the actual fear black individuals face against white supremacists.
Another high is the examination of societal policing positions and the stakes for people who try to do the right thing. Franco, the FBI agent, is the main person who believes Muncie and his character is critical to this series. He shows that not all law enforcement are the same; he does everything he can to capture the real killer and protect Muncie. Ortiz perfectly captures his character, Franco, showing his determination to do the right thing. He goes against his bosses and aims to clear Muncie’s name because he genuinely believes he is innocent.
Their bond is another high, considering it was more intense initially. They slowly worked together to exonerate Munice. Their friendship was unique and full of hope that Muncie would have his freedom again.
The relationship between Muncie and his daughter Kallie (Gabrielle Graham) is rocky at first because Muncie is not in his daughter’s life but this ends when he believes she could be in danger because of him. He does everything in his power to protect her. Kallie is this independent, strong woman who gives her father a second chance. She is brave and is determined to protect him from the police and white supremacists.
The captivating plot of this series is a highlight, considering the number of plot twists that keep the audience interested. Muncie's adventure of running from the police is suspenseful as he is innocent, the audience is rooting for him. The secrets that come to light when discovering the actual killer are shocking.
Lucie Snipes (Tamsin Topolski) is a highlight because her character development is admirable. She used to be a white supremacist but left that life after divorcing her husband. When creating a friendship with Muncie to find the killer of her husband. It shows her true colors of leaving the white supremacist life behind.
Lows
The lows within this series are minimal. The main low is Julia Jayne (Alison Wright). She is an evil, power-hungry woman determined to ruin Muncie’s life. Her character is frustrating and cruel towards innocent people.
The other low is the police determined to name Muncie as the killer. It is toxic as the police questioning him try to coerce him into admitting to a crime he did not commit. This shows how some police officers are determined to close a case even when an individual's life is on the line.
Verdict
"The Madness" is worth watching, considering how thrilling and captivating it is. It showcases a unique plot that captures the horrible things white supremacists do to intimidate black people. It carries a powerful message.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Mariam Fakhreddine is a film and theater reviewer for The Eastern Echo. She has worked as a news and features reporter for The Echo for two years.
