Known for playing powerful roles, The Madness provides the much-needed spotlight to Colman Domingo as he takes up an unexpected action role. However, the series falters in trying to stay in a particular trend and pattern. As electrifying as Domingo’s performance is, the predictability of its plot along with mediocre twists drags down the show.
Domingo’s Star Power
Domingo plays Muncie Daniels, an erstwhile teacher who now does a kind of progressive television punditry. His character descends into mayhem when he sees a neighbor, a white supremacist, commit a murder. Incorrectly suspected, Muncie finds himself involved in a labyrinthine conspiracy. Already from the first shot, Domingo adds magic to the stuff he is saying: whether running across the woods or donning a faultless suit.
The show plays well to Domingo’s strong suit. It gives him ample space to flex in action sequences, and silent moments reveal depth. Every single outfit, every glare, every movement is well-crafted. Domingo is the coolest of them all, not even making mundane scenes too boring.
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A Dull Storyline
However, the plot of the series is not up to the energetic Domingo. The opening few episodes seem to build a pretty cool thriller. Muncie’s run-ins with the law, fringe elements, and corporate henchmen get going at a good pace. The intrigue ends soon in the second half as piles of conspiracies lead nowhere, ending it rushed and unearned.
Creator Stephen Belber’s inexperience with long-form storytelling is evident. The narrative lacks cohesion, jumping between locations and ideas. Muncie’s investigation feels formulaic, with each lead delivering predictable results. The titular Madness never truly manifests, leaving viewers underwhelmed.
Strong Visuals, Weak Execution
Despite its flaws, The Madness boasts impressive visuals. The Clément Virgo-framed Domingo is a picture. There are dynamic scenes – either in gritty cityscapes or shadowy forests. Costume design has also played a big part. Domingo’s wardrobe, including his iconic peacoat, becomes an extension of his character.
The culture of Philadelphia also is extremely vibrant. It felt real from the slang and the references to landmarks. These helped add texture even as it stumbled through its story.
Cast and Missed Opportunities
The supporting cast does feature talented actors like John Ortiz, Marsha Stephanie Blake, and Gabrielle Graham. Unfortunately, there is little depth to these characters. Muncie’s family feels underdeveloped. Subplots involving fringe groups and estranged relationships add little value.
Stephen McKinley Henderson is that clever cigar store owner. The screen time is short, but each scene counts. Deon Cole plays Muncie’s agent and adds his humor with charm. It is one of those performances that hints as to how much better the show would have been if it had been written any better.
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Action Hero in the Making
A film career is high for Domingo as Muncie turns easily, effortlessly, from intellectual hero to action hero. Here as in Nobody with Bob Odenkirk, Domingo delivers a versatile performance blending outrageous indignation, and witty style, all intriguing, and engrossing to watch, as for which much in that, even the disappointing plot lines fall on deaf ears.
Conclusion
The Madness is an uneven thriller. While Domingo’s brilliance keeps it afloat, the surrounding elements don’t deliver. The conspiracy lacks punch and, in its critical moments, drags the pacing along.
Fans of Domingo will love his performance. Others will forget the show. With tighter writing and a stronger plot, The Madness could have been phenomenal. Instead, it settles for mediocrity.
For those who want to see Colman Domingo in action, it’s worth a watch. Just don’t expect the madness promised by the title.
