Highly acclaimed actor Colman Domingo's new venture, "The Madness," has had eager viewers tuning in on Netflix. However, while Domingo's performance has been praised, the eight-part thriller series has also been criticized for its poorly executed and confusing storyline.
Domingo, known for his roles in "Euphoria," "Zola," and "If Beale Street Could Talk," plays the character of Muncie Daniels, a CNN commentator who becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation after discovering his neighbor, a notorious white nationalist, brutally murdered in his sauna. Despite Domingo's commendable portrayal of a man undergoing nervous breakdown, "The Madness" is criticized for its unsatisfactory attempts to tread into social commentary and an unnecessarily protracted runtime.
The show's narrative lacks clarity and fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of Muncie’s character. It seems to insinuate that Muncie's troubles might force him to reconnect with his past and the aspects of his life that truly matter, but the storyline dissatisfyingly drifts without a strong starting point.
"The Madness," created by Stephen Belber and directed by Clément Virgo, struggles to maintain a focal point, often switching the main character's adversaries - from neo-Nazis to armed antifa, followed by a malevolent corporation and its agents. This frequent reshuffling diminishes the stakes of Muncie's quest.
While the series has moments that provide a fun, almost campy, side to its hyperactive plotting, it’s clear that the "The Madness" does not entirely live up to its potential. However, the impressive supporting cast including Stephen McKinley Henderson, Bradley Whitford and Alison Wright, as well as Domingo's excellent performance, offer some redemption to the series.
All in all, while "The Madness" has not been able to establish itself as one of Domingo's iconic roles, it serves as a platform showcasing his expansive range as an actor. The full series is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
