The Cast
Dr. Jericho Drumm: David Oyelowo ---- Daniel Drumm: Nonso Anozie
I realize that on one hand, an acclaimed movie actor like Oyelowo may be a bit too much to ask for. (And this certainly doesn't supersede my dream of him playing J'Onn J'Onnz for DC) BUT stars his size have headlined Netflix shows before, plus he's not too high and mighty to voice a recurring guest spot on Star Wars Rebels. Anyway, Oyelowo carries a huge amount of gravitas needed for the role. It's no secret I was less than thrilled with the MCU's portrayal of Dr. Strange, so with Jericho they get a second chance at delivering a regal master of the mystic arts. Opposite him, and playing a ghost for most of the series, is Nonso Anozie as Daniel. A warmer, friendlier contrast to his more prickly brother, Daniel must appeal to a soul for humanity that Jericho suppressed years ago.
Loralee Tate: Janelle Monae --- Papa Jambo: Keth David
Another big name to add to our cast, singer/actress Janelle Monae is a memorable talent to star opposite Oyelowo as much more than just a romantic interest. As the driving force behind the local charity project the Drumm brothers become involved in, she carries herself as an equal to her mystical helpers. On the field of mentor, they just had to go and cast Keith David in New Warriors. He was perfect for Papa Jambo, and I'm really at a loss as to who could replace him. New Warriors had better give him a part that's worth it!
Baron Samedi: Lance Reddick --- Tiberius Stone: Anthony Anderson ---
D'Spayre: Rufus Sewell
And now the villains. With a distinctive look and personality on the screen, Lance Reddick carries the perfect persona for devious rival houngan Baron Samedi. Meanwhile, Anthony Anderson goes against type as outwardly benevolent CEO Tiberius Stone. His likeable, easy going personality covers for the interior corruption of Alchemex and his private commitment to Morningstar's cult. Lastly, Rufus Sewell will be donning some heavy makeup to portray the demon D'Spayre, a cynical spirit masterful at crushing the spirit of humans. In order to defeat this foe, Jericho will have to renew his own hope to defeat a being who has perfected the destruction of it.
Jack Russel: Matt Bomer --- Morningstar: Angus MacFadyen
And then the returning actors. Matt Bomer returns as a connecting force between this series and Blade, leading up to the full assembly of the Midnight Sons. MacFadyen also returns after his brief introduction in Blade. This time we get a much fuller look at him and his cult, along with the reveal of his grand scheme.
The Plot
Dr. Jericho Drumm is a successful physician rising swiftly to the top of his field. After receiving word from his brother Daniel for the first time in years, he returns to his home in Haiti, a life he had gone to great lengths to forget. Daniel is seeking help combatting corruption interfering with humanitarian aid in the slums outside the city. The two brothers spar early on over Daniel’s decision to abandon a promising “real” career to take up the mystic arts, which Jericho considers pure hogwash. The younger brother is overwhelmed, however, after being reemerged into the struggles of his home. Everything is turned upside down, however, when he witnesses the death of his brother at the hands of a seemingly supernatural force. Refusing to believe what is happening, Jericho attempts to leave, but is stopped by his brother’s spirit, who begs him to stay and take his place as Houngan.
Jericho seeks out Papa Jambo, the old master who first trained Daniel. Learning under him, he begins to master the mystic arts, and is able to contact his brother’s spirit and begins to unravel the mystery of his death, all while attempting to manage humanitarian efforts to combat Alchemex’s corrupting influence in the region. It is uncovered that Daniel was murdered by a demon known as D’Spayre. A kink is thrown into the investigation when Alchemex hires a rival Hougan, Baron Samedi, to interfere with Jericho’s work. After Jericho defeats Baron Samedi to save Daniel’s former fiancé Loralee Tate, Papa Jambo declares he is worthy of the title Lord of the Loa, and allows his life force to fade away.
Alone without a mentor, Jericho uses Samedi to get to the bottom of the plot. He learns that the “Baron” was instructed by Alchemex to find the “Serpent Crown”, an ancient relic supposedly tied to the god Damballah. He seeks out the Crown and crosses paths with Jack Russel, in search of the same quarry. They fight at first but team up to recover the crown and return only to discover their camp has been destroyed. Using both his skills as a mystic and a surgeon, he pulls things back together and together with Jack piece together that Alchemex’s leader, Tiberius Stone, is part of Morningstar’s cult, and had used the Baron to summon and control D’Spayre. The two heroes send Samedi back to Alchemex to draw out the cult before going on the attack. In the fight, D’Spayre breaks free and lashes out, killing Samedi and destroying the Alchemex headquarters. Morningstar escapes while Jericho faces down with D’Spayre. The demon attempts to make his case, that the people of earth don’t deserve the hope and peace they claim to seek, and that their hearts truly belong to the evil and violence of the “elder gods”. Daniel’s spirit ultimately sacrifices its ties to the mortal world to defeat D’Spayre, and he receives one final forgiving farewell with his brother. Jericho returns with Jack and the Serpent Crown to learn all they can about Morningstar, the Elder Gods, and how to stop their plan. Meditation teases the other tokens (Darkhold, Bloodstone, Khonshu Pendant, and White Tiger Amulet) and reveals that the next piece lies with a "Spirit of Vengaence".
In Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed reading this! This is definitely my most ambitious series, both in terms of casting and the effects needed to do it justice. As a character I really enjoy and a plot with a strong social rooting, it's also one of my favorites. Midnight Sons Phase 1 is nearing completion, so I hope you stick around for the rest of the ride! As always, leave any comments below!