Fans and viewers commended the dark comedy and exciting twists in Deon Cole's Average Joe season 1, revolving around his life after discovering his deceased father's biggest secret.
The BET+ series did an incredible job on the platform, intriguing viewers about how an average plumber faced the most unexpected situation. Actor Deon Cole played the titular role of Joe Washington, a middle-class man who worked as a plumber in Pittsburgh with his family.
Unlike many comedy dramas which start with a normal day followed by extraordinary situations, Average Joe begins with a major shocker for Joe as he discovers that his father Teddy (who's now dead) was actually a dr*g mule, and even stole around $10 million and a Lamborghini from a Russian gangster.
Things get even more complicated for the Washington family after discovering the boyfriend of Joe's daughter. The series featured murders, lighthearted moments, and above all, how Joe managed to get out of a deadly situation.
Character guide to Average Joe season 1
Average Joe has an incredible cast of actors who helped the series become a hit comedy-drama. Below is the list of characters you must be curious about.
1) Deon Cole as Joe Washington
Actor Deon Cole was highly praised for playing the leading character Joe Washington, whom you might know now. Joe is blessed with a caring wife and a lovely daughter who are leading a happy life despite encountering numerous challenges faced by middle-class people.
Even though Joe doesn't have a fancy or lucrative job, he is satisfied being a plumber. However, Joe Wahingon's life took a U-turn on the day he found out that his father had stolen a good amount of money and a luxurious car from a high-profile mobster.
Unfortunately, this was discovered after Joe's father died, and the Russian gangster was looking out for him. Since Teddy died, the money has to be returned by Joe Washington, who's nothing but an average plumber.
While talking about the role in Average Joe, Deon Cole said (per The Hollywood Reporter):
"It was extremely difficult because I’ve never been a lead. I’m used to just coming in, doing my part, jumping in my car and taking off, and going to go do stand-up. That was my routine with everything I’ve ever done."
Cole added that the makers didn't let him go often since he was playing the main role, making it a completely new experience for the actor.
Average Joe follows the eventful life of Joe Washington as the mobsters are now behind him, and this troubles not only his family members but also draws the attention of a police officer, who also happens to be Joe's childhood friend.
2) Tammy Townsend as Angela Washington
While Joe faced numerous challenges and threats posed by the Russian mob Nicolai Dzhugashvili, his wife Angela Washington ensured constant support and belief in her husband.
Despite having several health issues including a pain disorder, Angela continues to work as a waitress to help Joe provide a good life to their daughter Jen. Through the episodes of Average Joe, you can see Angela contributing to saving her family from the mobsters.
3) Malcolm Barrett as Leon Montgomery
Actor Malcolm Barrett whom fans saw as Seth Reed in Prime Video's The Boys plays Leon Montgomery in Average Joe. He's one of the best friends of Joe and owns a hardware store.
Throughout Average Joe, Leon wants to get Joe out of the bad situation, but he humorously leads him to a tough position every time he decides to help. While talking to Pop Culture about his character, Malcolm Barrett said:
"I think he's a guy who's... I think he's a loving husband, who's in over his head... I think he's a hard worker but work has not been going well and so he's at a crossroads."
Barrett also explained that Leon is a man who's willing to make things right and wants to save his company, marriage, and best friend. Leon is undeniably an interesting character in the show, and his commitment to helping Joe reflects the remarkable camaraderie he has with Joe Washington.
4) Cynthia Kaye McWilliams as Cathy Montgomery
Cynthia Kaye McWilliams's Cathy is another exciting character in Average Joe season 1, who's incredibly strong and has a strange obsession with crime shows.
In the same interview with Barrett, Kaye McWilliams also shed light on her character and shared:
"I always say to me, she is a Peg Bundy meets Marry J Blige. Peg Bundy because she's got that... 'Oh ow,' attitude about her husband Leon... She's a bored housewife who's tired of her life."
The actress further explained that despite her attitude, Cathy is an engaging figure.
5) Michael Trucco as Benjamin Tuchawuski
Benjamin Tuchawuski, played by Michael Trucco is Joe's closest childhood friend and a police officer in Average Joe. The character had a complicated life as he faced a substance abuse problem, and his actions might sometimes trouble Joe.
Speaking to the same outlet, Michael Trucco stated that "it was challenging" and "exhausting in the best way". The actor talks about Tuchawuski's dark side as he has secrets hidden from his best friend and being a cop he's expected to stay professional and attentive.
Trucco also mentioned that playing a character like Benjamin Tuchawuski was a dream
6) Ashley Olivia Fisher as Jennifer Washington
And finally, we have Joe's beloved daughter Jennifer 'Jen', whose new love interest or boyfriend is none other than the Russian mobster's son Dimitri (played by Chris Petrovski).
This comes as a major shocker to the Washington family, as they were finding ways to get rid of this gangster world, but unknowingly were getting more into it. However, Jen puts her family first, and along with her mother Angela, the two constantly try to pull Joe out of the problem.
Jen is a teenager who got interested in Dimitri without knowing his background and the future threat she was going to encounter.
7) Pasha Lychnikoff as Nicolai Dzhugashvili
The last character on the list is the ruthless and haunting Russian mob Nicolai Dzhugashvili, whose Lamborghini and $10 million were stolen by Joe's father Teddy.
Dzhugashvili is the reason why Joe's life changed drastically as he wants the money and car back, and the plumber has to bear the challenges and threats made by the mobster.
Average Joe season 2 concluded last year with its first season and has now been renewed for the next chapter.
You can watch Average Joe season 1 on BET+
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