The Madness came to our screens on 28 November this year. With eight episodes in total, this show is one that’s full of secrets, twists, and edge-of-your-seat moments.
Created by Stephen Belber, this Netflix thriller introduces us to Muncie Daniels. The character is played by Colman Domingo. Muncie is a media pundit trying to write his book in peace until his life takes a sharp turn into chaos when he stumbles onto a murder scene in the middle of the Poconos woods.
And here’s where it gets messy. The body in question belongs to Mark Simon (Tahmoh Penikett), aka Brother 14 whose death kicks off a chain of events that leave Muncie framed for murder. Muncie goes on the run and in the process discovers a conspiracy. All of which is tied to politics, power, and some seriously shady characters. It also involves white supremacist groups.
If you’ve been wondering who Mark Simon is, and why he was killed, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get right in.
Disclaimer: The article contains major spoilers for The Madness. Reader discretion is advised.
Who was Mark Simon in The Madness?
Mark Simon, also known as Brother 14 wasn’t your usual neighbor-next-door. He seemed friendly at first when Muncie Daniels met him during a casual jog. However, Mark was living a double life. Behind the friendly truck driver facade, Mark was the leader of The Forge.
The Forge is a rogue white supremacist group with a massive online following of five million people. Mark worked with a shell company called Revitalize, with deep political ties, to influence elections and public opinion.
However, things took a turn for the worse, when Mark decided he didn’t want to play the game anymore. He tried to back out of the deal but as it turned out, it was a big mistake.
How did Mark Simon die?
Mark’s decision to back out of the Revitalize deal sealed his fate. Revitalize hired two men to "handle" Mark. Ant, a member of the group Profane Discord, and Don Sloss Jr., an ex-military hitman.
When Muncie stumbled across Mark’s body, it was chopped and disposed of. The killers chased Muncie through the woods. Muncie was left in the precarious position of being the only witness to a murder he was now framed for.
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The fallout from Mark’s death in The Madness
Mark’s murder wasn’t a random plot twist. It was the linchpin for everything that happened in The Madness, thereon as his death set off a chain reaction.
It dragged Muncie into a world of conspiracies as he found himself surrounded by FBI investigations and dangerous enemies. Muncie eventually learns Mark’s true identity and also discovers that Revitalize’s involvement goes far beyond one murder.
Muncie reaches out to Mark’s widow, Lucie, and uncovers the truth about who orchestrated the hit. He finds that it was Rodney Kraintz, a powerful figure hiding behind legal loopholes. Muncie clears his name while Lucie takes the news to The Forge as they seek justice.
Mark Simon’s character is the catalyst for all the chaos in The Madness. His death isn’t just a tragedy. It’s the key to uncovering the larger conspiracy that’s at the heart of the show.
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