Simon Bellamy

Last updated
Simon Bellamy
Misfits character
Simon Bellamy.jpg
First appearanceSeries 1 Episode 1
Last appearanceSeries 3 Episode 8
Created by Howard Overman
Portrayed by Iwan Rheon
Power Invisibility (series 1-2)
Power immunity (series 3)
Precognition (series 3)
Time travel to the past (series 3)
In-universe information
AliasSuperhoodie, The Guy In The Mask
NicknameBarry
GenderMale
OccupationUnemployed
Significant other Alisha Daniels (girlfriend; deceased)

Simon Bellamy is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 science fiction comedy-drama Misfits , portrayed by Iwan Rheon. Simon was sentenced to community service for attempted arson which leads to him gaining the power of invisibility, reflective of his personality in that he often feels ignored. Simon has been involved in a storyline which saw him manipulated by his probation worker who he murders. In the third series finale Simon travels to the past and Rheon later confirmed that he would not be returning for the fourth series.

Contents

Casting and character creation

Casting for the part was announced on 17 August 2009 by Digital Spy. [1] Rheon helped writer Overman to create the character and commented that "we had a sit around the table with Howard the writer and he was very open to suggestions and you can see later on he really started writing for us as actors". [2] Rheon later said that "Director Tom Green and I decided we’d base him on Ian Curtis, so he’s cool and has his own story, he’s the kind of character you really get to know if you talk to him about music, something that he really cares about. It’s not so much Ian Curtis as an individual we were aiming for, more the idea of his music. The feel of Joy Division, that depth". [3] On 20 December 2011 Rheon confirmed that he would not be returning for the fourth series of Misfits. Rheon added that he was "grateful for the opportunity" given to him by Misfits and the "fun I had doing it". [4]

Development

Characterisation

Iwan Rheon (pictured) felt that Simon begins to "become a lot more confident" but he still "needs to finish that journey to becoming the Superhoodie character" Iwan Rheon by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Iwan Rheon (pictured) felt that Simon begins to "become a lot more confident" but he still "needs to finish that journey to becoming the Superhoodie character"

E4's official website describes Simon as being "sharp, calculating minded, shy, unassuming Simon is a social outcast. Nervous to speak up, but desperate to make friends, Simon tries his hardest to be heard and accepted by the others, which helps to fuel everyone else’s suspicion he’s a little odd." [5] Digital Spy described him as "painfully shy nerd Simon". [2] The Times commented that "the quiet one who burnt down a house can suddenly become invisible". [6] The Daily Telegraph describes him as being the "shy arsonist Simon". [7] The Metro described him as "troubled", "intense" and a "teen neurotic". [3] The Independent described Simon as a "introverted outsider" before later branding him a "quiet weirdo". [8] [9] MSN News described the character saying "Simon is a shy, twitchy sci-fi geek who is constantly the butt of everyone else's jokes". They added that his power allows him to "hide away from unwanted attention and observe the others unseen". [10]

Superhoodie

On how Simon develops into Superhoodie, Rheon said "you do see him become a lot more confident and having this ambition to become this superhero character" but felt the character "needs to finish that journey to becoming the Superhoodie character". On playing both present and future Simon he also said "It was a great challenge. And also to kind of try and make the present Simon become the future Simon, if you know what I mean - have all those little beats where you can show a little flicker of it... The difficulty was - because the statuses were going from one to, like, ten - to then also keep that sense of Simon in that really confident character. That was quite a challenge". [11] Rheon felt Simon changed most of all of the show's characters. Rheon felt the show could have "done more" with the Superhoodie storyline but enjoyed the storyline as it developed. [12]

Storylines

Simon is bullied by Matt (Jamie Blackley) while at school. Matt texts Simon asking him to meet him at a bar. Matt tells Simon he 'accidentally' texted him, embarrassing and angering Simon. Simon sets fire to Matt's house but puts the fire out before any serious damage is done. Simon is given community service as punishment. [13] At some point before Simon's community service, he is in a mental institution along with Lucy (Evelyn Hoskins). [14]

While doing his community service, Simon is caught in a storm. Simon gains the power of invisibility. The group's probation worker, Tony (Danny Sapani) is also caught in the storm and becomes crazed. Tony attacks the group and in self-defense, Kelly Bailey (Lauren Socha) kills him. [15] Simon begins speaking to 'Shygirl18' online, who turns out to be Sally. [16] Tony's body is due to be dug up, the group move him before reburying him. Simon takes Tony's card and uses it to fake activity so it is presumed he is alive. [17] The group's new probation worker, Tony's fiancée Sally (Alex Reid), discovers Tony's credit card in Simon's locker. [18] Sally continues to try to prove the group's part in Tony's death by becoming close to Simon. Sally steals Simon's phone and watches his recorded videos. She finds a video in which Nathan Young (Robert Sheehan) professes the group's part in Tony's death. Simon finds Sally watching the video and tells her that the group are his friends. Sally hits Simon and tries to escape with his phone. Simon and Sally struggle for possession of the phone. In the struggle Simon pushes Sally who hits her head on the door, killing her. [13]

Simon meets Lucy for the first time, since they were in a mental institution together. Lucy is infatuated with Simon and she becomes angry that he didn't remain in contact with her after he left the institution. Lucy causes the group trouble by impersonating them as she has the power to shape-shift. The group learn of Simon's involvement in Sally's death as does Lucy. Lucy decides to impersonate Simon and hand herself in to the police in the hope he will be sent back to the mental institution with her. Simon apologises and she decides not to go ahead with her plans. [14] Alisha Daniels (Antonia Thomas) meets Superhoodie and later realises he is a future version of Simon. [19] Alisha and future Simon begin a relationship, which ends when he is killed saving Alisha from Tim (Matt Cross). [20] Simon loses his virginity to Jessica (Zawe Ashton). [21] Brian (Jordan Metcalfe) goes public about his power. The group are also forced to go public. Simon follows Alisha to future Simon's flat where she confesses who Simon will become. Brian goes on a killing spree in which he kills Alisha. Simon is stabbed saving Curtis Donovan (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) from Brian. Curtis, who has the power of time travel reverses this timeline. The group finish community service. [22] Simon and Alisha are in a relationship and in the three months since the group finished community service, Alisha has told Simon about his future self. The group sell their powers to Seth (Matthew McNulty) although Simon is reluctant. Alisha lies that future Simon told her they should sell their powers, prompting Simon to do so. A follower of Elliot (Edward Hogg) kills Nikki (Ruth Negga) and the group realise they must get their powers back. Elliot attempts to rape Alisha, prompting Simon to vow to kill him. Elliot is killed accidentally and the group take his money, using it to buy completely new powers. [23]

Simon now has the power of precognition. [24] Simon stops Peter (Michael Marcus) from being mugged while he is wearing Superhoodie's costume. Peter realises Simon is Superhoodie and begins manipulating Simon's life through his power of drawing which soon after becomes reality. Simon is manipulated into attacking Alisha and the rest of the group. The group realise Peter is manipulating Simon, and so they destroy Peter's drawings, ending Peter's control over Simon. Peter kidnaps Alisha and tells Simon to come and save her. Simon arrives dressed as Superhoodie to find Peter dressed in a similar attire to Superhoodie's. Simon kills Peter in the struggle, as Peter had planned having drawn this so Simon would fulfill his future timeline. Alisha asks Simon to burn his Superhoodie outfit and never travel back to the past. Simon agrees, but he keeps his Superhoodie attire without telling Alisha. [25] Curtis's old power is used by a man who travels back in time to kill Hitler. The present is changed and instead of Hitler being killed before initiating the war, the Nazis win the war. Simon is a conscripted soldier, but later helps the group save Seth. Kelly uses Curtis's old power to rewind this timeline. [26] Simon helps Rudy Wade (Joseph Gilgun) find Leah (Amy Manson) after she gives him a super powered STD. [27] A medium called Jonas (Mark Heap) tells Simon that a spirit wants to contact him. Jonas brings back the spirits of Sally, Tony and Rachel (Jessica Brown Findlay). Sally tells Simon that she forgives him before seducing him and filming their encounter. She sends the footage to Alisha's phone who ends their relationship. Sally attempts to murder Alisha to hurt Simon, but Tony stops her and the pair move onto the spirit world. Simon and Alisha make up after Simon admits he and Sally didn't have sex. Rachel decides that in order to move onto the spirit world, she must have revenge. Rachel confronts Curtis, Kelly and Rudy. When Simon and Alisha arrive, Rachel slits Alisha's throat, killing her. Simon reveals his identity as Superhoodie to the group. Simon realizes he must travel back in time and obtains a time travel power although he can't return as the power doesn't allow him to travel to the future. Simon travels to the past where he buys the power of immunity from others' powers from Seth so he can touch Alisha and she will fall in love with him. [28]

Reception

UGO.com named Simon Bellamy one of the best TV nerds. [29] Rheon was nominated for Outstanding Actor in the fiction category at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in 2011. [30] The Herald described Simon as being "the quiet, shy one who everyone ignores anyway, can become invisible." while commenting on his newfound power. [31] Tim Dowling of The Guardian described him as the "weird one" of the group of "foul-mouthed young criminals". [32] The Guardian described him as a "Moody loner, who turns invisible". [33] Neela Debnath, writing for The Independent, commented that even though in a parallel universe the Nazis won the war the characters remained the same where Simon worked for the Nazis but "was conflicted, on the one hand he had to follow orders but on the other hand he found it difficult because he knew that what he was doing was wrong". [34] Digital Spy felt that Simon's relationship with Alisha was "extremely touching" and added that the relationship included "one of the best sex scenes on television this year". [35] The Guardian described Superhoodie's storyline and the show's future after Sheehan quit saying they were "confident the show can survive, especially as series three will build on the story of (the non-nerdy, very cool) Simon from the future." [36]

Related Research Articles

<i>Hollyoaks</i> British soap opera

Hollyoaks is a British soap opera which originally began airing on Channel 4 on 23 October 1995. It was created by Phil Redmond, who had previously conceived the soap opera Brookside. From 2005 to 2023, episodes have aired on sister channel E4 a day prior to their broadcast on Channel 4. In 2023, it was announced that Hollyoaks had been removed from Channel 4's schedule, but would remain on E4 and Channel 4 and it would be added to YouTube.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darren Osborne</span> Fictional character from Hollyoaks

Darren Osborne is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. He was introduced by executive producer Phil Redmond as part of the Osborne family, making his first screen appearance on 18 November 1996, portrayed by Adam Booth. Booth left the role in 1997, and the character was later recast to Ashley Taylor Dawson who first appeared in September 1999. Dawson left the role in 2000 to concentrate on his music career, though returned in 2003 and has remained in the role ever since. He remains one of the longest-running characters in the programme.

Hollyoaks Later was a British television spin-off of the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. The series allowed for more sexual content, 'edgier' storylines and stronger language than Hollyoaks. The show was on hiatus from 2014 to 2020, where it returned on 6 January 2020 for a one-off episode focusing on the conclusion of Breda McQueen's serial killer storyline.

<i>Misfits</i> (TV series) British science fiction comedy-drama television show

Misfits is a British science fiction comedy-drama television show, on E4, about a group of young offenders sentenced to work in a community service programme, where they obtain supernatural powers after a strange electrical storm. The show premiered on 12 November 2009 and concluded on 11 December 2013 in its fifth series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iwan Rheon</span> Welsh actor and musician

Iwan Rheon is a Welsh actor and musician. He is best known for his roles as Simon Bellamy in the E4 series Misfits, Ramsay Bolton in the HBO series Game of Thrones, and Mötley Crüe guitarist Mick Mars in the film The Dirt. He has also appeared in the series Vicious, Riviera, and Inhumans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antonia Thomas</span> British actress

Antonia Laura Thomas is a British actress. She is best known for her roles as Alisha Daniels in the E4 comedy-drama series Misfits, Evie Douglas in the Channel 4/Netflix comedy series Lovesick and Dr. Claire Browne in the ABC drama series The Good Doctor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amber Sharpe</span> UK soap opera character, created 2010

Amber Sharpe is a fictional character from the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Lydia Lloyd-Henry in 2010 and Lauren Gabrielle-Thomas in 2014. The character was introduced as a member of the new Sharpe family, as part of series producer Paul Marquess' rejuvenation of the serial in 2010. She made her first on-screen appearance on 21 June 2010. Amber's storylines have included sleeping with Finn O'Connor and subsequently discovering she is pregnant and giving birth to her daughter Bella.

Howard Overman is a British television writer, best known for creating the series Misfits which won the 2010 BAFTA Television Award for Best Drama Series and the police-procedural comedy Vexed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curtis Donovan</span> Fictional character

Curtis Donovan is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 science fiction comedy-drama Misfits, portrayed by Nathan Stewart-Jarrett. Curtis appears from the series inception and was the only original character to appear in all of the first four series. Curtis is sentenced to community service after being caught in possession of cocaine and later gains the power of time manipulation when involved in a freak storm. He has also been involved in relationships with Alisha Daniels and later with Nikki. Curtis later gains the power to swap biological sex, followed by the ability to resurrect people from the dead. While in female form, Curtis is portrayed by Kehinde Fadipe. Stewart-Jarrett left the show in the fourth episode of the fourth series when the character was killed off.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nathan Young</span> Fictional character

Nathan Young is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 science fiction comedy-drama Misfits, portrayed by Robert Sheehan. He first appeared in Series 1 Episode 1 and departed in a webisode entitled "Vegas Baby!" after Sheehan quit the role. He serves as one of the main protagonists of the show. Nathan is given community service where he is caught up in a storm which gave him the power of immortality. Nathan has also been involved in a romantic relationship with Kelly Bailey. Sheehan was nominated for a BAFTA for his role as Nathan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kelly Bailey (Misfits)</span> Fictional character

Kelly Bailey is a fictional character in the British Channel 4 science fiction comedy-drama Misfits, portrayed by Lauren Socha. Kelly appeared from episode 1 of series 1 to episode 8 of series 3. For her portrayal, Socha won a BAFTA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alisha Daniels</span> Fictional character

Alisha Daniels is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 science fiction comedy-drama Misfits, portrayed by Antonia Thomas. Alisha gains an ASBO for repeated drunk-driving which leads to her receiving community service, where she is involved in a freak storm giving her the ability to make those who make bare contact with her skin go into a sexual frenzy towards her. She has also been involved in a relationship with fellow youth offender Curtis Donovan and later Simon Bellamy. In the Series 3 finale, Alisha is killed by Rachel and Thomas later confirmed her exit from the series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rudy Wade</span> Fictional character

Rudy Wade is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 science fiction comedy-drama Misfits, portrayed by Joe Gilgun. After Robert Sheehan, who played Nathan Young, announced his departure, it was announced a new character called Rudy would join the show as a replacement. Casting for Rudy was announced soon after, with Gilgun cast in the role. Rudy was created as the "new funny man" of the show, a role previously held by Nathan. Rudy first appears in an online special titled "Vegas Baby!" Rudy has the ability to split into multiple personalities. While two of these personalities are originally introduced, it is later revealed that there is a third Rudy who was imprisoned prior to Rudy's introduction in the series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seth (Misfits)</span> Fictional character

Seth is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 science fiction comedy-drama Misfits, portrayed by Matthew McNulty. Seth first appears in the Christmas special as a guest character. McNulty knew it was a possibility he may be brought back but did not know for definite until a month before he began filming series three. McNulty explained that Seth is a "plot tool" and is a used by the writers to help continue changing the show through his ability to deal powers, moving them to and from others which was born out of Seth's job as a drug dealer. The character "has to be a bit ruthless at times" but is a "nice guy" who "wants to do the right thing". McNulty explained Seth is "a level-headed, straight thinking guy" and helps the group when things "get a little too far out of hand", driving the situation towards the right resolution "because he’s pretty much a strait-laced character".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jess (Misfits)</span> Fictional character

Jess is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 science fiction comedy-drama Misfits, portrayed by Karla Crome. Jess was created to replace Antonia Thomas and Iwan Rheon, who played Alisha Daniels and Simon Bellamy, after they departed the show. Jess began appearing from series 4 episode 1, in which she was introduced alongside Finn. Jess has the power of X-ray vision, which is down to her ability to "see through people and their bullshit". Jess is described as "the person who will say the un-sayable, the person who’ll question social norms and etiquette". Neela Debnath of The Independent said that "Jess comes across as the more likeable and ‘conventional’ social miscreant" out of the new introductions of the show. Morgan Jeffrey of Digital Spy felt Crome made "a strong first impression" while Jordan Farley of SFX said Jess has her "moments to shine" but that she "fails to make a big impression". Writing for MSN, Simon Cocks said Jess and Finn "fit into the dynamic perfectly".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finn (Misfits)</span> Fictional character

Finn Samson is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 science fiction comedy-drama Misfits, portrayed by Nathan McMullen. Finn was created to replace Antonia Thomas and Iwan Rheon, who played Alisha Daniels and Simon Bellamy, after they departed the show. Finn began appearing from series 4 episode 1, in which he was introduced alongside Jess. McMullen was cast in the role after having previously auditioned for a smaller role but after impressing producer he was asked to play the regular role of Finn. Finn is described as having a "childlike naively optimistic view of life" and as someone who "talks a lot and often uses this to try and talk himself out of difficult or awkward situations". Finn has the power of telekinesis, "but he doesn’t really know how to use it". Writing for The Independent, Neela Debanth said she finds Jess more likeable than Finn although "there is more to Finn on closer inspection". Morgan Jeffrey of Digital Spy said that McMullen "makes a strong first impression" while Jordan Farley of SFX said Finn has his "moments to shine" but that he ultimately "fails to make a big impression". Simon Cocks, writing for MSN, said Finn and Jess "fit into the dynamic perfectly".

<i>Crazyhead</i> (TV series)  TV series or program

Crazyhead is a comedy horror television series created by Howard Overman, who also serves as an executive producer on the show with his company Urban Myth Films.

References

  1. ↑ French, Dan (17 August 2009). "E4 commissions new teen superhero comedy". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi . Retrieved 11 September 2011.
  2. 1 2 "Misfits stars: We helped writers". Metro . Associated Newspapers. 2 December 2009. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
  3. 1 2 "Misfits' Iwan Rheon: 'If I were invisible, I'd spy on David Cameron.'". Metro . Associated Newspapers. 9 November 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
  4. ↑ Fletcher, Alex (20 December 2011). "'Misfits': Second star confirms show exit". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines . Retrieved 20 December 2011.
  5. ↑ "Simon". E4.com . Channel Four Television Corporation . Retrieved 19 July 2011.
  6. ↑ Bremner, Charles; Robertson, David. "Misfits review by The Times". The Times . London: Times Newspapers Ltd . Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  7. ↑ "Misfits E4 Telegraph". The Daily Telegraph . London. 12 November 2009. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  8. ↑ Gilbert, Gerald (7 November 2010). "Right on cue: Meet the new generation of hot young British actors taking the world by storm". The Independent . London: Independent News & Media . Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  9. ↑ Gilbert, Gerald (8 November 2010). "A very British squad of superheroes". The Independent . London: Independent News & Media . Retrieved 23 December 2011.
  10. ↑ "Misfits Iwan Rheon as Simon". MSN News . Microsoft. 7 November 2011. Archived from the original on 29 May 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2011.
  11. ↑ Wightman, Catriona (19 May 2011). "'Misfits': Q&A with Antonia Thomas, Iwan Rheon". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi . Retrieved 11 September 2011.
  12. ↑ Wightman, Catriona (23 December 2011). "'Misfits' Iwan Rheon interview: 'Time travel is a bit of a mindf**k'". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi . Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  13. 1 2 Director: Tom Harper Writer: Howard Overman (10 December 2009). "Episode five". Misfits. Series 1. Channel 4. E4.
  14. 1 2 Director: Tom Green Writer: Howard Overman (11 November 2010). "Episode one". Misfits. Series 2. Channel 4. E4.
  15. ↑ Director: Tom Green Writer: Howard Overman (12 November 2009). "Episode one". Misfits. Series 1. Channel 4. E4.
  16. ↑ Director: Tom Green Writer: Howard Overman (19 November 2009). "Episode two". Misfits. Series 1. Channel 4. E4.
  17. ↑ Director: Tom Harper Writer: Howard Overman (26 November 2009). "Episode three". Misfits. Series 1. Channel 4. E4.
  18. ↑ Director: Tom Green Writer: Howard Overman (3 December 2009). "Episode four". Misfits. Series 1. Channel 4. E4.
  19. ↑ Director: Tom Green Writer: Howard Overman (25 November 2010). "Episode three". Misfits. Series 2. Channel 4. E4.
  20. ↑ Director: Owen Harris Writer: Howard Overman (2 December 2010). "Episode four". Misfits. Series 2. Channel 4. E4.
  21. ↑ Director: Owen Harris Writer: Howard Overman (9 December 2010). "Episode five". Misfits. Series 2. Channel 4. E4.
  22. ↑ Director: Owen Harris Writer: Howard Overman (16 December 2010). "Episode six". Misfits. Series 2. Channel 4. E4.
  23. ↑ Director: Tom Harper Writer: Howard Overman (19 December 2010). "Christmas Special". Misfits. Series 2. Channel 4. E4.
  24. ↑ Director: Wayne Che Yip and Alex Garcia Lopez Writer: Howard Overman (30 October 2011). "Episode one". Misfits. Series 3. Channel 4. E4.
  25. ↑ Director: Will Sinclair Writer: Howard Overman (13 November 2011). "Episode three". Misfits. Series 3. Channel 4. E4.
  26. ↑ Director: Wayne Che Yip & Alex Garcia Lopez Writer: Howard Overman (20 November 2011). "Episode four". Misfits. Series 3. Channel 4. E4.
  27. ↑ Director: Jonathan van Tulleken Writer: Jon Brown (4 December 2011). "Episode six". Misfits. Series 3. Channel 4. E4.
  28. ↑ Director: Jonathan van Tulleken Writer: Howard Overman (18 December 2011). "Episode eight". Misfits. Series 3. Channel 4. E4.
  29. ↑ "Best TV Nerds". UGO Networks. 7 March 2012. Archived from the original on 9 March 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  30. ↑ Wightman, Catriona (20 April 2011). "In Full: Monte Carlo TV Festival fiction nominees". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi . Retrieved 11 September 2011.
  31. ↑ "Ideal superheroes for the 21st century Misfits (E4)". The Herald . Gannett Company. 13 November 2009. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  32. ↑ Dowling, Tim (13 November 2009). "Misfits review Asbo's with superpowers". The Guardian . London. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
  33. ↑ Vine, Richard (13 November 2009). "Misfits C4 Eipisode one review". The Guardian . London. Retrieved 23 July 2011.
  34. ↑ Debnath, Neele (20 November 2011). "Review of Misfits – Series 3, Episode 4". The Independent . London: Independent News & Media. Archived from the original on 1 January 2012. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
  35. ↑ Wilkes, Neil (4 January 2011). "Tube Talk's Top 25 Shows of 2010". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi UK . Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  36. ↑ Dowell, Ben (11 April 2011). "Can Misfits survive without Nathan?". The Guardian . London. Retrieved 11 September 2011.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.