Desmascus

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Demascus is a science fiction comedy created by playwright Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm (Hooded: Or Being Black for Dummies and Br’er Cotton). The series originated on AMC Networks under the executive production of Mark Johnson (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul). Before the completed series could air, AMC shelved the project because of cost-cutting measures. Two years later, the free streaming service Tubi purchased it.

Okieriete Onaodowan (Station 19) stars as Demascus, a 33-year-old man on a journey of self-

discovery with Janet Hubert (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), Caleb Eberhardt (Judas and the Black Messiah), Shakira Ja’nai Paye (Single Drunk Female) and Martin Lawrence in a recurring role.

Demascus has a clever twist on a common plot device used by shows like Dr. Who and Quantum Leap that use time travel or teleportation to place the show's casts in different situations that can be both dramatic and comedic.

In Demascus, the device is a psychotherapy tool called D.I.R.T. (Digital Immersive Reality Therapy), a total AR immersion device that places Onaodowan in "realities" where he has to face his character flaws or bridge relationships or overcome obstacles. All of this to "better himself" in this, his 33rd year of life; or as he calls it, his "Jesus year."

His therapist (Hubert) warns him he is only to "observe" these realities to learn from them, and not to change them. Affecting change in these realities can have a detrimental effect on his real life.

Of course, he does just that; which allows us to walk with him through sometimes emotional, sometimes hyperbolic and always funny situations.

It's an overlooked gem that warrants a watch. Three out of five stars.