Saagar Kote
Apple TV+’s ‘Platonic’ is a heartwarming tale of friendship between Will and Sylvia, two former friends, who reunite after many years and rediscover their bond. The comedy-drama series, created by Francesca Delbanco and Nicholas Stoller, explores the main characters’ lives through the ups and downs of love, family, and career. They face various challenges, like social stigma on male-female friendships and their differing views on issues like intimacy and relationships. In the eighth episode of the second season, we are introduced to a character named Mason Grand, who plays a vital role in the character arcs of both Will and Sylvia. Mason appears rude and condescending from the start and displays a total lack of civility in his conversations with others. He also espouses controversial views about sensitive issues while joking about them. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Mason Grand is a Privileged and Rude TV Personality
Sylvia gets a call from Cabo Carrie, who asks her if she can plan a party for a high-profile client named Mason Grand. Sylvia’s eldest daughter, Frances, gets excited about her mom being the party planner for Mason’s show’s premiere. When Charlie asks who the man is, Frances excitedly tells him that Mason is the star of an upcoming show called “Young Darcy Mysteries,” which is set in the world of ‘Pride and Prejudice.’ The girl reveals that Mason is very popular and good-looking and plays the role of a young Mr. Darcy in the show, where he possesses multiple talents like boxing, detective work, fencing, and even being a pilot.
However, when Sylvia meets the TV star, he doesn’t show any interest in talking to her, and doesn’t even make eye contact. He appears very rude and condescending, which makes Sylvia uncomfortable. He only makes eye contact later to ask why the party planner is talking weirdly, and shows some interest when he hears that Will is her friend. Since Mason is a craft beer enthusiast, he looks forward to meeting Will, who used to be the owner of the Lucky Penny Bar. Will accompanies Sylvia to the Lucky Penny to meet Mason, who shows excitement at meeting his beer icon. The TV star also shows interest in hosting the party at the Lucky Penny due to his love for the place. During the party, he shows off his expensive watch and compliments Will alone, despite him only arranging beer, and Sylvia doing all the organizing work.
Cabo Carrie reveals that Mason is sexist, which doesn’t surprise Sylvia. The TV Star later shows interest in being Will’s business partner, which shocks the party planner. Sylvia tells her best friend not to enter into business with a misogynist, but he disagrees. Later, during a poker game, Mason exhibits exactly the behavior that Sylvia said he would. He laughs at sexist jokes and even makes politically insensitive comments, which makes Will realize that it is probably not okay to enter into business with the celebrity. Mason Grand proves that fame and money can sometimes enable offensive behavior.
Milo Manheim’s Layered Performance Brings the Condescending Mason Grand to Life
Mason Grand shows narcissistic tendencies and an attitude of ignorance in his interactions with others. His actions are guided by insensitivity and a lack of empathy. The actor Milo Jacob Manheim was born in 2001 to actress Camryn Manheim and former model Jeffrey Brezovar. An LA native, the actor spent his formative years on the sets of ‘The Practice’ and ‘Ghost Whisperer’, cultivating an early appreciation for the craft of acting. He started acting at the tender age of seven, joining a local after-school program in Culver City. His performances in 15 musicals with Liza Monjauze Productions, which include a role in ‘Footloose,’ added to his experience.
For his work in the musical ‘Generation Me,’ he was awarded “Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role” at the 2017 New York Musical Theatre Festival. The character of Roger in ‘Rent’ caught the attention of a casting director named Amber Horn. This gave him the opportunity to appear in an audition for a new Disney Channel musical called ‘Zombies,’ in which he plays Zed. His recent stints include the portrayals of Ryan Baker in ‘Thanksgiving’ and Joseph in ‘Journey to Bethlehem.’ He actively participates in community service and champions the cause of teen suicide prevention, and also has other talents like playing drums, piano, and guitar. His portrayal of Mason Grand in ‘Platonic’ is a layered and unique take on a rude television star.
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