I didn't see a John Monad thread so I hope it's OK to start one. I was wondering what people's early reactions to him are?

His motto seems to be: repeat everything that you're told, always answer in the affirmative, and don't leave home without your magic pants. A fairly good approach to life, all things considered. The bathroom scene is 1.2 was hilarious: Ka-chunk ka-chunk ka-chunk.

I have to say, I am truly fascinated by the idea of a messiah as a blank slate and perhaps ultimately becoming a reflection of the people around him. It's an interesting judgement call on the part of the showrunners. It also seems like any good messiah, there are a variety of miracles occuring in his general vicinity.

I just like the idea of a developmentally delayed prophet. Like, sure, God speaks through him, but he doesn't know how to use the bathroom and has to be led by the hand lest he die in traffic.

I just had a dyslexic moment and read His last name as "Nomad," but I'm guessing that is intentional.

Googling "Monad" certainly made me realize that John's last name on his platinum card seems intentional. Now, does it actually mean anything?

Right now I am going with the Wings of Desire/guardian angel theory on John. He came down from on high for the Yost's benefit, and to watch over Shaun specifically (which means getting his family back on track). But he came on impulse, without some master, deterministic plan (because that would be no fun).

The repetition thing is already tiresome. I'm surprised only one character has cracked him across the jaw so far.

I'm hoping that John starts to assimilate the phrases he has been repeating and understand their meaning. Perhaps then he can start doing whatever it is he's been sent here to do.

I love this theory! Plus,John's probably never been human before, hence the childlike behavior and bowel issues.

I'm kind of surprised that no one has called him on it, yet. I can't figure out if that's supposed to show how self-absorbed these people are (that they wouldn't realize that their questions aren't actually being answered, just repeated back to them,) or if it's supposed to show how much they don't care that John is a weirdo.

Actually, I would say most people think he is pretty damn off. Everyone treats him like a nut-job, just with varying degrees of patience and acceptance. Butchie defends him saying he isn't right in the head, Kai treats his to the Smile and Nod a lot, and Vietnam Joe isn't the most understanding of folk but manages to hold his tongue until he gets ripped off his ass.

Just 'cause people aren't going up to him and saying "What's your defect?" doesn't mean they haven't noticed that something is amiss. I think they just take the repetition thing as a symptom of whatever mental illness they are prescribing to him.

The thing that shocks me though is that Bill is the only one trying to really figure out where he is from. I know if someone like John showed up around me, I would probably try and find out if anyone was looking for him really damn quick.

I'll be damned; it sure does. I had previously thought it was an imperfect anagram for demon. But I'm a lazy thinker.

One thing I'll say for the guy, I like the way he can take a punch.

You may not be as far off as you think - damon and daemon are both alternative spellings for demon, but in the case a daemons, they are not necessarily primarily evil - they can be good, if mischievous spirits in some traditions.

The repetition doesn't bother me in the slightest; I think he would have to do a few things over and over before he learned how to be human. Speaking of what John from Cincinnati might end up to be, if we ever learn exactly, I believe I am incredibly dense. My first thought was "alien."

This article on Austin Nichols gives some key insights into what a monad is and some of the inspirations the actor is using for the part--including his young niece!

Thanks sallyrover!

Monism, the metaphysical and theological view that all is of one essence, and this essence is sometimes called the monad

I thought that John's last name being monad was a reference to monism.

I agree, but overall I think they are a pretty accepting bunch. For example, they are so patient with Bill's anxiety and general quirkiness and have accepted him into the fold. So, regarding John, perhaps the T-shirt would/should read "Yes, John is a nut-job, and that's OK".

IMHO, In most of the non-JFC world, a call to 911 and a psych eval would have followed John's arrival in short order. Perhaps followed by a restraining order :)

By ep 4, John seems to be a lot less... slow. He still uses language in a unique way, and most of his lexicon is phrases he's heard from others, but there is a definite learning thing going on. Seems more in control and understands things like the hang loose sign, etc.

All of which is a preamble to the question, has anyone else began to find the holy dork highly matressable? Sweet mug indeed - Austin Nichols is a well-crafted vessel.

I happened to turn the TV on last night and caught a bit of some JFC "behind the scenes" show - I tried to look it up on HBO's website, but it's not listed, so it must have just been filler. Anyway, in Nichol's interview, he explains what John is doing when he repeats something -- he takes the words and completely strips them of any anger or negativity and sends them back out full of joy. I wish I could link to a clip for accuracy's sake, but that was pretty much the gist. Maybe someone else saw what I did?

John looks like Tom Brady some times.

We're starting to see John's sense of humor. In ep4 he points to his stab wound and tells Mitch "I better have a good health plan!" with a smile.

I happened to turn the TV on last night and caught a bit of some JFC "behind the scenes" show - I tried to look it up on HBO's website, but it's not listed, so it must have just been filler. Anyway, in Nichol's interview, he explains what John is doing when he repeats something -- he takes the words and completely strips them of any anger or negativity and sends them back out full of joy. I wish I could link to a clip for accuracy's sake, but that was pretty much the gist. Maybe someone else saw what I did?

I think you are referring to "The Making of JFC" on HBO. I couldn't find it on their site either, but here's another link. . I also found it here, thanks to another TWoP poster--I apologize for not being able to be more specific in giving credit where it's due.

Ah, yes TeresaDee, that's exactly what I saw -- I just didn't see it on the schedule so I didn't think it was a "Making of ...". Thanks, and now I'll be able to watch the whole thing.

I've never see Kieslowski's Decalogue, but I was reading about it today, and it sounds like it featured a mute character (young, Christ-like boy) that resembled John. Has anyone here seen it?