As fans of Wicked, we’ve been on a wild ride through this bizarre and often terrifying world of paranormal investigations, theological debates, and the intricacies of human (and sometimes not-so-human) relationships.
But amid all the mayhem and mayhem, there’s one character who consistently provides humor, disbelief, and heartfelt moments: Ben Shakir, played by the talented Aasif Mandvi.
In a candid conversation following the explosive Wicked season 4 finale, Asif shares his thoughts on Ben’s journey, his own personal connection to the character, and what it’s like to wear that infamous tinfoil hat .
The Tinfoil Hat Legend: A Symbol of Absurdity
If you’ve ever wondered what happened to Ben’s tinfoil hat between episodes 13 and 14, you’re not alone.
Asif has a theory: “Once [Ben] Having decided to leave the Ghostbusters, he basically no longer needed the piece of tinfoil; the gin no longer bothered him.
Asif added with a hint of relief, “I’m personally glad I didn’t have to wear the tinfoil hat anymore in the last episode. I’m very relieved to see it gone.
However, the tinfoil hat is more than just a quirky prop. It symbolizes the show’s unique blend of horror and absurdity.
“That’s why I love ‘Wicked,'” Asif explains.
“We just got into a level of absurdity. There’s always another level of absurdity in the midst of the real horror and drama that’s happening. So tinfoil hats and tinfoil sheets — that’s what this show is about of DNA.
science of faith
Ben Shakir’s character has always been the skeptic of the three investigators, played by Aasif with both determination and nuance.
But as we’ve seen throughout the series, even the staunchest skeptics can find themselves in a crisis of faith. “There was no — he didn’t have all the answers,” Asif pointed out.
“Sometimes he had an answer, but it was always juxtaposed with something he couldn’t explain. So there was never a moment where you said, ‘Oh, it’s over.
This combination of certainty and uncertainty makes Ben an especially compelling character.
Asif points out that this reflects the scientific process itself. “I think Ben would argue ‘I can’t explain it yet.'” But maybe at some point, there will be other parts where I can explain that. So I guess that’s the mantra of science, you can’t explain it at this point in history.
the power of friendship
One of the most endearing aspects of “Wicked” is the unlikely friendship between Ben, Kristen (Katya Herbers) and David (Mike Colter).
Despite their vastly different worldviews, the trio has formed a bond that has helped them get through the show’s darkest moments. As it turns out, that dynamic goes beyond just great performances; It’s rooted in real-life chemistry.
“On the surface, Katya, Mike and I are very different people,” Asif said. “Katya is Dutch. She’s very European in many ways, and Mike is a superhero and very handsome. And then here’s a funny boy.
But these differences only strengthen their on-screen relationship. “The writers accepted that and started writing for it. So a lot of the dynamics between Kristen, Ben and David also exist to some extent between Katya, Mike and Asif.
That friendship translated into the show’s depiction of the trio’s friendship, a relationship that Asif considers to be one of the show’s strengths.
“We’re all very different, and I think it’s those differences that actually allow us to develop a chemistry that wouldn’t happen if we were just three peas in a pod.”
Doppelgangers and reality checks
The Season 4 finale left Ben and the audience surprised by the doppelgänger’s storyline – which mirrored what could have been.
Surprisingly, the actors who played Ben’s wife and children in the illusion were Asif’s real-life family members.
“Really, it was more that Asif was thinking about the fact that I never thought in my life that I would be a father and get married…so in that moment, there was an interesting fusion of Ben and I. .
This fusion of characters and actors highlights Asif’s personal connection with Ben throughout the series. “When I first started playing Ben in season one, I felt like he was so different to me.
“There was a huge gulf between him and me because he was a scientist. He was empirical and he believed that. But as time went on and I got to know him more and more, I started to realize The distance between us is getting closer.
Leland Townsend’s Forms of Justice
While “Wicked” doesn’t feel like closure overall, it does give The Evaluator’s nemesis Leland Townsend some well-deserved justice.
Leaving the door open for a potential Hail Mary renewal meant Leland survived under the protection of Sister Andrea at the convent.
Asif knew Ben had other plans, but they were likely thwarted by David. “I wanted to kill Leland… He wanted to kill him. And then I think it was David who said, ‘Let’s not kill him. Let’s put him in a box.
Even though Ben didn’t host the show, Asif believed he would question David’s decision. “I think Ben eventually has to say, ‘Really, David? Well, we’re not going to kill him because you keep talking about him being the devil. If you believe in the devil, then you should kill the devil.
uncertain future
As fans of “Wicked,” we can’t help but wonder what’s next for Ben Shakir. The ending leaves us with more questions than answers — which is exactly the kind of ambiguity the show has embraced all along.
Asif is as curious as we are: “I don’t know what will happen to Ben…I mean, maybe we’ll find out if there’s more stories to tell.”
One thing’s for sure: Ben’s journey isn’t over yet. Whether he continues to doubt or finds himself in the middle of supernatural chaos, this character has plenty of stories to tell.
As Asif said, “I think he craves a challenge, and I think what working with the Catholic Church does is it makes him confront what he believes and what he can explain. That challenge excites him.”
Asif smiled. “But he’s also making $650 a year now, so it’s like, ‘Man, we can afford that apartment.'” I don’t know how we afford $65,000; I don’t know. But I wonder how long Ben can realistically stay on the job in a suit and tie? Like I don’t know if he’s going to stay there in the end.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our conversation, Asif leaves us with one final thought – a hope we all share: “Hopefully there’s more. I still hope there’s more. So let’s see.
Whether we see Ben, Christine, and David on screen or not, “Wicked” has left an indelible mark on audiences and actors alike.
While the tinfoil hat may have been retired, the show’s absurdity, humor and core spirit remain.
