Content Warning: The following article contains plot spoilers about the Netflix show Midnight Mass.
A new addition to the Mike Flanagan Netflix universe, Midnight Mass has been met with incredible critical praise. Reminiscent of the small-town Stephen King aesthetic, the show explores not only religion in a small town but how the townspeople interact with each other.
This series does not work without different personality types interacting and often colliding with each other directly. The show is full of twists and turns but what is most interesting and often traumatic is how different people deal with each other. Every Zodiac sign is represented, which inevitably causes friction between characters trapped on a small island.
Aries: Bowl
Aries have the reputation for being fiery, quick to act, and easily provoked. This at times makes people pull away from them. Such was the case for the short-lived character Bowl. His given name was Bill but was gifted the unfortunate nickname due to his habit of selling drugs.
The short time that Bowl was on screen, he was defensive and hostile. Sheriff Hassan questioned his business on Joe Collie’s property and Bowl was quick to anger. He never got a chance to redeem himself since he was quickly dispatched by the nefarious force on Crockett Island.
Taurus: Ali Hassan
A fixed sign, those who fall in the category of Taurus are often dependable. They are not outwardly controversial and typically stick to what is safe. Seeking to be included, Ali falls into this category. He was often excluded due to his father being the new Sheriff and treated as other because of the religion that he was raised in.
Ali’s desire to be accepted came at great personal cost. He insisted on joining Mass with the rest of the town even though his father disapproved. But like any Taurus, his loyalty won out. Despite being turned into a vampire with the rest of the town, he rescued his father and joined him in death.
Gemini: Father Paul
Geminis are usually attracted to positions of power, such as politicians. They are charismatic and can often convince people to follow them, even it conflicts with what is best. As a seemingly badass priest in a horror movie, Father Paul was easy to follow. He had a conviction that he was helping the town. He was so persuasive that he even convinced himself.
While traveling in Damascus, Father Paul was originally Monsignor Pruitt. He got lost in a sandstorm and when a vampire attacked him, he was convinced it was an angel. He returned to town as Father Paul and through a series of miracles, convinced the entire town that they had been blessed by God.
Cancer: Leeza Scarborough
A water sign, Cancers are often able to adapt to new situations. They are emotional and caring, but also have another side to them. When slighted, Cancers are able to forgive, but still don’t forget what was done to them.
Leeza endured many trials in her life. A part of a small religious community, she was paralyzed when she was accidentally shot. She endured this with grace but admitted she was angry. She is eventually able to forgive Joe Collie for the incident, despite his transgressions.
Leo: Erin Greene
Leos possess strength and warmth that fills up a room. Whether they want to or not, they are typically noticed for good and bad traits alike. Portrayed by Kate Siegel, who memorably embodied the supernaturally gifted Theo in The Haunting of Hill House, Erin is kind and supportive. She does not allow others to take advantage of her.
She supports Riley in his journey to find purpose, even when he feels that there is no hope. And even when Beverly Keane insults her, Erin is not overly aggressive, but still defends herself easily.
Virgo: Dr. Sarah Gunning
Intelligent and always knowing their own intelligence, Virgos have an answer for everything. They are logical and know what they think is right. Not often does a Virgo back down from their certainty. Sarah is the town doctor and is one of the last people to accept the evil force on Crockett Island.
She is a scientist and can only accept this information through measurable data. However, once she sees that proof that her mother’s blood has become incendiary, it is a quick jump to the correct conclusion that vampires have overcome their town.
Riley Flynn: Libra
Often easygoing, Libras do not engage in conflict. They are rational and go with the crowd. It is not always easy to be alone for a Libra. Typical of the lead characters in Mike Flanagan's best movies and TV shows, Riley’s fate had been sealed once he killed Tara-Beth in the drunk driving accident. He went to prison with no fight because he knew he had done wrong.
He returns home after prison because he has nowhere else to go. He has no other prospects or options. Despite the stigma attached to him, he finds comfort in returning to his family.
Scorpio: Beverly Keane
Loneliness is at times a trait that describes Scorpios. They are hard to get along with because many aspects of their personality are hidden. But when their intentions are revealed, they are a viper waiting to strike. Bev Keane’s intentions are obvious, but her approach is what people don’t see coming.
She clings to the church because she feels as though she is important. She rails against the idea that God could love anyone more than her. It leads her to a short life of vampirism and gruesome death.
Sagittarius: Mayor Wade
Sagittarians often cling to their beliefs. It is difficult to move on from a form of thinking when that is an opinion they have clung to for so long. Principles are important, but they can lead a Sagittarius down the wrong path.
Wade is the Mayor of Crockett Island and even though his intentions are always in the right place, they betray him. Wade asks Sheriff Hassan to join them in church even though everyone knows he is Muslim. Because he is told that murder is sanctioned by God, he agrees to turn into a vampire and even tries to involve his teenage daughter.
Capricorn: Sheriff Hassan
Duty is often what motivates Capricorns. They take their responsibilities seriously. Knowing that it can impact them negatively, Capricorn are also known to hide their true feelings if it gets in the way of their purpose. Sheriff Hassan is forced to do this because he is an outcast. He is looked down on because he is the new sheriff born outside of the community. His religion also sets him apart from the Catholicism in the town.
Despite the often outwardly prejudicial comments made to him, Sheriff Hassan does his best to remain levelheaded. A great candidate for one of TV's best cops, he understands that to do his job well, he must keep his personal feelings out of it. This comes in handy when he is one of the only characters to not be turned into a blood drinker.
Aquarius: Joe Collie
Aquarius signs often must deal with feeling like outcasts. They live on the outskirts of society, even if it impacts them negatively. Unfortunately for Joe Collie, this was not a choice as a necessity. Although he always felt like an outcast, this was cemented when he accidentally shot the mayor’s daughter.
He struggles with this for the entire series. His inability to cope with it leads him to live in a trailer away from the community and also leads to his death.
Pisces: Annie Flynn
Driven by emotion, Pisces signs are drawn to the fantastical. They gravitate towards beauty in the world and care about those around them. Annie is gentle in her interactions with the town. She invites Riley back to their home when he has nowhere else to go. The town judges Riley because of his sins, but Annie is a mother that loves her son.
Riley’s alcoholism and eventual death hit her hard, but she continues to love with all her heart. She stands up to Bev in defense of her son, knowing that this will lead to her becoming a blood drinker like the rest of the town.