If you haven’t watched Netflix’s Madness, starring Colman Domingo, you’re missing out. While it’s no longer in the Top 10, this limited series is worth your time. The show follows Muncie Daniels, a Black CNN correspondent framed for the murder of a white supremacist. Intriguing, right?

I won’t spoil too much, but trust me, you’ll want to check it out. While Colman Domingo delivers a captivating performance as always, it wasn’t him who held my attention the most—it was Gabrielle Graham as Kallie, Muncie’s oldest daughter. She mesmerized me every time she appeared on screen. At first, I could not figure out why she kept drawing me in. Beautiful – yes. Believable actress – also, yes. But then it clicked: Kallie’s character and complicated relationship with her dad reminded me so much of my own experience with my dad.

The Complex Relationship Between Muncie and Kallie

Muncie has two kids: a son with his current wife and Kallie, whom he had in college. The differences in the relationships are night and day. Muncie jokes with his son, offers him fatherly advice, and exudes warmth—hallmarks of a solid bond. In contrast, we meet Kallie in a tense moment: Muncie barges into her life when everything is falling apart. He’s shocked to see that she’s thriving—she owns a home and is renovating the unit next door. Like, duh, she’s doing great despite her dad’s lack of presence. I felt so proud of this fictional character for building her life on her own terms.

Throughout the series, Muncie repeatedly drags Kallie into his shenanigans—using her home renovation project as a safe house or having her break him out of handcuffs because someone’s trying to kill him. I mean, what dad puts his kid in danger like this? Despite their strained relationship, Kallie always comes to his aid when he calls. One moment, toward the end of the series, particularly stood out: Muncie tries to have a heart-to-heart, but Kallie shuts him down. Gabrielle Graham’s performance in that scene deserves an Emmy. It was a powerful portrayal of a daughter who no longer seeks apologies but demands changed behavior.

Why Kallie’s Story Resonates

From what the show hints, Muncie wasn’t a deadbeat father. He likely showed up for milestones, sent financial support, and called on birthdays—but he wasn’t there for the moments that mattered most. Not being there for her during her formative years created a rift that never healed.

Kallie’s story reminded me of my own experience with my dad. Like her, I had a father who showed up when it suited him. I ate it up every time, only to feel the emptiness afterward. It’s like getting a taste of what a real father-daughter relationship could be but never the full experience. I think Kallie and I can agree that we have dads who weren’t quite ready for the responsibility of fatherhood when they had us. 

There’s a joke on social media: “If your dad is bald, you’re spoiled.” Well, both Kallie and I had dads with hair—if that tells you anything.

Finding Peace in Imperfect Relationships

My dad never hit me up while being framed for murder (thankfully), but our relationship mirrored Kallie and Muncie’s in its incompleteness.

I used to act like it didn’t affect me. By all accounts, I was thriving. But two things can be true: you can be an amazing, accomplished woman and still have “daddy issues.” In college, I realized it was unhealthy to expect my dad to change. He is who he is, and I doubt he ever thought about how his actions—or inactions—affected me. Friends would often say, “Your dad is so cool” or “He’s hilarious.” And while those are great qualities for a friend, they don’t make for a reliable father.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m still working through the impact of my relationship with my dad. (Cue toxic situationships!) But life improved when I started accepting our relationship for what it is. Now, I joke that my dad is my homeboy. Perfect for a fun time—not so much for major life decisions.

A Message to Girls Who Keep Pushing

If you haven’t quite reached the point where you’re ready to accept that your dad is a far cry away from winning Father of the Year, that’s okay. I’m not saying give up hope because people can change, but don’t let his inaction keep you from reaching your goals. Focus on the people who have continuously shown up for you and remind yourself of all things big and small that you have accomplished thus far. At some point you have to stop blaming the lack of a father for where you are and put the focus on yourself. This world is yours for the taking if you believe.

Remember, your success isn’t tied to someone else’s failures. Look at people like Barack Obama, Halle Berry, Mariah Carey, and Angelina Jolie—all raised by single mothers.

Your life is your own. Your greatness does not absolve your dad of his shortcomings, but your life is much more than someone else’s failures. Your dad may have been the producer, but you, my Girl, are the star of your movie. (Shout out to my girl Haley for the wise words!)

To all the girls out there, especially the eldest daughters who’ve built incredible lives despite an imperfect father figure: you are amazing! You’ve defied the statistics and proven the doubters wrong.

Pat yourself on the back and keep living a full, beautiful life. You deserve every bit of joy and success.

Additionally, if you have experiences that resonate with Kallie’s story, I would love for you to share below. If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it with your friends and subscribing to my blog for more updates.

Unsisterly Yours,

Kennedy Marie <3