The latest episode of Manifest has introduced two new villains to the NBC series. Just as the main characters take another step toward defeating their nemesis, more threats are emerging. Seemingly separate plotlines for Ben (Josh Dallas) and Grace (Athena Karkanis) intersect in a surprising way at the end of Monday’s episode when it’s revealed that two new characters share an unexpected connection and a nefarious plan for the passengers of Flight 828.
In Manifest season 2, episode 3, Grace is still adjusting to the fact that she now has Callings, just like Ben, Michaela (Melissa Roxburgh), and all the passengers. After a yoga class, Grace is talking to a woman named Erika (Susan Pourfar) and has a Calling that urges her to “open her eyes”. A vision of a gargoyle makes Grace believe that she must save Erika, but Grace eventually learns that Erika isn’t in any danger at all. Instead, Erika is revealed to be a hateful woman who thinks that Grace’s son is an “abomination” and wishes that Grace loses her baby.
Meanwhile, Ben gets a job as a professor at a university. His new boss, Dr. Simon White (Maury Ginsberg), turns out to be Erika’s husband toward the end of the episode. When Simon gets in the car with Erika, he tells her that he hired Ben and his reason for doing so is taken straight from the poem, “The Spider and the Fly”. Simon recites the line, “‘Will you walk into my parlour?’ said the spider to the fly”. The reference makes Simon’s intentions abundantly clear. In the poem, the spider tricks the fly into stepping into his web so that he can devour him.
By giving Ben a job, Simon has effectively lured Ben into his web, but what he wants from Ben hasn’t been established. His connection to Erika does provide a clue, however. Erika’s intense hatred for the passengers suggests that the two aren’t aligned with the Major (Elizabeth Marvel), and are instead associated with the hate group that was encountered in season 1. These people doubt the passengers are human and believe they are a danger to society - and so, they want to harm or kill the passengers to protect humanity.
This storyline with Simon and Erika may end up tying into Jared’s arc in Manifest season 2 as well. Michaela’s decision to throw Jared (J.R. Ramirez) under the bus led him to sharing drinks with two people who hated the passengers. Jared could end up turning into a villain and joining forces with Erika and Simon. So even though the return of Vance (Daryl Edwards) has finally put the passengers in a position where they may be able to take down the Major, Manifest is quietly throwing more obstacles in their direction that could derail their efforts.
Manifest: Who Plays Erika & Simon White In Season 2
In Manifest season 2, Erika White is played by Susan Pourfar, who has had recurring roles on multiple leading TV shows in the industry. She played Nora Cafferty on House of Cards, Emily Hankins on Elementary, and Becky Flynn on Scandal. Simon White, meanwhile, is portrayed by Maury Ginsberg, who’s known for playing Steven Benowitz in Jessica Jones season 2 and starring in shows like Elementary, The Blacklist, and more.
More: Manifest: All Characters’ Different Death Dates Explained
