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Childhood trauma can make people do foolish things. It can leave them vulnerable, misguided, and susceptible to destructive habits and unhealthy lifestyles. The Polygamist brilliantly demonstrates how a reckless and wayward life can appear glamorous and enjoyable on the surface while hiding deep emotional damage underneath.
Jonasi Gomora and Joyce Gomora could have lived one of the most enviable lives imaginable, but Jonasi’s promiscuity robbed them of that opportunity. However, can we entirely blame Jonasi for the decisions he made?
The series does not reveal much about his upbringing, apart from the fact that he was a stray boy rescued by Essie. Perhaps I missed certain details because I do not understand the South African language spoken in some scenes. Nevertheless, it is not difficult to conclude that Jonasi likely had a troubled childhood.
From my perspective, Essie’s relationship with Jonasi was one of the most problematic aspects of the story. While rescuing him from the streets of Soweto was undoubtedly a noble act, she clearly failed in providing proper guidance and discipline.
One scene particularly stands out. While young Jonasi was having a conversation with Essie in her compound, a girl appeared at the entrance. Jonasi immediately abandoned the conversation, rushed to meet her, and the two began flirting openly before moving to the side of a nearby building to make out in full view of Essie. As this unfolded, another girl arrived looking for Jonasi, and Essie quickly blocked her path and lied that he was not home.
Another revealing moment was when Essie’s boyfriend, who appeared to be a gangster, pulled a gun on Jonasi after he defended Essie during a heated public argument. These scenes paint a picture of a deeply dysfunctional environment.
As if that was not enough, Essie eventually became romantically involved with Jonasi herself. Altogether, these events suggest a childhood lacking proper parenting, discipline, healthy family values, and emotional stability. Jonasi grew into a wealthy man, but one who remained emotionally and mentally impoverished.
Jonasi had enormous potential from a young age, but his flawed outlook on life transformed what could have been a beautiful future into a chaotic, traumatic, and self-destructive existence.
Joyce’s arrival in Jonasi’s life was like a breath of fresh air. Meeting her at university gave him direction and purpose. After graduation, Joyce’s father’s decision to hand over a 50 percent stake in J&J provided Jonasi with the opportunity of a lifetime.
That opportunity became the foundation of their wealth and success, creating generational prosperity for the entire family. They enjoyed a life of luxury and privilege. Unfortunately, Jonasi’s constant infidelity poisoned the happiness of everyone around him and created wounds that money could never heal.
Initially, Joyce appeared weak and naïve for repeatedly accepting Jonasi back after countless acts of betrayal, humiliation, and disrespect. However, the revelation that she had allegedly conspired with a friend from Soweto to infect Jonasi with HIV was a twist I never saw coming.
That moment reinforced the saying that silence and modesty should never be mistaken for weakness. Sometimes, the quietest people are capable of the most shocking actions.
Matipa’s storyline perfectly illustrates the saying that not everything that glitters is gold. To be honest, she ultimately suffered the consequences of her own choices.
You cannot knowingly participate in the destruction of another woman’s home for financial gain and expect a happy ending. There is a Yoruba proverb that says, “The cane used to beat the first wife is kept on the ceiling for the next wife.” In other words, life has a way of returning what we give to others.
Matipa believed she could replace Joyce and secure Jonasi entirely for herself. Instead, she discovered that she was just another chapter in Jonasi’s endless cycle of infidelity. Eventually, another woman threatened to take her place.
Fortunately, Matipa eventually came to her senses and became a better person, though not before enduring significant pain and hardship.
As for Essie, becoming sexually involved with a boy she helped raise was a terrible decision. Marrying him was an even worse one. Agreeing to become a secret wife was perhaps the most baffling decision of all.
Why would any woman willingly subject herself and her children to a life hidden from public recognition?
Yes, she provided Jonasi with shelter, clothing, support, and an education that helped him earn a scholarship to a prestigious university. However, a far better arrangement would have been ensuring he took responsibility for his children without forcing herself into a secret family structure.
Mpume Gomora struck me as the smartest child in the family, but also the most traumatised.
Imagine discovering your stepsister sleeping with your boyfriend while your father is secretly involved with your best friend. Jonasi’s actions inflicted enormous emotional damage on Mpume. Hopefully, her career in psychology will help her find healing and purpose.
Menzi Gomora, on the other hand, is a genuinely soft-hearted individual, but he lacks the strength of character needed to make wise decisions.
By the end of the series, seeing him become involved with Lindani convinced me that he is truly Jonasi Jr. Through and through. He appears destined to follow in his father’s footsteps, which would undoubtedly disappoint his mother, Joyce.
One of my favourite moments was seeing Mpume make an effort to unite all the children. Her decision to invite everyone, including Sarah, to join her at the pulpit to bid farewell to Jonasi was a touching and symbolic gesture.
If there is a second season, viewers are in for an interesting ride.
I would love to see whether Joyce will be willing to share control of the company with Essie and Matipa, especially now that Matipa has returned after rebuilding her life. I am also curious to see what chaos Lindani might unleash on the Gomora family through Menzi, who remains vulnerable to manipulation.
Honestly, I would not be surprised if Menzi eventually marries Lindani.
I must confess that The Polygamist has earned a place among some of the South African series I have thoroughly enjoyed, including Fatal Seduction, Unseen, Shaka iLembe, Blood & Water, and Savage Beauty.
The series delivers a compelling storyline, engaging plot twists, and a talented cast that keeps viewers invested from beginning to end.
Rating: 9/10
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