Among the complex and eccentric cast of Channel 4’s Misfits, Simon Bellamy stands as the most intriguing and emotionally rich character. Portrayed with quiet intensity by Iwan Rheon, Simon begins his journey as a reclusive, socially awkward teenager and ends as a self-sacrificing superhero. His transformation across multiple seasons of the series captures the imagination of viewers who witnessed his development from an invisible misfit to the fearless and revered Superhoodie.
Who Is Simon Bellamy?
Simon Bellamy is introduced in the first series of Misfits as one of the five young offenders sentenced to community service after various petty crimes. Simon’s particular offence involved attempting to burn down a classmate’s house in response to relentless bullying. His introversion and awkward social mannerisms immediately set him apart from his fellow delinquents.
Simon is pale, slightly hunched, and generally avoids eye contact. He speaks softly and with hesitation, often choosing silence over confrontation. His reserved demeanour is not simply a personality trait, but a defence mechanism crafted from years of rejection, ridicule, and emotional isolation.
Gaining the Power of Invisibility
During a strange electrical storm that occurs early in the series, each of the young offenders gains a supernatural ability tied to their deepest psychological traits. Simon, whose greatest fear is being ignored and invisible in social situations, acquires the literal power of invisibility. This power metaphorically and physically reinforces his status as someone overlooked by the world around him.
While initially perceived as weak and almost pitiable, Simon’s power gradually reveals itself as potentially the most useful. He uses it to move unnoticed, observe situations from the shadows, and gather vital intelligence that others miss. His journey with invisibility becomes a visual representation of how he navigates the world—hidden, cautious, and observant.
The Birth of Superhoodie
As the series progresses, viewers are introduced to a mysterious masked figure known only as Superhoodie. Agile, precise, and seemingly one step ahead of every crisis, Superhoodie saves members of the group on several occasions. The big reveal in the second series—that Superhoodie is in fact Simon from the future—is one of the show’s most iconic moments.
Future Simon, unlike his present self, is confident, physically strong, and emotionally composed. He has returned from the future with one purpose: to ensure certain events unfold the way they must. This includes safeguarding his friends and building a romantic relationship with Alisha Daniels, one of the original community service group.
The transformation into Superhoodie marks Simon’s ascension. He evolves from a quiet, misunderstood loner into a strategic and noble protector, willing to sacrifice his present for the good of others. His character gains weight, gravity, and heroism, while still maintaining the vulnerability that made him endearing in the first place.
The Relationship with Alisha Daniels
One of the most compelling elements of Simon’s story is his romantic relationship with Alisha. Initially, Alisha sees Simon as peculiar and insignificant, and often mocks him alongside the others. However, as she comes to know both versions of Simon—present and future—her perception changes dramatically.
Future Simon and Alisha begin a deeply emotional and physically intimate relationship that becomes central to both of their characters. It is this relationship that drives Simon’s actions as Superhoodie. He knows their time is limited, and his awareness of the future adds a bittersweet undertone to their love story.
Their bond is a powerful narrative arc, showcasing Simon’s emotional depth and capacity for growth. Alisha’s love for Simon is not rooted in superficial attraction but is earned through his consistent bravery, loyalty, and care. When tragedy strikes in series three, the fallout of their relationship leaves a lasting scar on the remaining characters—and viewers.
Mental Health and Loneliness
Simon Bellamy’s character also functions as a nuanced portrayal of mental health struggles. Throughout the first series, it is revealed that Simon has spent time in a psychiatric facility due to his past behaviour, including stalking a fellow student. These revelations add layers to his already complex personality and invite empathy rather than judgement.
His social anxiety, depression, and sense of alienation are not glamorised but presented with sensitivity. In many ways, Simon is one of the most accurate portrayals of a troubled young man in British television drama. His quiet suffering, longing for connection, and eventual empowerment resonate deeply with audiences.
Rather than being defined by his mental health challenges, Simon overcomes them—though not easily. His journey is neither simple nor linear. It involves mistakes, moments of darkness, and eventually redemption.
The Evolution of Simon’s Powers
Simon’s supernatural abilities evolve alongside his character. Starting with invisibility, he later purchases new powers when the group sells their original abilities. His most significant power beyond invisibility is precognition, which allows him to see short glimpses into the future.
He also acquires immunity to other people’s powers—particularly useful in navigating relationships and staying grounded in high-stakes situations. These powers make him increasingly formidable, and by the time he embraces his role as Superhoodie, Simon is arguably the most powerful member of the group.
His abilities, however, are never used for personal gain. Unlike some of the other misfits, Simon uses his powers with restraint, always calculating the consequences. This responsible and strategic use of power distinguishes him as the moral centre of the series.
Simon’s Final Sacrifice
The conclusion of Simon’s story arc is both heroic and heartbreaking. After the tragic death of Alisha, Simon realises that in order to save her and fulfil the timeline, he must travel back in time—knowing full well that he will not return. This decision cements his place as a tragic hero.
Simon’s time travel is not about escaping or rewriting his own past. Instead, it is an act of selflessness. He willingly steps into a loop, ensuring that his past self meets Alisha and that their relationship can unfold once again. It is a beautiful yet painful resolution that underlines the depth of Simon’s character and the strength of his convictions.
His final moments are silent, reflective, and poetic. There are no grand speeches or displays of power. Just a quiet man, walking into the unknown, driven by love and duty.
Impact on Pop Culture
Simon Bellamy is widely regarded as one of the most beloved characters in Misfits, if not the entire canon of modern British sci-fi television. His transformation from an invisible misfit to a masked hero has resonated with audiences around the world. His storyline defied clichés and offered a layered, emotionally authentic portrayal of youth, vulnerability, and heroism.
Iwan Rheon’s performance received critical acclaim, contributing significantly to the success of Misfits. His subtle body language, soft-spoken delivery, and emotional intensity brought Simon to life in a way that few actors could. Rheon would later go on to achieve international fame in Game of Thrones, but to many, Simon Bellamy remains his most heartfelt role.
Simon’s legacy also paved the way for a new type of superhero—one who is flawed, anxious, and real. He was never the loudest or the strongest, but he was the one who never gave up on his principles or those he loved.
Conclusion
Simon Bellamy’s journey is one of the most emotionally compelling arcs in British television. From a shy, awkward loner who literally turned invisible, to a self-assured hero willing to sacrifice everything, Simon represents transformation in its purest form. His story in Misfits is more than just science fiction—it’s a commentary on identity, loneliness, mental health, love, and purpose.
In a world filled with over-the-top heroes and anti-heroes, Simon Bellamy stands out for his quiet strength, moral clarity, and emotional complexity. He reminds us that sometimes the greatest heroes are the ones who were once invisible.
