Malcolm Ducasse

Malcolm Ducasse
Real Name	Malcolm Joseph Ducasse
Alias(es)	Requiem for a Dream Kilgrave's Spy Junkie String Bean Q-Tip Mop Top Broomstick Mal Real Homo Thug Assclown Millard Graves Darryl Hughes
Species	Human
Citizenship	American
Gender	Male
Title(s)	Associate Investigator (formerly)
Affiliation	Kilgrave Victim Support Group (formerly) Cheng Consulting Management (formerly) Hogarth and Associates (formerly) Alias Investigations
Status	Alive
Appearances
TV Series	Jessica Jones (23 episodes) The Defenders (5 episodes)
Actors/Actresses
Portrayed by	Eka Darville

"I am just better equipped to be helping people who actually need help."

―Malcolm Ducasse to Zaya Okonjo^[src]

Malcolm Joseph Ducasse is a neighbor of Jessica Jones, who suffered from drug-addiction ever since falling under the power of Kilgrave. Once he had broken his connection with Kilgrave with the help of Jones, he set about righting his wrongs by helping others affected by Kilgrave's powers, including Jones.

Biography

This section requires expansion

Early Life

Wanting to Help People

"They're idiots and I'm just the only asshole in the world that didn't know it?"

―Malcolm Ducasse^[src]

Malcolm Ducasse grew up in a household that was conscientious toward helping others. His mother said prayers in church for the sick and dying; his father worked on community projects for the poor. These experiences helped to shape an individual who desired to help others and abhorred selfishness.

Kilgrave's Slave

Stalking Jessica Jones

Ducasse was once a social worker. While out and about one evening, Ducasse was cornered by two thieves demanding his wallet. They beat him up and decided to kill Ducasse before Jessica Jones arrived to stop them. Before she could help him any further, Kilgrave arrived and took off with her.

Once Jones was released from Kilgrave's control, Kilgrave found Ducasse and put him under his control. Ducasse became a junkie and Kilgrave became his primary source of drugs, which the latter supplied in exchange for pictures of Jones. Ducasse spied on her and even moved into her apartment building. Ducasse and Kilgrave met everyday around 10 in the morning at varying locations for the exchange.

Creamy Peanut Butter

"God damn it, Malcolm. You scared the shit out of me."
"What are you doing in my apartment?"
"This is my apartment."

―Jessica Jones and Malcolm Ducasse^[src]

Ducasse in Jessica Jones' apartment

One morning, Ducasse mistakenly entered Jessica Jones' apartment instead of his own, went into her refrigerator, and, with a knife, began eating her peanut butter, noting that it was creamy, not crunchy, as he usually had. Jones approached him, causing Ducasse to jump back in shock and ask why she was in his apartment; Jones corrected him. Jones then escorted him from her apartment as a couple knocked on the door, wondering if they had found Jones in order to hire her as a P.I.

A few days later, Ducasse entered the elevator that contained Jones and noticed that she looked disheveled; Jones told him that she was in need of money, so Ducasse offered her a television that he had stolen earlier. Jones refused the offer and rode silently beside Ducasse.

Hearing Noise

Ducasse heard the arguments of Robyn and Ruben on the floor above his apartment; Ducasse was so high though that he could not distinguish those sounds from his own mental chaos. As he stepped into the hallway, he saw Jessica Jones passing and asked her which was true; she told him both.

Creating Distractions

"You're a good person, Jessica Jones."
"You're high."

―Malcolm Ducasse and Jessica Jones^[src]

Ducasse was high one day when he attempted to cross a street; a bicyclist nearly collided with him and fell from his bicycle. Though Ducasse apologized profusely, the bicyclist cornered and lectured him about their differences. Jessica Jones saw the confrontation and grabbed the bicyclist, forcing him to leave Ducasse alone and continue his journey.

Later, Ducasse was hungry and went to the apartment of Robyn and Ruben while she slept to obtain peanut butter. His presence scared Robyn, but Ruben escorted him from the apartment downstairs. As they entered the fifth floor of the apartment building, Ducasse was given instructions on how to walk by Ruben who was holding him upright. Jones came over to assist and placed Ducasse inside his apartment.

Soon after, Jones took Ducasse to a hospital; he did not understand why he was there because he felt that he only needed sleep and he disliked hospitals. Suddenly, Jones pushed him down and he collided with a nurse pushing a medicine cart. Ducasse and the nurse were surrounded by others who attempted to help them. As Ducasse sat with someone assisting him, Jones looked towards him as she left the hospital.

The next day, Ducasse was attempting to enter his apartment, but could not find the right key; he worked on locating the right key on his keychain for almost five minutes. Meanwhile, a woman stood outside the Alias Investigations Office. Jones walked and spoke briefly to the woman before letting her inside. Jones then approached Ducasse and used a key she had to let him inside his place. When Jones asked about his welfare, he wondered why she was asking; she said that she did not want to be his excuse to get high. Ducasse told her that he did not need a reason.

Suspected to Spying

Ducasse was at the entrance of Jessica Jones' Apartment Building when Jessica Jones and Will Simpson entered. Simpson noticed that Ducasse seemed to be observing them and demanded to know what Ducasse was doing. Jones separated the two and told Ducasse to get some sleep; Ducasse noted that Simpson did not like him.

Inside his apartment, Ducasse left pictures of Jones on his printer.

Followed to Kilgrave

Ducasse and Kilgrave meeting at the kiosk

Every morning, a quarter to 10:00, Ducasse performed his usual routine of visiting Kilgrave for the exchange. Unbeknownst to him, he was being tailed by Jones. Ducasse briefly stopped at the center of the park before meeting with Kilgrave at the section of the park where the older fellas play chess. Ducasse handed Kilgrave a large yellow envelope, and in return, Kilgrave handed him back a smaller one. The following morning, a quarter to 10:00, Ducasse went back to the park, where a woman under the compulsion of Kilgrave told him to meet him at the kiosk. At a new stand in Central Park, he stood by as the stand owner scolded and insulted Kilgrave, witnessing as Kilgrave then commanded the owner to throw hot coffee in his face before walking away.

Ducasse and Kilgrave spot Jessica Jones

Days later, like clockwork, a quarter to 10:00, Ducasse went to meet with Kilgrave., first stopping in the park, where he got word of Kilgrave's location from someone under his compulsion. Still, Ducasse remained unaware that he was being followed by Jones. Ducasse then met with Kilgrave outside a cafe, with Jones not far behind, and her team, waiting for her word to act. Just like before, Ducasse handed over a large orange envelope and Kilgrave gave him back a smaller one in return. Before they could complete the transaction, Jones arrived just as Kilgrave is shot with a tranquilizer.

Saving Himself

Jessica Jones' Test

Ducasse returned to his apartment and called Tweaky to bring him a supply of drugs, since he did not get the drugs that Kilgrave usually provided; Tweaky arrived, but became upset upon learning that Ducasse did not have any money. He tried to bargain with the drug dealer, telling her that she could have his television and computer printer in exchange for the supply; Tweaky laughed, citing that she did not need a printer and her television was better. Ducasse became anxious and thrashed his arms; the sudden move caused Tweaky to draw her gun and threaten to castrate Ducasse if he continued to act up. Suddenly, Jessica Jones entered the apartment and disarmed Tweaky. As Jones escorted Tweaky out, the drug dealer taunted Ducasse by saying that if Jones had money, she could buy the drugs for him.

Ducasse suffers the withdrawal symptoms in Jones' bathroom

As Ducasse attempted to go after her, Jones proceeded to throw him against his bed; Ducasse told her that she could not save him again this time. Jones proceeded to handcuff Ducasse to the toilet in her bathroom to keep him from attempting to get high. Without the drugs, Ducasse's body began to suffer. Ducasse attempted to convince Jones that he was no longer a good person, pointing out that most of the time he took pictures of her for Kilgrave just so he would supply him with the drugs. Jones then proceeded to explain to Ducasse that during the months that she was enthralled by Kilgrave, that there was some part of her willpower that fought to escape from him and that she was still fighting. She further revealed that if Ducasse gave up on himself, then she will lose as Kilgrave only ruined him so that she would have another death on her hands. Jones presented him a choice: fight the addiction and become an altruistic and kind human being again or take the drugs that she had paid for him. After some initial thought, Ducasse took Jones words to heart and fought his addiction the entire night and threw the drugs away, effectively setting him on the path of getting himself clean through willpower.

Ducasse and Jessica Jones discuss Kilgrave

Ducasse, still with Jones, explained the beauty behind Kilgrave's powers. No one knows how he does it. It can't be explained, so it can't be believed, though Jones only needed to know where he did it, so that she could catch him. Ducasse suggested that they pool their information on Kilgrave so that maybe they could hone in on his limitations. However, Jones was far past discussing Kilgrave. Then, there was a knock at the door. On the other side was Luke Cage. He wanted to hire Jones. However, Ducasse didn't trust Cage, as he suspected that he might've been under Kilgrave's compulsion. As it turned out, he wasn't, and Jones sent Ducasse home.

Ducasse questioning Luke Cage

Ducasse approached Cage to ask if he's been approached by Kilgrave as he still remained uncertain that Cage was acting of his own free will. Cage seemed baffled by Ducasse's line of questioning, though he could tell that Ducasse was interested in Jones. And so, he warned him to tread lightly and not get attached. Ducasse then told Cage to reserve whatever issues he had as Jones had already been through hell, and saved Ducasse from the same. Cage asked if this hell he referred to had anything to do with Kilgrave, which it did.

Ducasse attending survivors meeting

The following morning, Ducasse revealed to Jones that he attended one of the meetings for the Kilgrave survivors as Jones had previously suggested. That night, Ducasse attended another meeting for the Kilgrave survivors. He shared his story with them, how Kilgrave turned him into a liar, addict, and thief. However, the question remained if that was in Ducasse to begin with or if that's part of who he is now.

Helping Jessica Jones

Ducasse helped Jones back to her apartment after finding her drunk on the elevator. In her bed, they found Ruben's body. The bed soaked in blood and in Ruben's hand, a knife. Kilgrave made him kill himself. Ducasse wanted to call the police, but with this being the third death that Jones was connected to, she feared the police would arrest her. Jones could only think of one way to stop Kilgrave, and that was for her to be sent to the super max prison, a hi-tech mousetrap, where he'd inevitably come for her. Ducasse tried to talk Jones out of it, but she needed proof of Kilgrave using his powers. Before going, she needed to get her affairs in order, and she wanted Ducasse to disappear as she could no longer protect him.

Instead of disappearing as Jones told him, Ducasse returned to her apartment. He was spotted by Robyn as he exited her apartment. Robyn suspected that something was going on between Jones and her brother. Ducasse claimed that they were involved.

Ducasse called Walker over to Jones' apartment, where he revealed to her that Kilgrave killed Ruben. And he needed Walker's help to stop Jones from turning herself in at 8:00 PM. After leaning up the blood, Ducasse took the body down to the docks, where he dumped it into the river. Jones found him soon thereafter. She jumped into the river, reovered Ruben's head and proceeded with her plan.

Search for Ruben

Knowing of Ruben's demise, Ducasse continued to keep his death a secret from Robyn, helping her out in posting flyers around the area for any information on Ruben's whereabouts.

One night with the remaining members of the Kilgrave Victim Support Group, Ducasse asked around if anyone wanted to continue to share their story. When no one volunteered, he willingly shared his story, mentioning his recent help with a friend; he told them that Kilgrave had planned to frame her for the death of their neighbor and that he kept it a secret for a while, having dumped his body in the river. Unaware, Robyn revealed that she had heard everything and intervened. Distraught, she quickly blamed Ducasse for betraying her in dumping his body and attack the group for their lack of anger for what they had gone through. Robyn continued to question Jones and her lack in informing the group on Kilgrave. Rebelling against Ducasse's wishes, she managed to bring Donald and Jackson alongside her to storm Alias Investigations Office to attack Jones.

Only seconds ahead of them, Ducasse warned Jones that Robyn and two others were planning to attack. While Robyn had knocked Jones unconscious, Ducasse was unable to fend off Jackson and Donald. Now, a freed Kilgrave, Ducasse, Robyn, Donald, and Jackson were enthralled and taken away.

Enthralled Again

Unbeknownst to Ducasse, Robyn followed him to his support group, and after hearing him confess to lying and disposing of Ruben's body, Robyn rallied Donald and Jackson, and together the three of them barged into Jones' apartment and attacked her. In the back, Robyn found Kilgrave and set him free.

At Niku, he, alongside Donald, Jackson, and Robyn, were forced to stand atop a counter with nooses around their necks. They watched as Kilgrave dined with Hope Shlottman by his side. Eventually, Jessica Jones arrived with Albert Thompson. While the two negotiated, Kilgrave ordered the four to step forward when Jones threatened to harm him. After Thompson was forced to walk to his son's side, Jones had believed that Shlottman would freed; however, when Shlottman breaks a wine glass and used the stub to stab her neck, Ducasse and the others did as commanded and stepped forward, unable to free themselves. Jones managed to knock the pipe from the ceiling and grounded the victims before rushing to Shlottman, unable to save her from bleeding out. Ducasse comforted Robyn, having experienced Kilgrave's control.

After Jones cleaned her hands of Shlottman's blood, she quickly tried to persuade the others to follow along and tell the police a lie: a girl came into Niku, had too many drinks, and willingly committed suicide before they could intervene. Despite a few protests, Ducasse convinced everyone to do so. Each told the story before separating.

Ducasse arranged another group meeting, but no one showed, with the exception of Robyn, who only came to warn him to stop group-texting his location to a bunch of strangers. She feared Kilgrave could've gotten to any of them. As far as Robyn was concerned, no one could help anyone, but Ducasse refused to believe that. Ducasse returned to his apartment, where he saw that someone had broken into Jones' place. He contemplated calling her, but ultimately decided to go one about his business.

Robyn

Later, Ducasse informed Jones that he was leaving New York City after developing feeling lonely since meeting her. Ready to leave his apartment, he heard Robyn arguing with a postal delivery woman upstairs and escalates the situation, informing Robyn that the package was for Ruben. Sitting alongside her, he listened to her speak about Ruben.

Ducasse brought Robyn to the dump site, allowing her to say a prayer.

Alias Investigations

Having been freed by Jeri Hogarth, Jessica Jones returned to her apartment-office, stressed yet relieved that she had removed Kilgrave as a threat. Receiving a load of voice mails and calls from potential clients demanding her help, Jones sat at her desk, too drained to give any of them a response; Ducasse approached her phone and answered a call for Jones, asking the caller how the agency could help with their case.

Malcolm helps Jessica Jones in locating the origin of the call

John Raymond's Case

Letting himself inside Alias Investigations Office, Ducasse took the kitchen, informing Jones that he was only there for a soda. He traveled, however, to Jones and glanced over her shoulder at her laptop, questioning if she had taken another case. Requesting he not be by her shoulder, she informed Ducasse that she originally did not want to take the case but received a call warning that Jones not take the case on. He recommended that she should attempt to trace where the call was made. After learning it originated from a payphone, Ducasse disclosed a place he used to visit during his enthrall; Jones grabbed her jacket and left, asking Ducasse to leave as she went.

Malcolm is held hostage while Jessica Jones attempts to descalate John Raymond

When Jones returned to her apartment building, she takes note that the door was ajar and becomes alert. Entering inside, she sighed, believing it was Ducasse letting himself inside. However, she found Ducasse is taken hostage by her suspect John Raymond. As Jones tried to disengage Raymond, Ducasse made a comment that he was barely on the payroll for working for Alias Investigations. Soon, everyone witnessed as Elektra slashed the locks and Raymond fire a bullet into his head. Though Ducasse asked if Jones was well, she stormed after Elektra. Both Jones and Ducasse are taken into police custody for questioning.

Under Police Protection

Malcolm and the others listen to an announcement from Misty Knight

Under the request of Jessica Jones, Ducasse went to the 29th Precinct Police Station, meeting with Trish Walker. He sat next to her and was asked by Walker if he knew that Jones had connections with Daredevil; she also believed that the tremors were associated with the people that threatened them.

Continuing Helping

"You take the day off."
"Thanks, but I need to work, or I get myself into trouble. It's an addict thing."

―Jessica Jones and Malcolm Ducasse^[src]

Ducasse, once more, stood inside Alias Investigations Office. Standing in a chair, he told Jones that he figured he would try to fix the gunshot patches in the wall, brushing plaster across the holes.

Continuing to make repairs to the wall, Ducasse aided in keeping track of cases that walk into the office.

Confronting Max Tatum

Ducasses confronted Tatum

"Take my wallet. Here, here's the keys."
"I don't want your damn car. I want you to admit what you did to Trish Walker."
"Aw, listen, buddy. Whatever Trish told you, she's the one who started it. She crawled into my bed. Shit! You broke my nose!"

―Max Tatum and Malcolm Ducasse^[src]

Ducasse got a call from Walker, asking for his help in an investigation. She also asked that he keep this from Jones, They met on a movie set, where she asked Ducasse to record her interaction with Tatum, during which time Walker demanded that he grant her access to Metro-General Hospital. Should he refuse, she threatened to go public about what happened between them. After learning he sexually abused Walker when she was 15 years old. He approached Tatum by his car and demanded that he confess. Tatum claimed that Walker started the incident when she crawled into his bed. This angered Ducasse so much that he punched Tatum.

Tricking Steven Benowitz

"What is this? Who are you?"
"Someone who, if he was doing his job, would use all this to blackmail you. But I'm not gonna do it. It's too ugly, even for me."

―Steven Benowitz and Malcolm Ducasse and Steven Benowitz^[src]

Ducasse told Benowitz that Linda Chao sent him

Ducasse found a lead that would help him get to Benowitz. A down town bar known as Whiskers. Ducasse entered the bar and took a seat next to Benowitz, who was clearly there for a hookup. Ducasse explained that this was not his intent and told Benowitz to go home to his family and tell his wife the truth. Benowitz asked who Ducasse was, to which he replied that he's someone, who if he was doing his job, would use this to blackmail Benowitz. Instead, he was helping him. Benowitz demanded to know who sent him. Ducasse revealed it was Linda Chao. Ducasse advised Benowitz to get dirt on Chao so that he was protected. Ducasse followed Benowitz out the bar and offered to help him take down Chao. Benowitz told Ducasse to start with the offshore holdings and Kaxton shell corporation.

Betraying Jessica

Ducasse quit Alias Investigations

"Everything that I've done for you, peeling your sorry ass off the floor every single morning, working late every single night just to keep this sinking ship afloat? Why do you think I did all that?"
"Because you have nowhere else to be."
"Because I believe in you and what we could do."

―Malcolm Ducasse and Jessica Jones^[src]

In agreeing to help Walker track down Karl Malus, Ducasse had betrayed Jones' trust, as this ultimately landed Walker in the hospital as she attempted to gain powers much like Jones. The procedure nearly killed her, and Jones partially blamed Ducasse for this. Ducasse apologized to Jones as he thought he was helping Jones by helping Walker. He was unaware of her goal to use Malus to gain powers. Jones wasn't interested in his excuses. She accused him of obsessing over everyone else's problems rather than dealing with his own. She didn't care what he did from that moment forward, so long as he did it far away from her. After all he'd done for Jones and to keep Alias Investigations afloat, Ducasse couldn't believe Jones treated him in such a manner. Jones was hurt as she wasn't used to relying on people, so for Ducasse to let her down in the way he did changed everything. So, she fired him from Alias.

Meeting with Linda Chao

Ducasse getting payed off by Hogarth

"You're aware of the nature of my client's business?"
"Not an unfamiliar world to me."
"My partner–"
"Mr. Benowitz?"
"He has contacts overseas who can handle your client's assets with discretion."
"Even the simplest transactions can get complicated by government agencies."
"Which are full of little men with littler bank accounts. They just require the right incentive."

―Malcolm Ducasse and Linda Chao^[src]

Ducasse arranged a meeting with Jeri Hogarth's business partner, Linda Chao, a meeting that he secretly recorded. Afterward, he stopped by Hogarth's apartment to share his discovery in hopes of stealing Jessica Jones' case as Ducasse had since gone freelance. In the meeting with Chao, they discussed Steven Benowitz and his contacts overseas. In short, Ducasse had Chao on camera admitting to laundering drug money. With this information providing Hogarth with all the leverage she needed, she paid Ducasse for his services.

Under Cheng Consulting Management

"Is it legal?"
"That is entirely up to you."
"When do we start?"
"Welcome to Jeryn Hogarth and Associates."

―Malcolm Ducasse and Jeri Hogarth^[src]

Ducasse met with Pryce Cheng and accepted the offer to become an employee of Cheng Consulting Management. The two met with Hogarth and Associates, in which they discussed a case, asked about confidentiality from Cheng and Ducasse and the legality of the case.

Working for Hogarth

"Look, I'm willing to pay my dues. I just want to make sure this is worth it."
"Well, with the experience you get here, along with my eventual recommendation, you'll be able to launch your own P.I. firm."

―Malcolm Ducasse and Jeri Hogarth^[src]

This section needs a rewrite

Ducasse arrived at the scene of a car crash. Apparently, Cody Willamet, drunk driver and professional baseball player, jumped a curve a hit another driver, who suspected that Willamet was jerking off while driving. The injured driver wanted to sue him. Ducasse recommenced against it for several reasons. Although, there was at least one thing the injured driver could get out of this, that being Willamet’s truck. Ducasse approached Willamet with a transfer of title document and told him to sign it. He returned to the injured driver with the transfer and told him that the car was now his, so long as he agreed to keep the accident to himself.

Ducasse met with Hogarth to give her the nondisclosure agreement from the latest guy Willamet almost killed, though Ducasse is skeptical of his role in allowing an entitled drunk like Cody Willamet back on the road. Ducasse reminded Hogarth that he’s an investigator, not a fixer, though she required both. She hoped to keep Ducasse around and assured him that it would all be worth it. With the experience he would gain from working with her and her eventual recommendation, he would be able to launch his own P.I. firm. While Ducasse is a valuable asset, before they can move further, Hogarth needed to know that he’s with her.

As it turned out, Ducasse had not yet gotten over letting Willamet walk, and so he had been following him. He watched from his car as Willamet exited a restaurant drunk, with his girlfriend telling him that he’s too drunk to drive, though Willamet was far too belligerent to adhere to her warnings. Willamet then pulled off in his car with Ducasse on his tail. Willamet pulled up to a stop sign, not only drunk, but texting while driving. As he drove forward, he was hit from the side by Ducasse, who then exited his car and fled the scene.

Investigating Peter Lyonne

This section needs a rewrite

"Actually, I found something that could destroy Peter's marriage. And send him to jail."
"What is it?"
"If you're gonna use me as your pimp I'd need more than a temp desk in the file room."
"Leveraging my private life against me? Malcolm, I don't think I like this side of you."
"Neither do I. Which is why I'm also gonna need a new employment contract with some financial incentives. I just sent you a number."

―Malcolm Ducasse and Jeri Hogarth^[src]

Hogarth called Ducasse into her office. She was very much aware of his and Okonjo's relationship, though she didn’t care, so long as the two of them signed a consent form. As for the assignment she called him in for, it was to stay between the two of them. She needed a workup on Peter Lyonne. She wanted to know what he was hiding.

Disguised as a student, Ducasse infiltrated the university and broke into Lyonne’s office. He hacked into Lyonne’s hard drive and gained access to his laptop, allowing him full surveillance. Lyonne returned as Ducasse was leaving the office. Lyonne mistook him for a student in need of assistance and invited him in. Ducasse claimed his name was Darryl and that he was looking to transfer into Lyonne’s seminar. Lyonne, completely unsuspecting, fell for Ducasse’s story.

Ducasse, sitting right across of Okonjo, began his surveillance on Peter Lyonne, having previously gained access through his laptop camera. His only discovery was that Lyonne was having an affair. So, when Okonjo snatched his headphones out his laptop so that he could hear her talking to him, she mistook his assignment for porn, which she was perfectly fine with. She actually wanted to watch it with him, which led to them having sex.

Ducasse revealed to Hogarth that Peter Lyonne was having an affair, though that wasn’t enough. Hogarth needed more. She wanted him to dig deeper.

Ducasse continued his investigation into Peter Lyonne from his office. He is interrupted by Okonjo. He’d been struggling, which now had him wondering if he was working for the firm or Hogarth. However, he can’t divulge to Okonjo what he knows due to the contract he signed.

Ducasse returned to his office to discover that someone had broken in. They had been looking into Sal Blaskowski’s file. When he discovered that the intruder was still there, a fight ensued. Walker revealed herself to Ducasse. She also told him how the procedure worked, allowing her to do things now to help people. Walker asked Ducasse not to tell Hogarth as it would do more damage than it's worth to the both of them. After thinking it over, he let her go.

Ducasse met up with Hogarth to share what he had dug up on Peter Lyonne. He had to dig deep, looking into his past, private life, and family, even his wife’s yearbook, where he discovered a photo of Hogarth and Kith. Ducasse realized that Hogarth wanted him to destroy Peter so that she could then steal his wife. Hogarth was not pleased, as she gave Ducasse an assignment and he failed to deliver. However, Ducasse did find something that could destroy Peter’s life and send him to jail. But, he would only reveal it if given a promotion. After Hogarth reluctantly agreed, he informed her that Lyonne had been making withdrawals from the scholarship fund that he and Kith set up in their daughter’s memory. He used the cash to buy gifts for his girlfriends. Sometimes pays their rent. Ducasse suggested distributing this information to all of Peter Lyonne’s contacts without it being traced back to them. Hogarth decided against sharing this information, as it would not only destroy his life, but Kith’s. However, while laying in bed, Ducasse got a message from Hogarth, telling him to release the incriminating info on Peter Lyonne.

Ducasse got a call from Hogarth, who informed him that Lyonne stopped by her apartment earlier that morning and accused her of orchestrating the destruction of his marriage. He was very upset and he might come by the office, where they could run into each other. Should that happen, Lyonne would have all the proof he needed. So, Ducasse decided to take some time off. He then disconnected the live feed he had to Lyonne’s laptop.

Protecting Brianna Gelden

"I've done some things, and you know, it's not who I want to be."
"Who do you want to be?"
"Someone who's effective, who... who takes care of people. A man."

―Malcolm Ducasse and Brianna Gelden^[src]

This section needs a rewrite

Ducasse was approached by Jones and Gelden, who asked that he protect his sister Brianna. Initially reluctant, Ducasse eventually agreed. He deduced that they wanted to keep Brianna close by because she’s Erik’s sister. Ducasse then asked for the specifics, such as who he’d be protecting her from.

Ducasse walked out the bathroom to find Brianna destroying his apartment in search of her earring. He proceeded to find the earring in matter of seconds. He then instructed her to take her meds, but she refused. Gor knocked on the door as Brianna had called him to come pick her up, much to Ducasse’s surprise. When he tried to prevent Brianna from leaving, Gor punched him in the face. He left, with Brianna right behind him.

Ducasse confronted Jones as she got off the elevator. He told her that Brianna called Gor, who sucker punched him. Ducasse had just spent the entire night searching street corners and hooker hotels. He only came back to check her priors, regular haunts, and from that he got leads. Jones informed Ducasse how she had discovered the body parts of Sallinger's kills and where he might be able to find her.

Ducasse followed Jones’ lead and found Brianna. However, before taking her back to the apartment, Ducasse attacked Gor. He punched Gor, who then pulled out a knife, only for Ducasse to disarm him and beat him up to the point of unconsciousness. After taking out Gor, Ducasse informed Brianna that Sallinger took her brother and that she could be next.

Brianna entered Ducasse’s room as he was lifting weights. She noticed something was wrong and asked what it was. She was the second person to ask him that and he didn’t have an answer. He didn’t know what was wrong with him. He’d done some things and that’s not who he wanted to be. He wanted to be someone who’s effective and took care of people. A real man. Brianna came onto him. Unzipping his pants and pleasuring him. At the same time, Ducasse got a call from Okonjo, which he chose to ignore.

Taking on the Sallinger Case

"Look, Hogarth will do whatever it takes to keep her firm afloat, but putting a serial killer back on the streets, that's where I get off."

―Malcolm Ducasse to Trish Walker^[src]

This section needs a rewrite

Ducasse arrived at the firm to find Okonjo and Hogarth in a meeting with Sallinger, talking down on Jones and supers. Ducasse interrupted and introduced himself. After learning that Ducasse had trained under Jones, Sallinger questioned his allegiance.

As Hogarth escorted Sallinger out, Ducasse told Okonjo that he was very much against her taking on this case. As for his face, it happened while doing a job for Jones. Okonjo told Ducasse to either reveal to her what his problem is or else they would be over. Ducasse’s problem was that Okonjo was in business with a serial killer. Alleged killer, Hogarth retorted. It was not their job to assess guilt or innocence. Hogarth ordered Okonjo to look for more reports on the masked woman. Ducasse volunteered to run background on Sallinger as it’ was his job to assess and manage risk. Hogarth agreed though Okonjo didn’t believe he was being objective.

Ducasse approached Gillian and asked where Jones was. She informed him that Jones was away, looking into Sallinger's past. He requested everything Jones had on Sallinger, but Gillian refused. Ducasse called Jones, but got Walker. He revealed that he was taking on the Sallinger case. While Hogarth may be defending Sallinger, Ducasse thought that putting him in jail was far more important. Ducasse worried that Sallinger would soon claim his next victim and wanted access to Jones’ background on him while he kept eyes on him. Walker agreed with this, telling Gillian to give Ducasse access to the files.

Ducasse stalked Sallinger all the way to the community center. He watched from outside the gym as Sallinger taught a wrestling class. Jones arrived soon thereafter, after tracing Ducasse’s phone. Jones informed Ducasse that they found what they needed upstate to get Sallinger. Although, they can’t bring him in quite yet. Sallinger noticed Jones watching him from outside the door and invited her in, though Ducasse remained hidden.

Unmasking the Masked Vigilante

"You know, I really thought about it doing what you asked. For Zaya's sake. I thought about unmasking a woman who, for all of her flaws, is at least trying to be a hero. While you protected a man– No, while we protected a man who carves people up for sport. And if that's what you want from me, if that's what Zaya wants from me, I'm out."

―Malcolm Ducasse to Jeri Hogarth^[src]

This section needs a rewrite

Ducasse was called into Hogarth's office, where she and Okonjo played the footage of his encounter with the masked vigilante. However, it seemed as if the footage had been edited and instead of an altercation between Ducasse and Walker, followed by the two peacefully parting ways, Ducasse entered his office and walked right back out. They believed this woman to be partnered with Jones. Hogarth thought she was being targeted by the two, and so she wanted the second vigilante unmasked, no matter the cost.

Okonjo demanded to know why she should’ve protected Ducasse when he’d been lying to her. Okonjo admitted to editing the footage. But if Hogarth found out, they’d both be terminated. Ducasse defended to vigilante, claiming that she wasn't the villain that she was being made out to be. Ducasse knew the vigilante’s identity, but wouldn’t reveal it. Okonjo's dad was in the CIA and he always kept secrets. She knew the feeling all too well. Okonjo worried that Ducasse would disappear into his job. The vigilante was trying to stop a killer, Ducasse explained. Zaya continued to question just how well Ducasse knew the woman and she wondered if the vigilante’s mission was more important than their relationship.

Ducasse revealed to Jones that knew that Walker had powers and that she was the masked vigilante. While he was initially concerned, now that she and Jones were a team, he was less worried. He thought they’d keep each other in check. Ducasse informed Jones of how Hogarth assigned him to unmask Walker, which he had no intentions of doing.

Ducasse questioned if a press conference was the right way to go about it. He believed Sallinger to be the real threat to the city, not the masked vigilante. While Hogarth may be offering a cash reward, Ducasse was still tasked with unmasking the woman. And if she had to pay the reward because Ducasse failed, then there would be a problem. Before he could make his next move, Ducasse got a call from Jones, who needed his help. More importantly, Walker needed his help. There was a key to Walker’s apartment in Jones’ top desk drawer. Jones needed him to take her some clothes and her passport, to which Ducasse agreed.

Ducasse arrived at Walker's hotel room with her clothes. He mentioned how he was sorry for what happened to her mother. Despite doing everything right, Sallinger still won, which deeply frustrated her. Ducasse assured Walker that the bad guys didn’t always win. But to her, they won enough for her not to want to be a vigilante anymore.

Ducasse revealed to Hogarth that the security footage of the masked woman in the file room had been doctored by him. And on a USB, he had the missing footage, in which Hogarth would see Ducasse as he caught her breaking in and then let her go. He then quit as Hogarth simultaneously fired him. They’d been on the same page for some time, building a future together. Hogarth mentioned Okonjo, possibly suspecting that she had some involvement even after Ducasse assured Hogarth she didn’t. She accused Ducasse of not only vilifying her and her life’s work but stealing from her and lying. She reminded him of what they’d both done and how he was no better than her. Ducasse thought about doing what Hogarth asked of him, for Okonjo’s sake. Unmasking the woman vigilante, who for all her flaws, was at least trying to be a hero, while they protected a serial killer. If that's what Hogarth wanted from him, then Ducasse was out. In that, Hogarth realized that Ducasse knew the identity of the vigilante.

Teaming Up with Jones

"It was a bad fit. Which is why I left. To do better. Be better."
"To help Jessica, you mean. And that masked vigilante."

―Malcolm Ducasse and Zaya Okonjo^[src]

This section needs a rewrite

Ducasse told Jones how he was just questioned by two detectives, who claimed Jones killed a cop, and with that, Ducasse offered his services. Jones only had one suspect, that being Gelden, and so she wanted Ducasse to tail him. However, given Nussbaumer’s history, there could’ve been someone else who wanted him dead, and it was up to them to find out who. Ducasse started with finding what the cops had. Before parting ways, he told Jones how he no longer worked for Hogarth. While working for her, he did some things that changed him.

Ducasse returned with Nussbaumer's police files. Inside were photos of Nussbaumer and the crime scene. One in particular caught their eye. Nussbaumer's badge had been ripped off. Ducasse exited Jones apartment to find Okonjo in the hallway. She found out he had gotten fired, but Ducasse explained that he left to do better. Okonjo accused him of helping Jones and the masked vigilante. Ducasse thought he was better equipped to help people who actually needed it. She wondered if he was leaving her behind along with the firm. Ducasse had done bad things, but he blamed it on no one but himself. Although, he did admit that he felt as if he was being pressured into being something he wasn’t. And so, he needed some time.

Ducasse and Gillian awaited Jones’ return. Once she did, she sent Ducasse the photos she took of the Montero file. Jace Montero was someone that Gelden had been tracking, and he had a file just like that on Nussbaumer. Jones suspected that he was a target and wanted Ducasse to look into it.

Ducasse called Jones to inform her that Jace Montero was a property developer with a new building going up at 130th and Amsterdam. He was still alive, but also a dick. Much like the rest of Gelden’s marks. He may even be a murderer. A couple of his buildings conveniently burned down, killing people, and Gelden’s files showed big insurance payouts.

As Ducasse was preparing to leave for Dorothy’s service, he got a surprise visit from Brianna. She no longer went by Berry and was now looking for a job and a place to stay. She wanted to prove she was okay before telling her brother she was back in town. She just needed someone to give her a second chance, to which Ducasse agreed to give her just that. Ducasse helped Brianna get settled in before leaving for the service. She knew it was a lot to take her in, but Ducasse insisted that she stay as long as she needed. She assured Ducasse that he was a good guy despite what he might’ve thought about himself. Suddenly, Ducasse kissed Brianna and she kissed him back. They proceeded to get undress and have sex.

Trapping Hellcat

"If this was my play, you'd be in police custody."
"What, because you're all about justice? Helping Hogarth exonerate rapists and murderers?"
"You're right. I have a lot to make up for."

―Malcolm Ducasse and Trish Walker^[src]

This section needs a rewrite

Ducasse answered his door to find Gelden on the other side. Jones had called him. She needed something from the two of them. Ducasse thought that Brianna had told Gelden that she was back in town, and before they could talk any further, Brianna came through the door with groceries in hand. Ducasse insisted that he was just doing her a solid, but Gelden was upset that she didn’t tell him she left Georgia. He eventually got over it and the two shared a hug. Back to the reason that Gelden was there. Jones needed their help to save Walker, though Ducasse wanted to let the cops handle her. However, Gelden insisted that it wasn’t Walker’s fault and that he was being paid by Jones, so he had to help.

Jones escorted Sallinger home and waited for Walker to arrive. With binoculars in hand, Jones watched as Walker got onto the neighboring roof and looked through binoculars of her own at Sallinger's apartment. Jones hid behind a wall, so not to expose her presence. Jones then came up with a plan. While Walker was distracted, Ducasse and Gelden sneaked up behind her and tasered her. After knocking Walker unconscious, Gelden zip-tied her, and Ducasse messaged Jones.

Walker woke up the next morning, chained up in her apartment. Ducasse had been tasked with watching over her. If it were up to him, Walker would be in police custody. While he no longer believed in Walker, Jones did. Walker maintained her stance that Nussbaumer and Montero got what they deserved, however, Ducasse didn’t think they’re reckoning was her job. Walker explained that she too had a lot to make up for. She was hoping to balance the scales. Ducasse questioned if Walker ever missed the person she used to be, but she didn’t respond.

Even while chained up, Walker managed to get her routine exercise in. Ducasse passed her a bottle of water and explained that he did that too. It helped keep the cravings at bay. "Once an addict, always an addict." Walker claimed that it was just exercise. While Ducasse agreed that chaining her up was messed up, he refused to let her go. Walker thought she knew Ducasse, but in actuality, he was just an asshole. He replied that his ex-girlfriend would agree with that. Ducasse loved her, but the man that she loved, the good guy, that wasn’t Ducasse anymore. So he cheated on her with a hooker. And rather than owning up to it, he made her believe that she was the problem so that he didn’t have to see the look on her face when she realized who he really was. Ducasss asked Walker if he deserved to be executed for it, but it was hardly on the level of what Sallinger did. Ducasse admitted that he destroyed lives. Some people may think that he deserved to die for that.

Ducasse asked if Walker still dreamed. He didn’t, not after all the things he had done. However, it didn’t seem to bother Walker. Walker didn’t dream. And what she did have were worse than nightmares. She saw Nussbaumer, Montero, and even Jones’ mother, every time she closed her eyes. She did it because she had to. So as long as Sallinger and others like him were free, she didn’t know if she could get her old self back. Jones arrived to report that Sallinger was in jail for good and the photo of Walker had been destroyed. When Walker questioned how, Jones threw her the balled up photo Sallinger took of her.

After Walker killed Sallinger in the elevator of the courthouse, Ducasse entered Jones’ apartment to demand that Walker be stopped. Jones agreed, as she was going after her. Ducasse suggested that she get the cops involved, but if that were to happen, the public would know and chase her out of town. Jones was certain that Walker was still in town as she had to prove Jones wrong.

The following morning, Ducasse and Jones watched a news report detailing the savage assault on Demetri Patseras. Jones hoped that Patseras was at least deserving of the beating. Ducasse reasoned there was a good chance of it as Patseras was connected to Hogarth.

Jones posted a video on the New York Bulletin. In the video, she revealed Walker's identity to the world. After posting the video to the New York Bulletin, Ducasse and Jones waited. They listened to incoming police calls. Gelden arrived soon thereafter. Jones told him to hop on social media and search through the "Find Patsy" hashtag. Ducasse, Jones, and Gelden spent the night doing just that. That morning, Ducasse got a lead. A long-haul trucker said he spotted Walker in a silver Lexus. It was headed East, where the old airport was located. Jones told Ducasse and Gelden to stay behind as she wanted to deal with Walker alone.

Jones packed her bag and left her apartment. On her way out, she handed Ducasse the keys to Alias Investigations and told him not to screw it up.

Personality

"I loved her so much. But the man that she loved, that... that good guy, that just wasn't me. So I cheated on her. With a hooker, no less. And rather than owning up to it, I made her believe that it was her, just so that I didn't have to see that look on her face when she realized who I really was."

―Malcolm Ducasse to Trish Walker^[src]

Malcolm Ducasse is an openingly kind and supportive individual whom strove to aid those in their time of need. Because of his upbringing, he commonly volunteered and sheltered anyone desperate.

Upon becoming enthralled by Kilgrave, however, Ducasse sought the use of drugs to keep a high and keep a low profile when in public. He commonly ventured too distant from reality, commented on how he saw and heard things that were not there.

Sobering from drug addiction, Ducasse has progressed into a subtle sex addiction. He has also expressed that he desired honesty from those around him, confronting Trish Walker when she chose to not inform her adoptive sister of her usage of the Combat Enhancer Inhaler or learning that Jessica Jones has been protecting her murderous mother since abandoning her teaching role and the Hogarth case.

Abilities

"Malcolm's got a knack for spying. Could be his alt career if Kilgrave doesn't O.D. him first."

―Jessica Jones^[src]

• Expert Spy: Under the thrall of Kilgrave and in his quest to buy drugs, Ducasse had proved to be a good spy, being able to take pictures of Jessica Jones, a master detective and highly observant person, without her noticing. Even when using police surveillance videos, Jones was not able to detect him until she was given other clues. He used the fact that most people ignored or excused him to his advantage. She told Trish Walker that Ducasse could make that a career under different circumstances.
• Investigator: Under the reluctant tutelage of his boss Jessica Jones, Malcolm Ducasse became an extremely talented investigator, impressing fellow investigator Pryce Cheng. He managed to seek out information for Jeri Hogarth on her associates Linda Chao and Steven Benowitz, choosing to lure out secrets while staying on their good sides. Ducasse also aided Walker in locating Karl Malus through the location data that was left on images taken from Jones' cellphone.
• Bilingualism: Ducasse speaks to the corpse of Ruben in French before disposing of it.
• Combatant: Malcolm was able to fight the thugs that attached him, successfully evading hits and punching them. He was, however, outnumbered and needed Trish Walker's help to defeat them.

Relationships

Family Father Mother Allies Alias Investigations Jessica Jones - Neighbor, Savior and Friend Gillian Robyn - Former Neighbor Ruben † - Former Neighbor Kilgrave Victim Support Group Emma Donald Clair Jackson Louise Thompson † Defenders Luke Cage Matt Murdock Danny Rand Nelson, Murdock and Page Foggy Nelson Karen Page Claire Temple Misty Knight Colleen Wing Robert Coleman/Whizzer † Oscar Arocho - Neighbor Nichelle - Friend and Ex-Girlfriend Inez Green Cheng Consulting Management Pryce Cheng - Former Employer Hogarth and Associates Jeri Hogarth - Former Boss Zaya Okonjo - Ex-Girlfriend Char Erik Gelden Brianna Gelden - Girlfriend

Enemies Kilgrave † - Former Enthraller Tweaky Will Simpson † John Raymond † Hand Elektra Max Tatum Alisa Jones † Linda Chao Steven Benowitz Karl Malus † Cody Willamet Peter Lyonne † Gor Gregory Sallinger † Trish Walker - Former Friend and Former Lover

Trivia

• In the comics, Malcolm Powder is a high school student and fan of Jessica Jones, who begged her for a job at Alias Investigations.

Behind the Scenes

• Justin Clarke and Califf Guzman were stunt doubles for Eka Darville in the role of Malcolm Ducasse.

External Links

• Malcolm Powder on Marvel Databasef