Father David Acosta is the deuteragonist in the TV series Evil, portrayed by Mike Colter. He is a former journalist training to become a Catholic priest, tasked with investigating unexplained phenomena for the Church. Alongside psychologist Kristen Bouchard and tech expert Ben Shakir, David seeks to determine whether cases are caused by supernatural forces or have logical explanations. His character is defined by his faith, personal struggles with addiction, and his open-minded approach to solving mysteries, making him a complex and deeply thoughtful figure in the series.

Trivia/Facts

• Father David Acosta is a main character in the TV series Evil, portrayed by actor Mike Colter. He is training to become a Catholic priest and works as an assessor for the Church. David investigates unexplained mysteries to determine if they are supernatural or have logical explanations. His team includes skeptical psychologist Kristen Bouchard and technical expert Ben Shakir.
• David is a patient and open-minded man who respects other people’s beliefs. Even though he is a Catholic, he does not force his faith on others. He is always ready to explain his beliefs if asked, showing his gentle nature. However, he struggles with personal demons, including addiction, which complicates his journey toward priesthood.
• He is a tall, well-built African American man with neat facial hair and a shaved head. David’s piercing brown eyes reflect his deep thoughts and inner conflicts. He usually dresses in a suit, symbolizing his dedication to the Church and his work. His appearance adds to his calm and composed demeanor, but his inner struggles are often hidden behind this exterior.
• As part of his job, David is sent to different places to investigate cases of possible demonic possession or miracles. He tries to discern whether these cases are due to supernatural forces or psychological issues. One of his notable cases involves Orson LeRoux, a suspected demonic possession. This case leads to his first meeting with Kristen Bouchard, who initially doubts his beliefs.

Mike Colter in Evil (2021)

• Despite their differences, David values Kristen’s skepticism and includes her in his team. He appreciates her logical approach, even though she doesn’t believe in demonic possession. This dynamic helps balance their investigations as they work to find the truth. David respects her perspective and shows humility in admitting that not all cases are clear-cut.
• David’s struggle with addiction often affects his visions, which he believes are religious experiences. His use of drugs causes hallucinations, making it difficult for him to discern between reality and divine intervention. One of his visions involves a wheat field where he witnesses strange, symbolic images. These experiences cause him to question his faith and the source of his visions.
• David becomes suspicious of Leland Townsend, who requests an exorcism. He sees this as another attempt by Townsend to manipulate the Church. David, along with Kristen and Ben, investigates Townsend’s home and uncovers suspicious items, reinforcing their distrust. Despite their findings, the Church forces them to proceed with the exorcism.
• David grows frustrated with the Church’s decision to ignore their assessments and move forward with Townsend’s exorcism. This situation highlights the Church’s susceptibility to manipulation and leaves David feeling powerless. His anger shows his dedication to doing what is right, even when facing institutional pressures. David’s journey is a constant battle between his faith, personal struggles, and the complex cases he investigates.

Vondie Curtis-Hall and Mike Colter in 2 Fathers (2019)

David Acosta’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Kristen Bouchard: David and Kristen have a professional relationship built on mutual respect. While Kristen is a skeptic who doesn’t believe in the supernatural, David values her logical thinking and appreciates her perspective. Over time, they develop a strong partnership, even though they sometimes disagree on their beliefs. Their differences make their teamwork more effective, as David balances faith with Kristen’s skepticism.
• Ben Shakir: Ben is the technical expert on David’s team, and they share a good working relationship. Ben is also skeptical of the supernatural, similar to Kristen, but he respects David’s dedication to his work. David values Ben’s knowledge of science and technology, which helps them approach cases from all angles. Despite their different beliefs, they trust and support each other during investigations.

Andrea Martin and Mike Colter in The Angel of Warning (2022)

• Leland Townsend: David sees Leland as a dangerous and manipulative person. Leland constantly tries to undermine David and his team by creating chaos and sowing doubt. David is deeply suspicious of Leland’s intentions, especially when Leland requests an exorcism. Their relationship is filled with tension, as David tries to protect the Church from Leland’s schemes.
• David Acosta and the Church: David has a complex relationship with the Catholic Church. While he is committed to his faith and priesthood, he sometimes disagrees with the Church’s decisions, especially when it comes to cases involving Leland Townsend. He feels frustrated when the Church ignores his assessments and allows manipulative people like Leland to influence them. This creates a conflict between David’s personal beliefs and the institution he serves.