Coming to America: Semi's Theory

After a viewing of Eddie Murphy's Coming to America in January of 2016, I had an epiphany. What if Arsenio Hall's character Semi isn't just Akeem's servant, but his bastard half brother.

The movie takes place in the 1980s, so Akeem would have been born 21 years earlier, it is fair to say Semi was too, possibly a bit earlier. There wouldn't have been a lot of access to birth control/reproductive health care in Africa at that time. And King Joffy said himself, he liked to have sex with his bathers. Do you really think he's wearing a condom anyways? So on the chance one of his bathers gets pregnant. With that, it would have been highly likely that that bather gave birth to a child and kept him around so his true born son could have a playmate/servant. It's highly unlikely a king would let any of his offspring go away quietly, especially without a second heir to the throne from his wife: Queen Aoleon.

Which brings me to the Queen herself. Why else would Queen Aoleon be less than fond of Semi during the breakfast scene? Semi mentions his mother to the queen, as if trying to suck up; Queen Aoleon is having none of it, her irritation for him reads all over her face.

Next is the gymnasium scene where Semi and Akeem train with quarterstaff. Semi taunts Akeem, spars with him, doesn't hold anything back, with quite paralleled fighting styles - almost like brothers.

When Akeem is presented with his bride and has a chance to talk to Semi about it, Semi objectifies her. Akeem doesn't like the systematic patriarchy-monarchy even though it benefits him. Semi would rather be in his position.

Then comes the trip to America and Queens New York. Akeem is excited to Prince-and-the-Pauper it, Semi is not. Semi probably knows somewhat what what it is like to go 'without' and isn't looking forward to it when Akeem makes that decision.

While it is clearly stated that Semi is Akeem's servant and Semi has to listen to/obey Akeem, it is clear there is a bond between the two. When they go to the bars, when they work, and when MacDowell's gets robbed. Semi is behind the counter and Akeem is in the dining room with the mop. The two do not say a word to each other, and yet clearly communicate that they are going to try and stop the robbery.

When Semi uses their money to fix up the apartment with the hot tub, stereo, tv, and more, Akeem is mad and says, "If you ruined my chances with Lisa, I will never forgive you." The look on Semi's face is almost dismissive. He's not worried about how Akeem feels about him - it doesn't matter. In Semi's mind, it could very well be if Akeem marry's an American commoner, he abdicates. That dismissive look could very well be smug hope.

Patrice comes to the apartment and Semi gets there first and she asks them what the truth is with them. When Akeem gets home from his date with Lisa, Semi has told Patrice that he is the prince and Akeem is the servant. The look on Akeem's face is a big smile: he appreciates the irony. (We'll come back to this later)

Semi has the audacity to ask for over $500,000 from King Joffy like it's no big deal. He doesn't make Akeem do it, he does it himself. He thought it would be easy to get the money, but is then shocked when the king shows up for himself to see what is going on with Akeem in Queens.

Then there is the whole chase around New York City and Queens. Side note: Semi is being bathed, which, if my theory is correct, may have some weird mommy-related issues. At the end of the chase, the royal family Joffy, Aoleon, Akeem, the MacDowells Cleo and Patrice, and Semi are at the MacDowell house. Joffy and Aoleon ask Akeem about his welfare and Patrice is confused saying, "...Why? He's just the servant. He (pointing at Semi) is the prince." The looks on Joffy and Aoleon's faces are somewhere between shock and disgust - as if Semi would have the sheer nerve to tell anyone he's related to Joffy.

After Lisa rejects Akeem, Akeem has accepted he and Lisa are not to be and Semi gets to keep his position. As far as everyone is concerned, everything is going to be status quo.

And doesn't his name make more sense now too--Semi? Semi means half. Half prince in this case.