I was just another merc trying to survive the neon-drenched hellscape of Night City in 2026, when I stumbled upon a secret so bizarre, so utterly hilarious, it made me question everything I knew about the Federal Intelligence Agency's finest. I'm talking about Solomon Reed, the legendary spy played by Idris Elba in Phantom Liberty, and his shockingly terrible side hustle. I mean, we all knew he was deep undercover, but this deep? The man's commitment to his bouncer persona at the Electric Orgasm bar is so complete, it's almost tragic. Let me tell you, finding him there, standing by the door like a glorified coat rack in those iconic sunglasses, was a moment of pure, unadulterated gaming magic. It's these little details that make Night City feel less like a game world and more like a place where people actually, you know, live... even if they're terrible at their fake jobs.
Going Undercover with the Master Spy (Who Can't Bounce to Save His Life)
So picture this: I'm strolling through Dogtown, minding my own business, when I remember this wild tip from a content creator named Madd Gamer. Apparently, the great Solomon Reed, the FIA's most trusted agent, moonlights as a bouncer at a dive bar. My first thought was, "No way." My second thought was, "I have to see this for myself." And there he was. 
Just chilling by the entrance, looking sharp but utterly out of place. The contrast between the suave, calculating spy from the main missions and this guy pretending to check IDs is comedy gold. I walked up to him, expecting at least a nod of recognition after everything we'd been through together. Nope. Nothing. He hit me with the most generic bouncer lines you can imagine. It was like talking to a very handsome brick wall. The immersion was so real it hurt!
A Great Spy, A Pathetically Unobservant Bouncer
Now, here's where it gets absolutely wild. Reed might be a genius-level operative, but as a bouncer? The man is a total disaster. I decided to test his "skills." I mean, wouldn't you? In the name of science, of course. I pulled out my trusty pistol right there in the Electric Orgasm and started causing a little chaos. I fired a few warning shots into the ceiling. I may have accidentally ventilated a patron or two (hey, it's Night City, these things happen). And Solomon Reed? 
He just stood there. Didn't flinch. Didn't draw a weapon. Didn't even raise an eyebrow behind those shades! He just kept staring into the middle distance, probably thinking about FIA paperwork or his complicated feelings about Songbird. It was the most committed performance to a cover identity I've ever seen. Either his AI was programmed to be blissfully ignorant, or Reed is just that dedicated to pretending he's a minimum-wage employee. Honestly, it's kind of inspiring in a messed-up way.
Why Reed is Secretly the Best Character in Night City
This whole ridiculous situation actually made me appreciate Reed's character even more. Think about it:
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He's one of the only honest people V meets. In a city built on betrayal, Reed actually keeps his word. That's rarer than a peaceful day in Pacifica.
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The man is under unimaginable pressure. He's torn between duty to his country and his personal connections, and he still shows up to his fake job! That's work ethic.
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Idris Elba nailed this role. Everyone thought it was just a big-name cameo, but he gave Reed so much depth and weary gravitas. You feel for the guy, even when he's failing spectacularly at crowd control.
It's a real shame that after Phantom Liberty wraps up, he ghosts Night City. The connection he and V build feels genuine. We need him back! With the sequel cooking in the labs over at CD Projekt Red, I'm keeping all my cyber-fingers crossed for a return. Imagine a mission where V has to extract him from yet another terrible undercover job—maybe he's working as a noodle vendor who can't boil water.
The Legacy of a Legend (and His Side Hustle)
Look, Cyberpunk 2077 in 2026 is a masterpiece that keeps on giving, and Solomon Reed's bizarre double life is a perfect example of why. It's not just a random Easter egg; it's a character detail that adds layers to an already complex man. It tells you that even the best spies have to pay the bills, and sometimes, they're hilariously bad at it. The world feels alive because of stuff like this. So next time you're in Dogtown, do yourself a favor and visit the Electric Orgasm. Buy an overpriced drink, soak in the ambiance, and say hello to the worst bouncer in the history of security. Just don't expect any stimulating conversation. Trust me on that one.
| Aspect | Spy Solomon Reed | Bouncer Solomon Reed |
|---|---|---|
| Competence Level | 🚀 Through the roof | 📉 Sub-basement |
| Conversation Skills | Nuanced, tactical, thoughtful | "ID." "Move along." |
| Reaction to Gunfire | Strategic assessment, swift retaliation | Blank stare, maybe a sigh |
| Overall Vibe | Weary, intelligent, burdened | "Is my shift over yet?" |
Finding him there was a reminder that in Night City, everyone is playing a part, some just more convincingly than others. And sometimes, the most legendary figures are just one missed paycheck away from a really bad day job. Here's to you, Solomon. Keep up the... um... good work?