A corrupt politician kept on Blackthorne Shore's moneyed leash, Masterson is introduced by first name alternately as "Charles," "Theodore," and "Wilfred" in different episodes. At Blackthorne's request, he eliminates Earth Corps' government financing and delivers the blueprints disclosing their exosuit technology to Blackthorne's hand, also arranging a full legal pardon to later excuse Blackthorne and Nightcrawler from criminal prosecution. Despite an anemic record in public service, Masterson announces his intention to run for the office of president in a press conference on Liberty Island. When Metlar arrives to make off with the Statue of Liberty, Masterson tries to exploit the situation by arranging a televised rescue effort to boost his political currency — but he ends up requiring rescue himself, later stealing credit when the Statue is voluntarily returned. Asked to define his electoral platform for the benefit of the viewing audience during a televised debate, Masterson weasels with dialogue clumsily borrowed from his two political adversaries only to embarrass himself by making an oxymoronic self-description as "both a conservative liberal and a liberal conservative," exposing himself to easy mockery. Afterwards, Masterson is approached by Blackthorne Shore and the Inhumanoids, who suspend their personal feuding as they plot to manipulate the election in Masterson's favor. Victory slips from his grasp, however, when Auger of Earth Corps decides to run against him, defeating Masterson by a close margin.