What I’m Watching: Doom Patrol

Doom Patrol: Season 1, Episode 6 “Doom Patrol Patrol” (B+)

I was thinking at the start of this episode that it seems like there an awful lot of allies out there who could be helping our friends stop Mr. Nobody, and I was also pretty sure that our group was technically the Doom Patrol. As has been the case since this show began, it’s operating on a completely different level, with each of the members of the Doom Patrol hypnotized by an illusion of both their youth and their mental prowess, which was both highly dangerous and disturbing. Learning more about how Jane came to be able to control her powers through her work with Mento was enlightening, though his betrayal of her privacy was enough to make her doubt herself and ruin that relationship for good. It was extremely surprising to learn that the Chief was married, though that too ended up being just a deception. Mr. Nobody obviously wanted to show them the kind of destruction he’s capable of, and while it was harrowing for them to see the three former heroes in such a horrific state, hopefully it will provide them just the motivation they need to step up and beat him for good. Clay, who was played by Alimi Ballard, onetime recognizable face from “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” having them pose for publicity photos was a particularly powerful last moment to show. Cliff’s lack of understanding around wanting to “facehole” his daughter was humorous at first, but his eventual discovery of her paternal relationship got him much angrier than we’ve seen in a long time. Victor got to have a good moment with his father thanks in part to Cliff’s intervention, and it’s good to see the team slowly building back up to moderately functional.