What I’m Watching: Doom Patrol

Doom Patrol: Season 1, Episode 14 “Penultimate Patrol” (B+)

We’re getting towards the end here, and while I’ve seen some reports that this show was renewed for a second season before the first premiered, I’m not entirely sure that’s the case. This focused hour involved the welcome return of Danny the Street, a friend of Flex’s and a helpful ally who gave them useful information despite still not wanting to cross Mr. Nobody. While their victory wasn’t nearly as decisive as they seemed to think, it’s true that this Doom Patrol isn’t the same team they were the first time Mr. Nobody tried – and succeeded – to get in their heads. Recognizing the situation that was around them was a huge first step, and kudos to Rita for realizing that she too could narrate and take away some of Mr. Nobody’s power. Stripping his ego down was a far more effective manner of combat than Cyborg just showing up to blast him away, though apparently that didn’t actually happen. Shifting to the Chief experiencing a wonderful morning filled with breakfast and followed by the certain destruction of the team over and over was a formidable way of demonstrating that the threat he poses is far from gone, and if he really is so invincible and unstoppable, I don’t know how things can end next episode. Unlike Mr. Nobody, I don’t feel that this show has really gone off-course in the time since its pilot, but it’s still good to return to where it all started. I’m excited for the finale, and I really hope there’s much more of this show after it.