Swamp Thing
DC Universe
Season 1, Episode 9
“The Anatomy Lesson”
After finishing the penultimate episode of Swamp Thing, I was filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, it has great visual effects and much to my surprise, Swamp Thing gets plenty of screen time. On the other, The Anatomy Lesson is a time tested classic, and when it came to adapting the source material, it appears the writers arrived at class claiming the dog ate their homework.
When translating a story of this magnitude to film, the original content must be treated with respect. Not so say changes can't be made, it's inevitable, but one must tread carefully. Much like the skeleton of Alec Holland that Swamp Thing delivers from the bayou, this take on The Anatomy Lesson merely picks at the bones of the tale that inspired it.
Before the series started, I had concerns about the inclusion of Blue Devil and Xanadu to the cast. There are so many layers to explore within Swamp Thing and Abby's relationship alone, establishing the key players for a potential Justice League Dark spinoff would be too distracting. Until now, the pacing involved in regards to integrating these characters has been pretty good. Even the Phantom Stranger whom I don't believe received a fitting debut has subtly proven to be an effective ringmaster.
I did mention "until now" because Blue Devil is given an integral part to play in this version of The Anatomy Lesson which is completely unnecessary. Sure, I understand the big transformation from Dan Cassidy to Blue Devil also occurred, but it really should've happened three episodes ago. Saving it for such an authoritative chapter is downright annoying.
The resolution of the Avery/Maria rift appears to have been affected by the episode order being cut from thirteen to ten. Avery's revenge is far too convenient. With Maria growing to be such a formidable presence on the show, it's difficult to accept the outcome. Could there be more to come during the finale? Of course, but should this be the conclusion, going out with a whimper wasn't a wise choice. Unlike Blue Devil, the Sunderland's saga is worth watching.
The original Anatomy Lesson was told 35 years ago in the pages of Swamp Thing Vol.2 #21, courtesy of writer Alan Moore. It contained a shocking twist that altered the continuity of Swamp Thing and cemented the issue as one of the greatest stories to ever see print. That's a lot to live up to. Thankfully, the television series kept that element intact. They certainly took a different path to get there, yet the reveal is so good, it's nearly impossible to screw up. A new generation of fans will be scraping their jaws off the floor and that's amazing.
While I have my grievances with how everything played out, there are some really nice touches here. The autopsy scenes are quite horrific. Not only visually, but psychologically as well. The majority of the acting performances were strong per usual, and we finally have a Swamp Thing centric installment to sink our teeth into. The overall quality we've come to expect from the series remains, making it extremely watchable, warts and all.
Did The Anatomy Lesson meet my expectations? Heck no, nor was it the best episode of Swamp Thing to date, which should have been a slam dunk. Next time we see Swamp Thing and company may be the last for a long while. I sincerely hope an epic finale is put on the table.
7 Tubers out of 10
-David Schultz
Originally published on: https://thegww.com/swamp-thing-01x09-review/
Swamp Thing
DC Universe
Season 1, Episode 7
“Brilliant Disguise”
Continuing
from the previous episode, Swamp Thing has produced a spore that allows
Abby (Crystal Reed) to hallucinate and view him as Alec Holland (Andy
Bean). For the uninitiated, this ia a trick used in the comics through
the use of tubers he grows from his body, albeit in the case of Swampy
and Abby, for ahem… lovemaking. While the results appeared uneven at
times, seeing the concept translated onscreen is quite enjoyable. I’m
glad they decided to use that as a storytelling tactic prior to the
series conclusion.
The reunion leads Alec and Abby to the Rot, a force that’s been
addressed previously on the show. The Rot is in constant battle with the
source of Swamp Thing’s powers, the Green. Yet another cool nod to the
source material (there will be more), but Abby has danced with darkness
one too many times and during their trip visiting the Rot’s domain in
the swamp, she becomes infected by it.
The true meat to be had here has nothing to do with the stars, but
rather the supporting cast. There are some outstanding acting
performances and subplots that consistently bring the goods. The trio of
Avery Sunderland (Will Patton), his wife Maria (Virginia Madsen) and
Lucilia Cable (Jennifer Beals) are an absolute tour de force that could
crack your television screen.
Beals
and Patton are paired up after she throws a serious wrinkle into
Avery’s plans to host his benefactor, Nathan Ellery of the Conclave
(told you more comic connections were coming). Avery’s goal is to secure
the funds Jason Woodrue (Kevin Durand) needs to finish his research.
Rather than arriving at dinner on time, Avery ends up in a serious
quagmire. The acting supplants the somewhat predictable outcome to his
troubles and accentuates the suspense. Waiter, can I get more of that
onscreen chemistry, please? Thank you.
Speaking of interesting wrinkles, the script is fully stocked. It
starts with Avery, Lucilia and even her son Matt Cable (Henderson Wade)
joins the fun, but doesn’t stop there. For example, it’s been
established that Woodrue wants to cure his wife of her Alzheimer’s
disease, due to his odd demeanor suspicions are bound to be raised.
Namely, what does Woodrue truly love the most, his spouse or science?
While the episode title Brilliant Disguise
obviously is a reference to Alec and Abby’s adventure, it may actually,
and appropriately, be a metaphor for Maria’s character arc. We’ve seen
her emotional status take many forms. There have been flashes of
strength, but overall she’s been suffering from grief. To the point, it
made her delusional, nearly following the ghost of her daughter Shawna
(Given Sharp) to early death in the murky depths. Not…any…more.
Maria flexes her muscles and we witness how she’s not someone to be
reckoned with. Empowerment is one heck of a drug, which makes you
wonder. Was she always waiting in the weeds ready to strike, or was
losing Shawna for good the straw that broke her back? Either way, it’s a
powerful performance to watch. Madsen knocks the role out of the park
and into oncoming traffic. Which coincidentally, is where one may end up
should they cross Maria Sunderland.
Yet again, there isn’t much Swamp Thing physically to be seen.
Understandably frustrating for some I’m sure, except there’s poetry at
play and it shouldn’t be dismissed. While Abby saw him as Alec again for
a brief time, he remained in the body of a monster. No matter what
transformations or trials lie ahead Alec accepts his fate, but he’s
unwilling to let go of at least one human characteristic, his heart.
Lastly,
still in the source material and speculative vein, I must also note
this installment ends with a severely wounded Avery letting out
blood-curdling scream. What terrifies him so? Could be pain I suppose.
My inner fan, however, cried out Anton Arcane! I know, with three
episodes left, this isn’t the time to have such hopes. But think about
it for a second, how perfect would it be that Brilliant Disguise gave birth to the greatest charlatan Swamp Thing has ever faced? Hmm…
8.5 Tubers out of 10
-David Schultz
Originally published at: https://thegww.com/swamp-thing-01x07-review/
Originally published on
thegww.com
To bring up Swamp Thing in conversation is sure to dust off memories of the 1982 Wes Craven film, the comedy tinted, pseudo-sequel Return of Swamp Thing, or the short-lived (yet episode packed) series that ran on the USA Network from 1990-1993. Many folks cite these works as their definitive recall of the character, while not all bad, can definitely be considered not fully loyal to the comic book canon. Originally created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson back in 1971, Swamp Thing has had many notable, even classic tales told since then. Alan Moore's legendary run from the mid 1980s has become required reading among fans.
Within the realm of film and television, a whole generation has grown up without any live-action Swamp Thing in their lives over the last 26 years. During that time, our opinions about how we view adaptations in superhero media has changed. Well, for most of us, as a quick scroll through Twitter could prove me wrong.
The emphasis for the audience has evolved into caring less about continuity carried out in the comics and concentrating more on good storytelling. We currently live in a golden age, where our favorite capes and creatures delight us in various forms of media on the regular. If you blink, you'll miss a new release based on a property that originally came from the pages of a comic book. This was far from the norm when Swamp Thing had his limited time in the limelight and the hardcore fan base, if they haven't already, needs to adjust their mindset accordingly prior to watching the pilot for Swamp Thing debuting on DC Universe, May 31st.
The pilot does a fine job establishing the core of characters that will lead us through the series. They are weaved in seamlessly over the first 59 minutes of the show and each introduction feels natural. The star that shines brightest isn't the titular monster, but rather Abby Arcane. Played by actress Crystal Reed, Abby is a member of the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service who has been called home to Marais, Louisiana where a potential outbreak is threatening the lives of the locals. Unlike the source material, Abby's depth is established quickly, thanks to good writing and Reed's excellent acting performance.
She soon meets the somewhat awkward biologist (and big on 80's television references) Alec Holland, played by Andy Bean. He's also investigating the epidemic, albeit from an unofficial channel. Alec and Abby pair up to put the pieces of the puzzle together and share a fair amount of chemistry onscreen. Most notably, when mutual confessions reveal more layers to their backstories for the series to explore over the course of the next nine episodes.
Another powerful first appearance is that of Avery Sunderland, portrayed by Will Patton. A wealthy businessman from Marais, who surprisingly, is one of the only actors to utilize a southern accent. His introductory scene carries weight, not only proving he is a calming voice for the townsfolk, but also a major player in all of the secrets to unfold in the swamp. Also worth noting, as told by his wife Maria (Virginia Madsen), the history Abby shares with the Sunderland family is quite substantial.
Executive producer James Wan has promised the series will be horror heavy. This episode wastes no time solidifying the fact, establishing the mood of the show from the opening sequence. With the right mix of suspense, action, and gore, they are as taking full advantage of the R rating. Those who appreciate the genre will notice the care put into giving Swamp Thing a truly spooky turn on television. Exhibiting a hearty blend of practical and computer-generated visual effects, viewers will be terrified of the evil brewing in the bayou.
Composer Brian Tyler is a big contributor to the scares with his thick and haunting sounds. The music is the perfect accompaniment to the ambiance of the show and helps to set up the suspense for key scenes. It's easy to find yourself lost in the moment, due to the table setting provided by Tyler's dark, melodic tones.
Not to say this episode doesn't bear some blemishes. There's a cringe-worthy moment that I interpreted as an attempt at flirting involving Google speak, and I considered Andy Bean's performance as Alec to be a little dry. While not bad, there were times I felt when given emotional cues within the script, he lacked punch. This could be due to his co-star Crystal Reed stealing the show with the same opportunities.
Also keep in mind, this is an origin story. For those who are eager to see the big green guy onscreen, temper those expectations. You will get your wish in dramatic fashion. So in the meantime, enjoy the other bumps in the night provided over the course of the Swamp Thing pilot.
As I noted during my introduction, this is a modern reinterpretation of Swamp Thing geared to attract a new audience. As a fan myself, reading anything Swamp Thing related to cross my path over the last 30 years, it's hard to dismiss the adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"; Yet if you measure the show on its own merits there's a lot to like. I'm very excited to see how the newest chapter in the Swamp Thing mythos unfolds. DC Universe has a potential winner here
⭐ 7 Tubers out of 10 ⭐
- David Schultz
