Review: ‘Doom Patrol’ Season 2 Episode 6 – “Space Patrol”

"Space Patrol"

Director: Kristin Windell

Writer: Neil Reynolds

Starring: Dianne Guerrero, April Bowlby, Joivan Wade, Matt Bomer, Brendan Fraser, Timothy Dalton, Abigail Shapiro, Stephanie Czajkowski, Karen Obilom, Phil Morris, Irene Ziegler, Samantha Marie Ware, Mariana Klaveno, Stephanie Czajkowski, Charity Cervantes, Sarah Borne, Skye Roberts, Derek Evans and Jason Burkey. With Riley Shanahan, Matthew Zuk and the voice of Lex Lang

Review by Steve J. Ray

We really feel the repercussions of the catastrophic results of Dorothy and Baby-Doll's falling out at the end of last week's terrific episode in this week's Doom Patrol. Here's WBTV's synopsis of "Space Patrol":
Larry is tasked with handling Niles' old research team when the ageless astronauts return from space. As Niles and Cliff set out to find a missing Dorothy, a funeral in The Underground occupies Jane's mind. Meanwhile, Vic discovers a curious connection between Roni and S.T.A.R. Labs, and Rita finds that her role in an upcoming community theater production hits too close to home.
All's Well That Ends Well

Wow! Where do I even begin? After Dorothy summoned her sabre-toothed/antler/wolf-bear imaginary friend, Manny, Baby-Doll - in fear of the creature - called upon her Flaming Katy persona, who killed him. In grief and rage, Dorothy made a wish which released the Candlemaker into the underground, where he murdered both Baby-Doll and Katy, right in front of Jane, Hammer Head, and all of Kay Challis' other exiled personalities.

This tragic turn of events causes most of Kay's other selves to turn on Jane, and we learn more about her past, and the original primary persona, Miranda.

Totally disgusted with herself, and terrified of the repercussions of her actions, young Dorothy runs away, and while Cliff and Niles rocket off to find her, Larry deals with some more of the Chief's old friends, Vic continues his attempts to help Roni Evers and Rita attempts to re-kindle her acting career.
Bang! Zoom! Straight To The Moon!

The writing in this episode is fantastic. The return of Niles' former space project; the crew of the Icarus, the Pioneers of the Uncharted, leads to laughs and revelations. I must admit to not being very familiar with the names Zip, Specs, or Moscow, but when the lady of the crew revealed her real name to be Valentina Vostok, my Doom Patrol senses started tingling.

Her presence initially has a Negative effect on Larry, but they find that they truly are kindred Spirits before long.

Long time fans of the original source material may find the way that Valentina, and Larry's histories have been altered from those of their comic-book counterparts, upsetting. I have to say that, for storytelling purposes, it really works. Anyway, no comics' adaptation has ever been truly faithful - Dorothy isn't Niles' daughter for a start - but Doom Patrol gets more things right than wrong, and any changes made are frequently for the better.
Here We Go Again

Every line, every performance, every tear and every laugh really hit home this week. Niles' love for his daughter, Cliff's ineptitude, and eventual acceptance of Dorothy, and poor Rita's experience at the amateur dramatics club, was brilliantly written and acted.

I'm loving, and terrified by, Vic and Roni's relationship in equal measure and am glued to my seat watching things develop.

Jane's ongoing personality crisis has me fearful for her, and the other members of the Underground, as I can't see how Miranda will peacefully resolve their issues with Dorothy. There's so much going on this season that I have no idea how it could possibly be wrapped up in the remaining 3 episodes!
Conclusion

Two thirds of the way through Doom Patrol season two, and this series has yet to disappoint. I don't know of another show that has had this strong a run of great to excellent episodes. This one has been my favorite of the second season so far.

Oh... and even though the Chief's space ship really gets my goat, the ending to this episode will blow you away even more than it did Cliff!

The writing's top drawer, the acting's fantastic, and the visuals all match up to the drama. I love this show, and don't want it to end.
Images Courtesy of WBTV Distribution

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