Batwoman 1x01 "Pilot" Episode Review
Major Spoilers are included in this episode review. Please read with caution.
Batwoman has finally arrived on The CW. The pilot had some pacing issues, a little too much exposition in the beginning, but the series has potential to be an amazing show in its own right. Kate Kane (Ruby Rose) was a joy to watch onscreen and the character dynamics set-up have potential to be the heart of the show.
Batman has been gone for three years, and the Crows, a security firm lead by Kate’s father have taken over as the protectors of the city. The Gotham Police Department apparently couldn’t afford better officers or training…
The beginning was a little too exposition for me: Kate has been training in the Arctic for some reason (they don’t really dive into this) with some guy who can’t speak properly. It also shoved a flashback of a family accident (death of mom and sister) that defines her “darkness”. We are subjugated to that flashback throughout the episode. I wasn’t fan of how the show tried to get us invested so early on without letting us know the characters naturally through dialogue and actions.
The naturally part comes in the second half of the episode, but the first eight minutes was not fun. Anyways, Kate Kane returns home to Gotham because villains kidnapped Sophie, her love interest. Kate seems to only care about Sophie as another flashback to their time in military training reveals, and she kind-of doesn’t like everyone else.
Mary (Nicole Kang), the step-sister, came off as a typical rich girl at the beginning of the episode, but then we learn she’s a capable doctor who cares about her patients. Yes that was so random but potential random that could give the character depth.
The first fight scene caught my attention. Actually, it motivated me to keep watching. Ruby Rose can handle herself, and her fighting style is pretty distinct with the tackles, fast punches, and that determination to keep fighting for the woman she loves. I love Arrow’s replacement show.
Alice (Rachel Skarsten) is an amazing villain and sells the insanity with her movements and execution of witty dialogue. She is a great foil to Kate Kane’s Batwoman. Plus Alice’s character twist at the end, albeit predictable, will give us Batwoman’s version of Joker vs Batman.
Only characters I’ve invested in so far are: Kate, Alice, and Mary. Sophie is closeted and married to a man… so we might see Kate pinning for her, but I hope that is not the case. I’m not a big fan of Sophie. Alice is a great antagonist because her vendetta is personal, which makes her plans to take over Gotham somewhat confusing. Mary’s profession is going to come in handy when Kate needs medical attention later on… maybe…
Overall, Batwoman is not perfect and has issues to work out, but once she gets that wig and her proper uniform instead of a Batman replica that can fit a woman, I believe that the series will finally take off in time for Crisis on Infinite Earths.