Doom Patrol 1x05 "Paw Patrol" Episode Review

Major Spoilers are included in this episode review. Please read with caution.

Mr. Nobody made us eat our words with his absence. The return of Niles Caulder and Mr. Nobody helped remind us they are still relevant and somehow made the end of the world a side-story. The Infinity War snapping out of existence was dark humor mixed with the weirdness enhanced the character stories centered around Jane, Rita, and Larry.

Jane’s origin story was explored in this episode, and holy “insert curse”! The comic book-y aspect of the flashback mechanic was perfect, and having Mr. Nobody back in the fold helped. Niles Caulder and his scenes were knocked out of the park. It’s a cliche, but I don’t care. His dynamic with Mr. Nobody, Mark Shepherd’s Kip, and the rest of the Doom Patrol was so lived in, the audience can believe the history he shares with all of them. Even the magic unicorn he happily flirted with… what a scene that was, having sexual tension with a unicorn doesn’t even register.

Dr. Harrison, a Jane personality, was a nice balance to the darkness surrounding the asylum in the 1970’s. I wonder if we’ll ever see her again, but she served her purpose by spreading the religion of the Re-creator, the only deity that can stop the De-creator in the present day.

Rita’s speech to Elliot proved how much she developed in the two-parter, and seeing Elliot get Thanos-snapped out of existence was heartbreaking and difficult to watch as Rita literally fell apart. There wasn’t true resolution to this, but hopefully the show continues to build on this.

The ending didn’t seem to land right, but the set-up is effective. The entire team is down from their side adventure and seeing the Chief get ripped from them again literally exploded in their faces. Vic’s sonic cannon malfunctioning and him ignoring his father’s calls is a cause for concern. Jane is also tasked a secret mission from Mr. Nobody to find the “Doom Patrol”. Whatever that means…