Doom Patrol 1x08 "Danny Patrol" Episode Review
Major Spoilers are included in this episode review. Please read with caution.
Danny the Street made their appearance in this episode. Danny is gender-queer, and yes, an actual street. They use “they/them” pronouns. The main plot ongoing (finding the Chief) continues to fall flat clearly on purpose, but the character stories are worth sticking around for. Negative Man’s backstory goes past the closeted gay man arc and onto the Bureau of Normalcy.
The Bureau of Normalcy are an organization who purge the world of “abominations” like Danny the Street. These super villains are not developed at all, but at this point, it’s okay in my book because they’re mainly there to get hated on. Maura Lee Karupt is an amazing character, Danny’s representative, and I’m happy the series didn’t go down the “kill LGBT” route.
Her role in the story helped prove Danny the Street’s credibility, being welcoming to all and letting them be themselves. Alan Mingo Jr’s performance between Maura and Morris (former Bureau agent) is great, and flawless. I hope the team gets to return to Danny someday.
The musical number was the highlight of the episode. Larry, embracing himself, and having a good time with everyone was amazing. Even the ending, when we learned he didn’t perform after all, was effective showing how much he wants to join but can’t.
The other members (Cliff, Rita, and Jane) are trying to contain Karen, the most dangerous out of the 64 personalities. Cliff is forced outside because he’s a literal robot, but he bonds with a random kid… they danced it out during “People Like Us” performance.
Overall, this is a powerful and heartfelt episode. I think this is the episode that could sell people to watch this show. I don’t think enough people are aware this show exists.