Review: ‘Doom Patrol’ Season 2 Episode 3 – “Pain Patrol”

"Pain Patrol"

Director: Samira Radsi

Writers: Tom Farrell & Tamara Becher-Wilkinson

Starring: Dianne Guerrero, April Bowlby, Joivan Wade, Matt Bomer, Brendan Fraser, Timothy Dalton, Abigail Shapiro, Karen Obilom, Roger Floyd, Catherine Carlen and Bethany Anne Lind. With Riley Shanahan and Matthew Zuk

Review by Steve J. Ray

The themes of family, betrayal and redemption from episodes one and two continue in "Pain Patrol", as do the revelations about hitherto unexplored events from the team's past.

Oh... and another classic comic-book Doom Patrol villain makes his presence felt, as the swarms of butterflies from "Tyme Patrol" led me to suspect.

Seeing Red

That's right Doom Pals, the dastardly Red Jack makes his TV debut in this episode. This colorful character, played deliciously maliciously by Roger Floyd not only has great historical significance, but strong ties to the Chief too. One word of warning, though... he's not someone you want to fork with, and he throws ripping parties.

Long time comics fans may have suspected he'd be appearing after the end of "Tyme Patrol", but as soon as I saw the butterflies on the promo material for the show (check out the top of this review) I knew we'd be receiving a visit from the crimson creepazoid.

Red Jack made his first appearance in Doom Patrol Vol. 2 #23 (June 1989).

Going Deeper Underground

While Niles, Rita and Larry face off against this week's big bad, Cliff and Jane go on a road trip. I always try to keep my reviews as spoiler free as possible, but hey... you're Doom Patrol fans, so when I say that things don't go according to plan, that really shouldn't surprise anyone.

Right?

What may surprise you, though, are the further revelations from Jane's inner psyche, and the personalities that dwell beneath the surface in this "Underground." Many of Kay Challis' buried personalities want their time in the "real world", and take steps this week that really change the game.

Oh, Danny Boy

Dorothy has free reign of the house in this episode and she's an absolute delight. While Herschel and Darling are visually terrifying and (allegedly) imaginary, they're definitely her friends. The scenes with the Chief's child, and the clearly strong bond between the two characters, are made all the more poignant, and bitter sweet, when we catch up with Cliff later in the episode.

Vic and Roni's relationship also develops this week, and I'm anxious to see if her character has a similar journey to that of her comic-book counterpart. Karen Obilom's great in the role, and she delivers both vulnerability and great strength at the same time.

Oh, and Danny has to split.

Danny The Street is one of the most original and intriguing characters in this show, and I can't wait to see more of them. Getting to witness them as a small alleyway in London of the past was fantastic, and the fact that this show is showing a gender fluid, gay street's history, as well as those of the members of the main roster, is brilliant.

Conclusion

Doom Patrol is one of the most imaginative, creative and original pieces of TV out there. The way the writers are honoring the comics, yet tailoring the stories to a modern audience (remember that many of these characters have been around for over six decades) is a source of great joy... at least for this mature comics fan.

Three episodes in and season two is off to a strong start; in terms of storytelling, performance and visuals. The one problem with getting three episodes in one hit though, is that it only leaves us with six more to enjoy.

I guess I'll just have to binge season one again from the beginning when this one ends.

Photos Courtesy Of WBTV. Art And Actor Images May Be Subject To Copyright