Episode 1 of Creature Commandos serves as a whimsical and unconventional introduction to the enigmatic team tasked with safeguarding the princess of Pokolistan. As the DC Universe (DCU) undergoes a revitalization under the guidance of James Gunn, this animated series sets the stage for a fresh narrative amidst the mixed reception of the previous DCEU films.
Interestingly, Gunn’s choice to launch this new era with an animated, action-packed show centered around obscure anti-heroes was not initially planned. Nevertheless, its uniqueness makes it an ideal prelude, offering a glimpse into the adventurous spirit that characterizes the DCU’s upcoming projects. Episode 1 successfully delivers on this promise, engaging viewers with its quirky humor and vibrant storytelling.
Encountering the Creature Commandos
The episode kicks off at Belle Reve prison, a facility known for housing an array of bizarre and formidable entities. Here, Rick Flag and Amanda Waller monitor a chaotic news report from the fictional nation of Pokolistan, where Circe—a rogue Amazonian—has rallied a band of extremists dubbed the “Sons of Themyscira.” Flag humorously critiques their antics, calling them “a bunch of clowns.”
Circe’s ambition to conquer Pokolistan and claim her throne adds urgency to their mission. However, Waller has concerns regarding the geopolitical implications, noting that Pokolistan is a strategic ally for the U.S., particularly due to its untapped oil reserves. Princess Ilana Rostovic’s ongoing negotiations for extraction complicate matters further, prompting Waller to devise a plan involving non-human operatives from the Non-Human Internment Division.
This unconventional team consists of notorious figures including the Bride, Doctor Phosphorus (who humorously suggests his radiation could perform a free vasectomy for Flag), G.I. Robot, Weasel (a resilient survivor of “Project Starfish” in Corto Maltese), and Nina Mazursky, regarded as the most rational among them. Their introduction showcases the team’s oddball dynamic as they attempt to understand their peculiar objectives.
With heightened tension, Waller deploys an electric shock to subdue the Commandos as they charge at her and Flag, setting the stage for the team’s bizarre adventures ahead. The episode then transitions to convey the peculiar camaraderie and outlandish humor that defines this group.
The Journey to Pokolistan
Upon boarding a helicopter bound for Pokolistan, Flag addresses his team, acknowledging their evident lack of enthusiasm. The atmosphere is filled with sardonic remarks and skepticism, as Weasel intriguingly gnaws at his restraints. Within this group, G.I. Robot expresses philosophical concerns about potentially being a Nazi, while Doctor Phosphorus chillingly admits to having killed children, leaving much to be explored about their backgrounds.
The team arrives at the princess’s castle amidst a flurry of antics; Weasel’s nervousness leads to a rather unfortunate incident, and they are met with playful mockery from the guards. During a banquet, the Commandos indulge in a feast, much to the princess’s amusement as they gorge themselves. Outside, the dynamics shift as Ilana forms an unexpected bond with Weasel, and discussions about their purpose in a fractured world begin to unfold.
Ilana expresses her desire to modernize her nation, seeing America as a potential catalyst for change. In a tender but complex exchange, Flag reveals the story of Ilana’s son, a character introduced in the DCEU’s prior narratives, amplifying the stakes of their mission.
A Collision of Past and Present
As night falls, tranquility deteriorates into chaos. While Weasel snoozes, G.I. Robot converses with himself, and Nina unwinds in a bath, Flag battles Doctor Phosphorus in a scene reminiscent of a chaotic kitchen brawl. Their confrontations underscore the complexity of workplace relations within a dysfunctional team, revealing both vulnerability and strength.
The Bride, meanwhile, embarks on a poignant journey back to her roots, leading her to the doorstep of her estranged husband, Eric Frankenstein, while an elderly woman ominously alerts him of her return. This interweaving of personal histories deepens the narrative, highlighting the intertwining tales of loss, redemption, and legacy.
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