***This review contains some spoilers***
Watch the SPOILER review on YouTube
After the stellar first season, “Doom Patrol” returns in what feels like a rushed season 2. While the COVID-19 pandemic did impact production, it’s unclear if this is the only reason the season feels so incomplete. (It was revealed there was a tenth episode that was never completed, but it seems like there should’ve been a few more episodes after that. DC Universe shows average 13 episodes per season.)
The plot for season 2 takes forever to get into gear, and once it does, it’s already almost over. While Candlemaker is established as a threat in the first episode, he’s not seen for a while. And even then, his goals are too vague, making it ambiguous if he’s even the main threat for this season. The rest of the episodes feel disjointed. It’s clear the theme is about parents, children and forgiveness, but none of the character arcs get enough time to breathe, let alone the fact that none of them get even close to wrapped up.
“Doom Patrol” had some great characters, and they bring so much heart to the wackiness. Unfortunately, more often than not, they don’t get the big emotional payoffs this time. Larry’s story feels like a too much of a rehash of his season 1 arc, and Cliff tends to overdo it on the bonehead, selfish behavior and abundant swearing. I was really looking forward to Rita’s push to become a superhero, but it gets derailed too often by her family drama. Vic’s story has potential, but since you’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop with his new love interest, it’s too hard to get invested in their relationship. This is true with all the stuff with Dorothy. While you feel bad for her because of the lonely life she has had to lead, it just always feels like her story arc will not end well for anyone.
The most interesting character this season is Jane. We see just how complex the dynamic is between all the personalities, and actually start to see more of the little girl they all protect. There’s also quite a bit more of Kay’s origin, which helps everything make so much more sense. And it’s all helped by a fantastic acting job. Diane Guerrero consistently makes all the different personalities feel like different people. Especially impressive was channeling the childlike qualities of Baby Doll.
While season 2 of “Doom Patrol” had a lot of potential, the Candlemaker plot and all the character arcs never really gain much momentum before it all ends abruptly with a major cliffhanger. And even though bizarre imagery and wild scenarios are part of the show’s charm, they seem to be trying too hard this time, and it never really feels organic.
**1/2 out of *****