Doom Patrol – Season 1 |Episode 3, “Puppet Patrol”

Here’s my thoughts from the third episode of DC Universe’s exclusive series, Doom Patrol.

In this episode, we get to learn more of Larry Trainor’s pre-accident life by seeing his struggles with two relationships falling apart the night before his flight.  We are also treated to the different ways those relationships fall apart after the accident and his crash.  Out of all of Doom Patrol, I think Larry is the one who loathes his role the most, the one most ready to ride himself of his para-human abilities.

Rita doesn’t see much character growth, but I think this is part of her character.  Of them all, she is the one most at peace with what she became after her accident.  She doesn’t like it, but she understands that this is her new status quo, and accepts her new life.

Cliff is struggling with a reverse-Pinocchio situation.  He used to be a man, but is not stuck in a robot body, unable to feel any stimulus, but his emotions are able to rage unchecked, sometimes to horrifying effect.

Cyborg’s past is delved into a bit more, as is his relationship with his dad.  At first, he seems to be a prick who is holding a grudge because his son didn’t do what he wanted, but by the end of the episode, he seems to be happy to help.  I would not be surprised if Mr. Nobody may have had something to do with the mood swing.

Jane continues as her seemingly “normal” self, but we are introduced to a new personality, if only briefly.

The bigger universe is hinted at with more references to the Justice League, and Batman and Aquaman being named dropped.  I’m still confused as to if this falls into an existing continuity, or if it is a new one.  I’m leaning towards the latter.

One last note, we finally see one side of the story of why Mr. Nobody is antagonistic towards The Chief.  I still wonder if they tussled on previous occasions before the bus.  Could Mr. Nobody be the reason The Chief is relegated to the wheelchair?

Perhaps we will find out in Episode 4 of Doom Patrol.