Doom Patrol Season 1, Episode 10 “Hair Patrol”

So, the first time I watched this episode, I was tired and ended up dozing some.  I felt sure I had missed some plot points, so I watched it again.  The second viewing revealed that I hadn’t missed much, and no plot details.  After two viewings, I still have no clue what the hell is going on.

My prediction from the last review came true.  We get to find out what happened with Cyborg and Elasti-girl while Robotman was inside Crazy Jane’s head.  In all honesty, I kinda wish we hadn’t.  How the Beard Hunter’s powers work is disgusting, in particular how he begins his tracking of The Chief.

The other part of the episode tells the story of Niles Caulder and his time spent in the wilderness between 1913 and 1915.  Niles and a partner are following up on reports of a beast roaming the woods, but before they can find anything, they are attacked by wolves and separated.  Niles is rescued by what appears to be a missing link.  She keeps him alive and eventually, he returns the favor.

Is everyone in this show immortal?  The show is set in present day, but from my age guesstimates, Niles should be around 145 years old, Rita should be about 95, Larry should be in his 80s, Jane should be in her upper 70s, and Cliff’s brain at least should be in his late 60s.  Larry’s and Rita’s longevity may be due to their powers, and Cliff’s due to his body, but I see no reason for Jane and Niles.  This episode apparently should reveal why he has everlasting life, but the secrets are not revealed that I’m aware of.  The secret to long life also appears to be what Mr. Nobody wants to know, but I don’t get the motive for this given his reality-bending powers.

Mr. Nobody wants to know where Niles’ rescuer is located, and promises to spare the Doom Patrol if Niles reveals the secret.  Niles rejects the offer, which can be seen as sacrificing the Patrol to preserve his secrets, or that he has faith in them to handle Mr. Nobody.  I’m sure we will see which it is, in the last five episodes of Doom Patrol.