The premiere episode of the animated series "Creature Commandos," aptly titled "The Collywobbles," unfurls an exhilarating and darkly humorous odyssey within the vast expanse of the DC Universe. Under the expert direction of James Gunn and the collaborative prowess of DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation, this episode introduces us to a formidable ensemble of monstrous misfits, assembled under the watchful eye of the infamous Amanda Waller.
The narrative unfurls in a realm where non-humans are confined against their will within the oppressive walls of the Non-Human Internment Division. It is here that we encounter the eclectic crew of Creature Commandos, each member boasting a unique array of abilities and harrowing backgrounds that color their existence. Leading this ragtag squadron is Rick Flag Sr., lent a voice by Frank Grillo, a figure whose stern exterior conceals a labyrinth of emotional complexities.
Among the ensemble, one character shines with unparalleled brilliance: The Bride, voiced with mesmerizing enigma by Indira Varma. She is a woman devoid of identity, her past shrouded in veils of mystery that only deepen the intrigue surrounding her presence within the team. Another standout is Doctor Phosphorus, voiced with menacing fascination by Alan Tudyk, whose skin glows with perpetual radioactivity, adding a perilous yet fascinating dimension to the team's dynamic. Weasel, voiced by Sean Gunn, is a character steeped in darkness, his past intertwined with the tragic demise of Flag's son. And then there's G.I. Robot, a relentless force with a grizzly tally of over 300 Nazi kills, a testament to his unyielding prowess.
The episode's moniker, "The Collywobbles," captures the queasy unease and churning stomachs of the team as they embark on their inaugural mission. Waller, portrayed with icy calculation by Maria Bakalova, has set her sights on a new prey: Circe, the "Amazonian Sorceress Terrorist," voiced with sinister elegance by Anya Chalotra. Circe claims the mantle of the rightful heir to Themyscira and leads a terrorist faction known as the "Sons of Themyscira," who wage war upon the lands of Pokolistan.
As the Creature Commandos venture forth on their perilous mission, a striking juxtaposition emerges: their fearsome, monstrous exteriors clash starkly with the profound humanity that resides within their hearts. Navigating the treacherous political terrain of Pokolistan, they are compelled to confront their own inner demons, grappling with the monstrous facets of their nature. This episode shines a spotlight on the moral murkiness of the characters, as they are entrusted with the protection of Princess Ilana Rostovic, whose voice, lent by Maria Bakalova, reveals a labyrinth of secrets and concealed motivations.
The episode culminates in a gripping confrontation between Flag and Alexi, the princess's ruthless and unpredictable head of security. The air is thick with tension as Flag's team struggles to navigate the intricate web of their mission, while simultaneously grappling with their own internal strife and conflicts.
In the final, breathless moments of the episode, a cliffhanger looms, setting the stage for an exhilarating season ahead. The Bride is revealed to have an enigmatic stalker, and the episode concludes with a tantalizing hint that it might be Eric Frankenstein, voiced with haunting depth by David Harbour. This revelation adds a rich layer of personal intrigue to The Bride's character, suggesting that her past will play a pivotal role in the unfolding narrative of the series.
"The Collywobbles" stands as a formidable opener for the Creature Commandos series, seamlessly blending action, humor, and heartfelt pathos in a manner that is unmistakably James Gunn's signature. The episode masterfully establishes the characters and their intricate relationships, while laying the solid foundation for a season filled with high stakes and unexpected twists and turns. With its engrossing plot and an ensemble of compelling characters, "Creature Commandos" confirms that the DC Universe is in the adept hands of its creators.
