In the second chapter of the "Creature Commandos" saga, titled "The Tourmaline Necklace," we embark on a poignant and darkly humorous odyssey that delves into the enigmatic past of The Bride, a standout member of Task Force M. Masterfully penned by James Gunn, this episode plunges us into a labyrinth of intricate relationships and harrowing origins that shape The Bride's very essence, crafting a narrative that is as heart-wrenching as it is monstrously captivating.
The episode unfolds its dramatic curtain with a glimpse into a bygone era, introducing us to Dr. Victor Frankenstein, whose voice, lent by Peter Serafinowicz, pays homage to Mary Shelley's iconic creation while also portraying him as a mad scientist of unparalleled ingenuity. Commissioned by Eric Frankenstein, whose voice resonates with gravity, voiced by David Harbour, to craft a bride, this directive sets the stage for a narrative intricately woven with threads of love and betrayal. Amidst a tempest of crackling electricity that crackles with sinister energy, The Bride, embodying the haunting elegance of Indira Varma, is brought to life in a moment that harmonizes beauty with a chilling sense of horror, creating a symphony that resonates deep within the soul.
As the narrative unfurls, we witness The Bride's nascent terror and bewilderment, a "tangle of dread and ignorance," as Victor Frankenstein poignantly describes it. Her transformation from a creature of trepidation to a being capable of embracing love and fostering connections emerges as a pivotal theme throughout the episode. The bond between The Bride and Victor is meticulously explored, with Victor serving as her mentor, teaching her the arts of speech, behavior, and the intricacies of the world. Their bond deepens, blossoming into a love that finds its consummation under the tender glow of the moon. Yet, this tale of love is not devoid of its ominous undertones, as Eric, lurking in the shadows, watches with an envy that simmers with malevolent intensity.
The contemporary narrative weaves a tapestry interwoven with these nostalgic flashbacks, as The Bride, accompanied by Nina Mazursky—whose voice resonates with the warmth of Zoë Chao—ventures forth to the cradle of The Bride's creation. There, amidst the relics of her past, they uncover the tourmaline necklace, a token of Victor's affection, which unleashes a deluge of recollections and deep-rooted emotions. This necklace stands as a palpable bond to The Bride's checkered past, a past fraught with sorrow and formative experiences alike.
The episode takes a dramatic pivot when Circe, whose voice embodies the mystery of Anya Chalotra, and her adherents assault The Bride and Nina. The ensuing battle is a mesmerizing ballet of motion and animation, with The Bride demonstrating her relentless prowess against Circe's lackeys. The clash crescendos into a fierce confrontation between The Bride and Circe, a duel that encapsulates the essence of survival and the collision of two formidable women possessed by diametrically opposed aspirations.
As the episode draws to a close, The Bride emerges battered and blood-soaked, her tourmaline necklace shimmering as a symbol of the love she once cherished and the brutality that now defines her existence. Beside her lies Nina, her helmet in shards, as The Bride utters an apology. Nina, undeterred, retorts with a defiant, "Go fuck yourself," a testament to the indomitable spirit and resilience of these monstrous misfits.
"The Tourmaline Necklace" is a masterpiece of storytelling, blending the macabre with the tender, and the humorous with the poignant. It is an episode that propels the narrative of Creature Commandos forward while delving into the psychological labyrinth of its characters, particularly The Bride, whose odyssey from inception to self-awareness is as enthralling as it is tragic. This episode cements Creature Commandos as a series that transcends the realm of monsters, exploring the quintessence of what it means to be human, even for those who inhabit the fringes of society.
