After their fierce confrontation with Circe, the Creature Commandos find themselves once again ensconced within the confines of Belle Reve, grappling with the enigmatic sorceress's cryptic motivations and the ominous implications lurking beneath the surface of her actions. Episode 4, aptly named "Chasing Squirrels," ventures into the poignant past of Weasel and the eerie, foreshadowing glimpse of a future that may well unfold if Circe's grim warnings hold true.
The episode commences on a lighter note, a gentle breeze that starkly contrasts the stormy revelations lurking in its wake. Weasel, portrayed with heartfelt depth by Sean Gunn, steps into the spotlight as his poignant backstory unfolds, revealing layers of emotional turmoil far more profound than initially anticipated. His steadfast advocate, Elizabeth "Betty" Bates, voiced with warmth and conviction by Linda Cardellini, has long harbored a steadfast belief in his innocence—a conviction that this episode endeavors to solidify through a poignant montage of haunting flashbacks.
Weasel's past emerges as a tapestry of innocence and camaraderie, starkly juxtaposed against the veil of prejudice and fear that has dogged his footsteps ever since. He forged a bond of friendship with a group of schoolchildren who embraced him with open arms, a stark contrast to the cold shoulder and fear mongering he has endured in the outside world. However, a catastrophic misunderstanding triggers a chain of events that spirals into tragedy. An elderly man, mistaking Weasel's good intentions, brandishes a shotgun in a desperate bid to protect the children, leading to a catastrophic explosion that claims the lives of most of them and himself. Weasel's desperate attempt to rescue a single surviving girl is thwarted by the police's misjudgment, ultimately resulting in her untimely demise. Wrongfully arrested and subjected to a profound injustice, Weasel's character is enriched with a poignant layer of humanity, drawing the audience into his plight with heartstrings tightly tugged.
Meanwhile, Circe's interrogation by Amanda Waller, John Economos, and Rick Flag Sr. descends into a grim quagmire. She unfolds a haunting vision of a dystopian future, where Princess Ilana Rostovic transforms into a ruthless tyrant, precipitating the fall of numerous heroes and the ensuing ruination of the world. Waller, deeply perturbed by this grim forecast, seeks verification from Dr. Aisla MacPherson, an esteemed authority on Themyscira. This catastrophic revelation prompts the deployment of Task Force M to Pokolistan with a dire imperative: to eliminate Princess Ilana.
The vision Circe conjures serves as a stark, ominous warning, portraying a future where legends like Wonder Woman, Batman, Superman, and other stalwarts lie lifeless, victims of Ilana's unyielding wrath. This sequence not only unveils a chilling glimpse into a potential DC Universe but also provokes profound reflections on the essence of power and the perils of unchecked ambition.
As the team gears up for their perilous mission, intricate dynamics within the group undergo a transformation. The Bride and Nina forge a deeper bond, with the Bride valiantly defending Nina in a tense cafeteria confrontation. This small but potent act of defiance underscores the Bride's burgeoning empathy and empowers Nina, illustrating the unyielding strength found in unity.
Frankenstein's misguided conviction that Flag and the Bride are entwined in deceitful schemes leads to a contentious clash, infusing the episode with a dark, comedic undercurrent. However, the subsequent conversation between Flag and Frankenstein resonates like a therapeutic session, with Frankenstein's infatuation with the Bride mirroring Ilana's fervent feelings for Flag.
"Chasing Squirrels" is an episode that adroitly balances character development with high-stakes drama. Weasel's tragic past humanizes him, casting a sympathetic light on his beleaguered soul. Meanwhile, Circe's harrowing vision of the future poses a moral quandary for the team, leaving viewers with a palpable sense of urgency. The fate of the world hangs in the balance, and the Creature Commandos must grapple with the profound revelations and decide their course of action amidst such grave peril.
