This week's episode of Watchmen kicks off with a plunge through the annals of history, landing us amidst the throes of war and the simmering racial tensions that ensued. These tensions intensify further when a German General attempts to seduce soldiers to his side, boastfully showcasing the favorable treatment of blacks within his ranks. As a soldier grapples with a letter, contemplating his next move, the narrative seamlessly shifts back to where our tale left off in the previous episode.
Angela escorts the wheelchair-bound individual, later revealed to be Will, a possessor of psychic abilities, back to the diner. Swiftly seizing the cup he had imbibed from as evidence, Amanda feigns astonishment upon receiving the inevitable police call about the Chief's demise. Arriving at the scene, she engages in a discussion with Looking Glass, bristling at the perceived interrogation.
The arrival of Red Scare disrupts the proceedings, causing a commotion amidst a few other onlookers. United in purpose, they orchestrate the retrieval of the Chief from his perch atop the tree. Amidst these events, a flashback reveals a coordinated assault on the police force by the Cavalry, their thirst for vengeance palpable.
In the present, fueled by a vengeful drive, Red Scare rallies the police and charges headlong into Nixonville, rounding up potential Cavalry members in a desperate quest for answers on who dared slay their Chief. Meanwhile, Amanda witnesses the chaos unfold before embarking on a DNA test, determined to uncover her true identity and the enigmatic bond she shares with Will.
After a heartfelt conversation with her children about the state of the world and the prevailing uncertainty, our diverse cast of characters steel themselves for the Chief's wake. The narrative then glides seamlessly into American Hero Story, a broadcast that tantalizes with a glimpse into the life of...someone yet to be revealed. As the suspense builds, a slick action sequence erupts, showcasing a vibrant robbery that captures our attention. The scene then dissolves back to Amanda, who summons her inner strength, donning a resolute facade as she makes her way to the wake, honoring the fallen Chief.
Regrettably, amidst a heartfelt conversation with Jane, she suddenly succumbs to unconsciousness, shocking everyone present. In the Chief's chamber, Jane tenderly attends to Amanda, urging her to recuperate before seeking vengeance against her husband's killers. As Jane departs, her gaze wanders, and to her amazement, she discovers a Ku Klux Klan attire concealed within the closet's recesses, prompting her to exit the premises with this unexpected find in tow.
Meanwhile, Ozymandias's macabre play unfolds, climaxing in a grotesque spectacle where he immolates one of his own employees alive. Amidst the charred aftermath, he plucks a watch from his seared fingers, commending his cohorts for their impeccable execution. Elsewhere, Angela, clutching the Klan outfit, confronts Will, inquiring if he orchestrated her discovery. He denies it, but a phone call interrupts, delivering a stunning revelation—the DNA results confirm Will as her paternal grandfather. She escorts him to her vehicle, yet before they can depart, a colossal magnet adheres to the car's roof, lifting Will into the heavens as Angela watches, bewildered, as the vehicle speeds away.
Apart from a scattering of clever Easter Eggs and nods to the original source, the latest Watchmen episode trudges through a sluggish parade of flashbacks, occupying most of its runtime. While this pacing serves to establish the narrative's tapestry, it also begs the question if a consecutive release of two or three episodes, akin to Hulu's strategy, might have better suited its contemplative nature. As a binge-worthy experience, Watchmen likely shines brighter, but as an isolated episode, this politically charged drama fails to ignite the spark necessary to distinguish itself amidst the crowded superhero genre.
I am an avid consumer of superhero content, and at present, Doom Patrol, Swamp Thing, Titans, and The Boys far outshine Watchmen in terms of captivating storytelling. It's a pity, for among the five series mentioned, Watchmen initially held the most intrigue for me. However, it currently lacks the razor-sharp edge required to stand tall amidst this fierce competition. Time remains for subsequent episodes to alter my perception, but as things stand, Watchmen is merely passable, rather than a must-see offering of the year.
