The new entry into the revamped DC Universe, “Creature Commandos,” premiered its first two episodes on December 5, 2024. Each episode, lasting 23 minutes, is packed with action and iconic James Gunn creativity.
The first episode dives into political themes as a group of men’s rights activists align themselves with a villain, seeking what they perceive to be equality in societal ‘rewards.’ Meanwhile, the Creature Commandos, led by Rick Flag Sr., voiced by Frank Grillo, and Amanda Waller, voiced by Viola Davis, embark on a mission with a focus on U.S. oil interests. Although Grillo’s voice work is commendable, Davis’s performance comes across as less dynamic.
The team itself includes a unique cast of characters reminiscent of the Suicide Squad. These include Doctor Phosphorus, a man with irradiated skin; The Bride, a literal walking corpse; Weasel, a humanoid weasel; G.I. Robot, who humorously recounts his battles against Nazis; and Nina Mazursky, who is some form of fish creature. Due to new restrictions on using human operatives, Waller resorts to employing these metahumans, forming a new group known as Task Force M.
While this may feel familiar for fans of the preceding movies featuring the Suicide Squad, Gunn’s penchant for quirky, lesser-known characters shines through. The opening title sequence features stylish animations reflecting both modern and vintage aesthetics, enhancing the viewing experience. However, Gun’s self-insertion in the credits raised some eyebrows, suggesting a potential ego trip.
As the first episode establishes the team’s dynamics and mission, it introduces the central conflict set in a fictional Eastern European country. Voice talents like Indira Varma as The Bride and Alan Tudyk as Doctor Phosphorus stand out, alongside Grillo’s solid portrayal. The episode includes a fun action sequence and an intriguing blend of obscure songs, maintaining Gunn’s signature quirkiness.
In the second episode, the narrative thickens, unveiling The Bride’s backstory and advancing the conflict while introducing two more unusual songs. The princess character, regrettably lacking depth, primarily serves as a romantic interest for Rick Flag Sr. The highlight of this episode is The Bride’s intense action scene against the villains and militants, showcasing impressive choreography despite the inclusion of a distasteful subplot in her backstory.
Overall, “Creature Commandos” presents a spirited, if flawed, kick-off to DC’s new universe, earning a solid 7 out of 10. The show succeeds through its vibrant animation and engaging voice work, although it struggles with pacing due to its short episode length. As the series progresses, viewers can remain optimistic that it will find its footing and develop deeper narratives for its compelling cast of characters.
In summary, while “Creature Commandos” might echo familiar themes from previous DC entries, its quirky charm and distinctive animation hold promise for future storytelling within the reimagined DC Universe.