The DC Universe (DCU), under the new CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn, officially kicked off with the premiere of the first two episodes of the inaugural DCU animated series, “Creature Commandos,” on HBO Max.
The first two episodes deliver exactly what you would expect from a series written by Gunn. They feature action, drama, suspense, comedy, and an engaging plot. However, “Creature Commandos” is not like the classic family-friendly “Super Friends” series from the 1970s and 1980s. This is an adult animated series and is not appropriate for children, as it includes some sexual situations.
In typical Gunn fashion, the series uses music to help progress the plot. Notable songs include “Moliendo Cafe” by Fanfare Ciocarlia (the show’s main theme), “My Gypsy Autopilot” by Gogol Bordello, “Los Cuardos Que Derriten” (Live Mix) by Mucora, and “Mala Vida” by Gogol Bordello.
The plot kicks off about two years after the events of the DC film “The Suicide Squad” (2021). Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) has been barred from using humans for her teams, so she resorts to using monsters instead. The new team is aptly named “Task Force M.” Its members include “The Bride” (Indira Varma), “GI Robot,” “Weasel” (Sean Gunn), “Dr. Phosphorus” (Alan Tudyk), “Nina Mazursky” (Zoe Chao), and “General Rick Flag, Sr.” (Frank Grillo).
Waller has placed Flag Sr., the father of the fallen former leader of “The Suicide Squad,” Rick Flag Jr. (Joel Kinnaman), in charge of Task Force M. She sends them to Pokolistan to protect Princess Iliana Rostovic (Maria Bakalova) after foreign forces invade her country. The U.S. is interested in protecting Pokolistan due to the country’s oil sales to America.
Episode one, titled “The Collywobbles,” effectively sets up the plot points for the overarching story. Episode two, titled “The Tourmaline Necklace,” follows suit. Each episode runs for about 22 minutes, which feels short, given the excellent writing.
The team leans more toward anti-heroes than traditional heroes, consisting of morally ambiguous creatures with tragic pasts. Having previously been imprisoned by the government, they have little to lose by joining Waller’s newly formed team, adding to the challenges for Flag Sr. as he tries to control their actions.
In one memorable scene, Dr. Phosphorus attempts to wrest control from Flag Sr. by fighting him for the remote that shocks the monsters if they misbehave, but Flag ultimately prevails. Despite his efforts, Flag and Princess Iliana share a moment of intimacy, solidifying the show’s status as adult-only content.
We learn that GI Robot fought in World War II and enjoys hunting Nazis. Additionally, we receive more backstory on The Bride in the first two episodes, including her journey back to the remnants of where she was created. It’s revealed that her creation was originally intended for Frankenstein (David Harbour).
She has developed feelings for her creator, Dr. Frankenstein (Peter Serafinowicz), but in a jealous rage, Frankenstein kills the doctor. This version of Frankenstein is a monster in every sense, and his intended bride flees. Upon her return to the ruins of the castle, a gypsy woman informs Frankenstein that his bride has come back.
While the rest of the team races to find The Bride and Nina, they search for a necklace that Dr. Frankenstein had gifted to The Bride, unaware that Circe (Anya Chalotra), an immortal Amazonian sorceress from Wonder Woman’s homeland, Themyscira, is also on her way with plans to seize control of Pokolistan.
Circe arrives first and clashes with The Bride, demonstrating her formidable power by brutally defeating her and turning her arms into inflatables.
As the official launching point for the new DCU animated universe, “Creature Commandos” has gotten off to a fantastic start, assuring DC fans that things are in capable hands with Gunn at the helm. My expectations for Gunn’s Superman movie, set to release in 2025, have heightened after witnessing the quality of writing in “Creature Commandos.”
If this trend continues, we may finally see the DC Universe that fans have long awaited.
You can watch new episodes of “Creature Commandos” each Thursday on HBO Max. Season one will consist of seven episodes.
