SWAMP THING S1E1: An Unearthly Comic Book Come To Life
Over the years, DC Comics has plastered its superstars in nearly every corner of pop culture. This is especially evident when it comes to television and film, as Batman gets another reboot every 5-10 years, and we can find multiple renditions of Superman on both the big and small screens. With the recent release of DC’s online streaming service, though, we’ve been able to delve into stories of lesser-known heroes from the renown comic book franchise.
Swamp Thing is the latest show to stem from the service, and thankfully, it comes with all the chilling flare of its source material. Len Wiseman directs the pilot episode and brings to life the mystifying side of the DC Universe. If you found DC’s Titans to be too angsty or Doom Patrol to be too quirky, Swamp Thing might just be what you’ve been looking for.
One Shot
Swamp Thing’s pilot follows Doctor Abbie Arcane (played by Crystal Reed) and biologist Alec Holland (played by Andy Bean), as the two quickly become allies and attempt to get to the bottom of a newly discovered virus in Louisiana. This episode sets up the overall tone of the show and presents an origin story that comic book readers may find inviting. With a tasteful script and suspenseful thrills, the episode is an impressive and entertaining start for both DC Comics and science fiction overall.
The Swamps of Louisiana
This isn’t the first time DC’s Swamp Thing has been captured on camera, with two solo films being released during the 80s, but this new TV show feels like a breath of fresh air. Swamp Thing diverts from the two films and also brings something new to DC TV shows.
Unlike Titans or Doom Patrol, Swamp Thing feels entirely on its own. Sure, it may be connected to their universe, but it branches into a new genre and never feels too serious or satirical in tone. The show is set up with horror elements and digestible drama, which are reinforced with chilling imagery and an overall immersive atmosphere.
Naturally, the world of Swamp Thing is presented with dark overtones and grotesque semblances. Len Wiseman and cinematographer Pedro Luque share their vision for what this show is to be, and by working together they find interesting ways to keep their audience enchanted by this novel world. From the subtle green tint throughout the show to the intricate effects used to portray the swamp as supernatural, Swamp Thing is never visually dull.
What also serves as a visual asset to the show is its use of CGI and practical effects. Whether the show gets graphic with a death scene or introduces a new setting or character, the effects fit right into place — the CGI was usually stunning, and the character of Swamp Thing is portrayed via a breathtaking costume rather than another B-grade CGI monster.
The world building set around this show definitely has me excited, but the performances were also extremely alluring. If Teen Wolf is what you remember Crystal Reed for, Swamp Thing may further prove just how good of an actress she is. Reed and Andy Bean’s chemistry on screen together also worked well; however, their relationship may be the one thing to drag this show down.
Muddy Waters
Abby Arcane and Alec Holland are central to the Swamp Thing mythos, and at times, their relationship feels rushed in this opening episode. Their chemistry works, so that saves the duo from completely sinking, but I believe the show would have benefited if what was captured would have been fleshed out rather than presented over the course of an hour. Of course, there’s plenty of relationship building to come, and hopefully that will feel more wholesome, but what we get in the pilot can feel a bit forced.
Conclusion
Besides a slight hiccup, Swamp Thing’s pilot episode is a promising start for the superhero/horror series. I frequently found myself hypnotized by the performances, visuals, and the overall story that was being given. Swamp Thing brings exciting new life to DC Universe, and this show feels like it’s ripped straight out of a comic book. With 9 episodes left to go, I look forward to diving into this mystical world hidden in the swamps of Louisiana.
What did you think of Swamp Thing? Is it your new favorite DC TV show? Let us know!
Swamp Thing premiered on the DC Universe streaming service on May 31st, and new episodes are slated to release every Friday.
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