Batwoman Review: Down Down Down (Season 1 Episode 3)

On Batwoman Season 1 Episode 3, “Down Down Down,” the first villain of the week appears, and unfortunately, Tommy Elliot doesn’t really work.

He’s not that engaging. There’s no intrigue involved.

Part of the lack of intrigue is because there’s not really any mystery. He makes it obvious that he knows Bruce is Batman, and Kate figures him out quickly, which thankfully suggests she’s not an idiot. There’s nothing to solve here.

Tommy’s villain arc is mainly just about how quickly Kate can make him go away.

In fact, the only interesting part of Kate’s battle with Tommy is that Alice saves her life. Alice and Kate continue to not do what’s typically expected; they’re spending a surprising amount of time together.

It makes for a very cool dynamic, and it’s hard to tell where their storyline is headed, which is fascinating. Their relationship is the strongest part of Batwoman so far.

Alice: Beth has gone down, down, down the rabbit hole, and she’s never coming back.

If we are going to continue with villains of the week, then they have to be at least half as engaging and fascinating as Alice. It’s not an easy task considering how we are continually spending time with her and learning about her, but these one and done villains have to hold our attentions.

Otherwise, what’s the point?

The only think Tommy accomplishes is forcing Kate to step into her own suit.

Now that Kate’s in her own suit, maybe we can ease up on the guilt. Kate’s too new and hasn’t been stuck on any island for five years to warrant the level of guilt she keeps rambling about in her voiceovers.

I’m not expecting this to be a fun and “oh wow I get to be a hero” level of excitement origin story, but let’s not make it a brooding one of obligation either. So, what do you think of the new suit?

Luke and Kate working together, trying to figure this superhero thing out, continues to be a bright spot during the hour. They are such a fun duo, and I can’t wait to see more of them working together.

Hopefully at some point we take a look into Luke’s backstory and find out more about his dad, and how he came to be looking after an abandoned Wayne Tower.

The other person I’d love to focus even more on is Mary. She is a delight, and it’s already been proven that there is much more to Mary than a social media influencer.

It’s great that we spend a little bit more time with her and Sophie. The two of them don’t seem to have spent that much time together before Sophie’s bodyguard assignment, but that definitely needs to change because they are very entertaining.

Mary: You want to know why Kate’s not a Crow? It’s because you’re a Crow. It’s because 5 years of training is easier to walk away from than going to work with the girl who broke her heart.

The weird drama brewing between Sophie and her husband isn’t all that exciting. Mary being trapped in that elevator with them is the best part of their “why didn’t you tell me about Kate” argument.

What is a little bit intriguing is why Sophie asked to be Mary’s bodyguard or rather why she suggested Mary have one in the first place.

My theory is that she suspects Kate has been the one dressing up as Batman, and she hopes that by staying close to Mary, she will be nearby the next time Alice attacks, and therefore, she’ll be nearby the next time “Batman” shows up.

But, what exactly is Sophie going to do when she finds out the truth? Join forces with Kate?

Lingering Questions:

• Is Kate’s one dangling earring supposed to be stylish?
• What do the cards mean?
• Why does Alice want Kate to stop thinking of her as Beth?

What did you think of this episode of Batwoman? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Batwoman airs Sunday at 8/7c on The CW.

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