Batwoman Review: An Un-Birthday Present (Season 1 Episode 11)
We finally get some answers on how Beth ends up on this Earth on Batwoman Season 1 Episode 11, “An Un-Birthday Present.” Sure, it is all still confusing and makes very little sense, but at least we get something.
This is better than what Mary gets because it doesn’t seem like she gets any information as to how Beth exists. She comes up with the multiverse theory on her own, but how does Mary think that Beth exists all of a sudden? What lie is she told?
But, let’s not sit around and debate how a non-paragon gets kicked out of their Earth into this new one and just dive into the rest of the hour.
Beth existing in this world brings in a much more emotional element because she gives us tangible proof of what Kate’s life would have been like if Beth survived the crash.
It’s no longer what-ifs in Kate’s imagination. Beth shares some of her life and relationship with Kate on that other Earth, and we see the twin bond between them.
And there are also some great scenes between Mary and Beth! This is something I did not know I needed, but I’m all here for it. Mary gives some stellar Alice impersonation tips.
Mouse: You know you are much more docile without your evening wear.
Any time Mary is tangentially involved in the case of the week, it is an excellent thing. She adds a different dynamic to the Luke and Kate strategy sessions, and then the addition of Beth to this mix is amazing.
It’s fun watching Beth and Luke interact and to be reminded of how terrible Luke is at keeping secrets. Basically, this hour is proof that Kate and Luke need to expand their Batcave team A.S.A.P!
Oh Sophie, Sophie, Sophie. She falls for Alice’s sob story — don’t get me wrong, she has one hell of a legitimate sob story, but Sophie should know that Alice really only brings it out to manipulate and play with people.
She’s done it to Kate quite a few times, so as soon as Alice starts opening up, you know it’s all a trick. It would actually shocking if Alice didn’t try and escape at the end.
However, it doesn’t make what Alice says any less captivating.
She shares the moment when she stopped being Beth and became Alice. It comes after something horrific, but it’s not something that is done to her, per say, but something she has to do.
It is no use going back to yesterday because I was a different person then.
I would want to do whatever it took to forget the feeling sewing together flaps of human skin, so it isn’t surprising that it is that moment that Beth dissociates. And it is fascinating to see her just flip the switch.
I’m curious as to how long Beth has been in captivity at that moment. The newspaper shows that Jake and Catherine are now an item, and I don’t remember if we were ever given a timeline on their relationship. My theory is that Beth’s been in captivity at least a year.
Stray Thoughts:
- WHY DO WE HAVE TO INTRODUCE A KITTEN ONLY TO KILL HER?!
- I’m very upset about it.
- Who sees a cat sweater and goes, “ah, yes! You can sew skin flaps for me!”
- Are we ever going to see more of Kate’s real estate gig?
What did you think of this episode of Batwoman? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Batwoman returns Sunday, February 16 at 8/7c on The CW.
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Allison Nichols
Allison is in a love affair with television that doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. Slightly damaged fictional characters are her weakness. She loves to spend her free time curled up with a cat and a show to binge-watch. Allison is a Tomatometer-approved critic (Rotten Tomatoes).