Amazing Stories Review: Dynoman and the Volt (Season 1 Episode 3)
Comic book origin stories may be a little out of date now, but Amazing Stories Season 1 Episode 3, “Dynoman and the Volt,” takes the idea and places it inside of a home where generations of a family find themselves tested and where escapism is their ultimate form of regaining the power taken from them.
There is a classic adventure vibe that hangs over the episode, feeling like an old Amblin film dusted off from the VHS days and brought back with remastered visual effects. But at its core, the episode is about the emotional hook of the Harris family trying to take back something they have lost, whether it’s their body strength, their dignity, or the bond to their family.
One aspect that works great is that no matter the age, the power of stories (in this case comic books) doesn’t ever really go away, as a lot of us dive into comics, movies, books, or games looking to be entertained or escape from the harder times in life. This episode gets that perfectly, and it’s a fantastic way to bond grandfather, father, and son with comic books as their place of fortitude.
Dylan’s parents aren’t exactly subtle with their passive-aggressive fights, and that likely falls on Dylan to escape into comics and trying to create his own as a form of coping. There’s this silent, underlying hope that perhaps his grandfather can become that beacon of hope he needs to get through this difficult time in his life, and that’s what makes the introduction of the ring so exciting for that pairing.
His grandfather, in turn because of his own upbringing (it’s brought up in passing that he never grew up with his father), finds the ring to be the very way to take away that sense of uselessness creeping up. The episode does well with making him feel like his life, at least as he knows it, is never going to be the same and the thing he loves, working at the shop, may be taken from him.
It’s the kind of conflict that makes his lateness for Halloween deeply disappointing for Dylan, but also rather justified as his grandfather looks to recreate being needed and feeling proactive, rather than accepting retirement is all that he has left. It’s like Dynoman and the Volt in the comic, doing something good ends up hurting another.
The episode also interestingly touches on the idea of some people growing up faster than others. Dylan isn’t ready to let go of comics and Halloween yet, but his friend is starting to notice girls and move on from those interests. Most times, stories like this tend to end with a message that growing up is inevitable but to try and hold onto those things a little bit as you do.
But Amazing Stories smartly lets this magic realism exist and has Dylan and his grandfather bond again at the end by deciding to create their own superhero. While it may only exist on a page for them, it’s a nice little message to end on, that interests aren’t something to shed, but to hold onto and cherish with others.
Some parts, like the fast running, are incredibly cheesy and end up looking goofy, but that’s almost part of the fun, this old school style that the episode is embracing. There’s also both Dylan and his grandfather accidentally falling into the car while it’s teetering on the roof, but we needed some peril for the middle generation to come and save the day, so that’s acceptable.
The performances around the board are quite good, with Tyler Crumley and Kyle Bornheimer both being great, but it’s Robert Forster who steals the episode away. He is able to portray the frustration, the pessimism, and ultimately the excitement that his character goes through with such genuine spirit.
The dismissiveness of the comic book ring and eventually the acceptance of his new normal, being essentially cured, is this rousing moment that he can potentially change and become better for his family, but for it to become the very thing to isolate him from his son and grandson is a flaw not only in him, but in the power it provides.
The power of strength and speed may be great in practice, but much like other superhero stories, it hurts those you’re closest to in the process.
As what is likely Robert Forster’s last acting role, it’s a great one that ends on a positive, touching note.
Amazing Stories Season 1 Episode 3, “Dynoman and the Volt,” is the kind of episode that delivers more than its entertainment by having something to say. It’s a poignant message, that no matter the age, the struggles of an absent family member can send ripples when just being there is the most important thing.
Tying it to powers and trying to stay relevant is the perfect way to take this message, where it’s not entirely out of selfishness, but out of a need to still exist and feel like you matter.
Amazing Stories has been nailing this idea a lot over these three episodes, the need to regain something lost. They all create a form of hope where things may be a new sort of normal, but that the journey to getting there really helps show its character who they are along the way.
What did you think of this episode of Amazing Stories? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Amazing Stories streams Fridays on Apple TV+.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.