Swamp Thing Review: Worlds Apart (Season 1 Episode 2)

Despite the show being named after Alec Holland’s altered being, most of Swamp Thing Season 1 Episode 2, “Worlds Apart,” focuses on the women of Marais and how their stories delicately intersect.

It’s from this perspective that “Worlds Apart” moves the larger story of Swamp Thing forward without sidelining its female characters in favor of the titular role.

At this point in its season, the show proves that TV of this genre can exist with female-centered storytelling.

It’s evident that Abby Arcane is at the center of this story. It’s hard to see any solution to any of Marais’ problems without Abby’s empathy and knowledge being the key. Swamp Thing never denies that — however, it does challenge it.

Sheriff Lucilia Cable is the first person to doubt Abby’s memory on “Worlds Apart.” Sheriff Cable’s complete dismissal of Abby’s concerns and warnings cuts, because it’s difficult to believe that Lucilia didn’t face the same kind of scrutiny in her own line of work.

Even though Abby’s trauma is connected to a swamp monster, Lucilia’s complete denial of Abby’s recollection of things is similar to calling a woman hysterical. The way Abby rolls her eyes suggests she’s all too familiar with that accusation.

Their dynamic becomes even more interesting when it’s revealed that Lucilia is hesitant about Abby because she doesn’t want her to son to get hurt.

This innate desire to protect a child is a paralleled many times throughout “Worlds Apart,” like Abby rescuing Susie.

Swamp Thing tells a moving story about a grieving mother, Maria Sunderland, who didn’t get the chance to protect her daughter when she needed it most. There’s a chilling ghost story involved in this journey now that will likely complicate everything, but we’ll have to wait until next week to learn more about that.

Despite Maria’s grief, she is one of the faces Marais looks to for hope during an epidemic.

Sheriff Cable is the law enforcement Marais relies on for safety. Abby Arcane is a scientist that can save them all. Beyond that, Liz is a journalist who strives to find truth when people like Avery Sunderland lie to people’s faces to line his own pockets.

Hopefully, Swamp Thing continues to expand on these stories moving forward, because they could be great cornerstones for the season. This is especially true if these women can come together after some serious healing and takedown Avery Sunderland — and help Alec Holland, of course.

Maybe by then, Swamp Thing will have found a way to make Avery’s evil dealings more engaging.

Right now he’s a bad guy doing bad things, and there’s no reason to believe he’ll have a change of heart any time soon. Then again, this could be the narrative the show wants to tell — that not everyone can be changed for the better.

It’s virtually impossible to invest any hope in Avery Sunderland right now. Abby Arcane, on the other hand, carries hope with her wherever she goes. Abby stands in defiance to people like Avery to help people like Alec. It’ll take some time, but soon Marais, including Sheriff Cable and maybe even Maria Sunderland, will believe Abby when she speaks.

It’s with the help of people who hear her, like Matt, Liz and Alec, that Abby can create necessary change in Marais.

Stray Observations

• The prosthetics on this show are so cool!
• Susie Coyle is one of the bravest kids ever. 
• Liz’s house is super nice. I wouldn’t blame Abby if she never leaves that guest house over the water.

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Swamp Thing airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW.

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