Swamp Thing Review: Brilliant Disguise (Season 1 Episode 7)
Swamp Thing Season 1 Episode 7, “Brilliant Disguise,” has so many twists and turns, but only one of them is truly shocking. However predictable the other reveals are, they set Swamp Thing up for three jam-packed final episodes.
Alec Holland being a hallucination is a rather painful twist that’s revealed in the first minutes of the episode, which means that Swamp Thing has every intention for the other reveals to pack an even bigger punch.
It’s because of Alec and Abby’s deep and believable connection that it’s such a blow to know he’s not actually present in that form.
It’s a bummer that neither Alec nor Abby can have one nice thing, no matter how fleeting. Sure, they find some quiet moments to appreciate each other during a literal war in Abby’s body, but they deserve more than that.
Unfortunately, those other twists fail to hold up to Swamp Thing’s expectations.
Avery being Matt’s biological father is so predictable that it’s laughable. The context clues aren’t difficult to piece together on that one, like Lucilia’s determination in keeping Matt as disconnected from Avery as possible.
It would’ve been more interesting for Avery to use that as a falsehood to get the upper hand in the fight, but it’s later revealed that he’s wrong. Instead, Lucilia confirms the ridiculous news mere minutes later.
Maria and Lucilia teaming up to take down Avery is so anticipated that it’s less shocking and more rewarding. The women of this series can run circles around Avery Sunderland, and it’s about time we start to see that more.
Marais could benefit from Maria being in charge of things now. At least she shows concern about the effects Woodrue’s test had on Daniel.
It may be too early to make this assumption, but Maria appears to have more empathy and general understanding about people than Avery Sunderland can ever muster up.
Swamp Thing also has a chance to let us get to know Lucilia Cable outside of her connection to Avery Sunderland now. She is willing to push all the limits and cross every line to protect her son, but there’s so much more to learn about her.
There’s also the fact she should most definitely be held accountable for murder and attempted murder. Matt isn’t absolved from that either, because he’s just as bad at this point.
Of course, Avery Sunderland is a survivor of attempted murder, because evil never dies.
Never once during Avery, Lucilia, and Matt’s tussle is it safe to assume that Avery will actually die by its end. It’s more probable that Matt or Lucilia could die instead.
There is a chance for some poetic justice to be served before the end of the season. Avery survives despite being shot in the back and potentially shot again once he’s in the water. This could mean that the swamp did something to save Avery in a vengeful way rather than a heroic way.
Everything we learn from Alec and Abby during “Brilliant Disguise” proves that the swamp is smarter than anyone could ever know. It’s constantly evolving and fighting to survive, both the Green and the Rot.
There’s a chance that the Rot is at least somewhat aware that Avery Sunderland is a great part of the reason why things are getting worse. Celebrating poetic justice in Avery potentially being served some of his toxic medicine is premature.
Swamp Thing is heading into its final three episodes. Alec and Abby are separated for the foreseeable future, and Avery Sunderland survives knowing that everyone is out to get him. It’s hard to think about anything other than the Rot making an already bad man worse.
Marais needs all the heroes it can get if that’s true because Avery Sunderland is possibly the supervillain of this story now.
Stray Observations
- Matt puts an obscene amount of sugar in his coffee. Sorry, someone had to say it.
- Caroline Woodrue is way more interesting than this show gives her credit for. She should be around more than to tell Woodrue not to do things.
—
What did you think of this episode of Swamp Thing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Swamp Thing airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Shelby Elpers
Shelby is a TV enthusiast and pop culture writer. She's an avid podcast listener, green tea drinker, and soccer fan. Her brand can be summarized in rom-coms, superheroes, teen dramas, and workplace comedies.