Batwoman Review: Kane, Kate (Season 2 Episode 17)

Roman’s plan to destroy Gotham is put into action on Batwoman Season 2 Episode 17, “Kane, Kate.”

Every superhero story has that moment when everything falls apart for the heroes, and it seems as though the villains are headed for victory. “Kane, Kate” is that moment for the Bat team.

It’s a thrilling hour of lies, deceit, and really great character work. It also manages to continue the season-long throughline of racism in Gotham’s criminal justice system.

“Kane, Kate” is the perfect setup for what will most definitely be an emotionally charged finale.

Kate being kidnapped by Roman, then physically and mentally turned into his daughter Circe has been the most uncomfortable story of Batwoman Season 2. It’s also a very clever way to recast Kate and keep her on the show.

Roman irrationally blames Jacob and Kate (as Batwoman) for Circe’s death, so this is just all part of his revenge plan.

The Bat team is so excited to have Kate back, they don’t even stop to question why she’s suddenly so friendly and cooperative. Of course, she’s not. It’s a double-cross from Roman, Circe, and Safiyah.

Circe steals Batman’s villain weapon collection from the Batcave because Bruce just keeps that stuff lying around. Seriously Bruce, why are you keeping Clayface’s teeth?

Even though the double-cross seems pretty clear to us from the start, the more compelling part of this story is Ryan struggling with the idea that she has to give up the life she worked so hard to get.

Javicia Leslie is amazing as she displays Ryan’s hope, disappointment, and finally resignation. She knows it’s Kate’s life, but she really loves being Batwoman and having a new family.

The confrontation between Ryan and Roman is fascinating, as she tries one last time to appeal to his humanity, discussing how his daughter was a victim of the system. Leslie and Peter Outerbridge are fantastic together, making us wish they’d had more scenes out of costume this season.

He uses his power to have Ryan arrested and framed as a drug dealer before he tries to kill her in custody. Considering what we just went through with Luke, this is particularly painful to watch.

Coupled with hiring former Crows, including Tavaroff joining Roman’s inner circle, this episode highlights how Roman uses his white privilege to destroy the city.

Alice, still reeling from Ocean’s murder, gets a surprise offer from Safiyah, who wants Alice to come back to Coryana with her. She tells Alice that Ocean’s death signals the end of their war. Alice responds by stabbing Safiyah with one of her magical Desert Rose knives.

Thank goodness Batwoman doesn’t completely kill off Safiyah.

The evil glee and devious grin Shivaani Ghai portrays as she revels in Alice’s pain makes her impossible to look away from. This is the kind of supervillain we anticipate appearances from.

Like Mary, we don’t wish grief on Alice. However, Ocean was a drag on the character, and he may serve her better in death.

This loss will either set her back to the ruthless Alice we first met, or be the start of her redemption story. We’re not sure which one we want yet.

And that’s just one of many questions we have headed into the Batwoman Season 2 finale.

We also need to know if Kate can ever become herself again, what finally pushes Luke to become Batwing, what’s next for Sophie, what happens to Jacob, and does Bruce know what’s going on in his cave?

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

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Batwoman airs Sundays at 9/8c on The CW.

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