Wellington Paranormal Season 3 Episode 5 Review: The Revengers
Wellington Paranormal Season 3 Episode 5, “The Revengers,” puts its spin on superheroes with The Revengers, a team of vigilantes best left on the reject pile. Although, with names like “Cat Lady,” “Google Girl,” and “Electric Man,” perhaps they could prove to be an asset to Earth’s mightiest heroes. Now they would’ve finished off Thanos before the Snap.
Anyway, “The Revengers” introduces the idea of superpowered individuals to the Wellington Paranormal universe. Minogue, O’Leary, Parker, and Sergeant Maaka face one of their most formidable threats yet on the streets of Wellington.
MAAKA: You will have to physically zoom in yourselves. So, zoom in. Zoom in times two.
The main issue with this outing is the rushed narrative. This show possesses a unique mythos, to be sure, but it doesn’t require extensive, multi-episode worldbuilding to execute a fully fleshed plot. Admittedly, the episodic format of this series doesn’t sustain that kind of storytelling.
“The Revengers” quickly integrates the Neighborhood Watch members-turned-vigilantes into the plot and sends them packing roughly 10 minutes later. While the reason for losing their powers is humorous enough (George’s water abilities clash with Electric Man’s electrical beams), this story might have benefited from a multi-episode arc.
In true Wellington Paranormal fashion, the outing simply ends. A nice change in format would’ve served this show well by bringing The Revengers in for a more extended, intricate plot.
MINOGUE: Electrocuting people should be special — just for us.
Of course, this begs the question: Why mess with a good thing? Wellington Paranormal corners the market with its brand of storytelling, making for easygoing, breezy entertainment. However, too much of a good thing can be tedious. An occasional departure from the norm allows audiences to take in a breath of fresh air.
That’s not to say “The Revengers” is, tonally, a lackluster episode. Even a somewhat tepid outing of Wellington Paranormal is better than most run-of-the-mill, hollow sitcoms. There are laugh-inducing moments aplenty, including Parker gaining his “supernatural” powers, Maaka coaching him, and Parker inevitably saving the day.
The comedy doesn’t fall flat, and the performers still deliver on all fronts. O’Leary and Minogue’s argument in the police cruiser about the ethics behind tasing or “electrocuting” civilians is hysterical.
O’LEARY: Look, you guys are all breaking the law to uphold the law, which is against the law.
Overall, “The Revengers” presents a fun new idea for this universe; however, the execution leaves something to be desired. Despite that, the gags remain top-tier, the cast chemistry off the charts, and the physical comedy reigns supreme in a league of its own.
Stray Observations:
- Sergeant Maaka’s “Paranormal To-Do List” is inexplicably empty for residing in a city with an excess of supernatural activity.
- Parker awkwardly running toward The Revengers while plastered in cutlery and yelling, “You’re under arrest!” will always be hilarious.
- Remember that Odd Couple-esque spinoff idea featuring Maaka and Parker sharing a flat in Wellington? Toss in a bit of Maaka training Parker to harness his magnetic abilities, and you’ve got a smash hit.
- If The Revengers aren’t front and center for Marvel’s Phase Five, then we don’t want it.
- Perhaps citizens would take Minogue more seriously if he sported a Burt Reynolds-style mustache.
What did you think of this episode of Wellington Paranormal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Wellington Paranormal airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW.
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Melody McCune
Melody loves TV. Maybe too much. Besides being a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV, she's the Managing Editor for Geek Girl Authority, an Independent Contractor for Sideshow Collectibles, and a Senior Writer for Eulalie Magazine. Additionally, she has bylines in Culturess, Widget, and inkMend on Medium. To top it all off, she's a critic for Rotten Tomatoes and CherryPicks.