Creature Commandos Season 1 Episodes 1-2 Review: What Makes A Monster A “Monster”?

Creature Commandos Season 1 Episodes 1 and 2 really sets the tone for what the future brings: a wild, savage, and extremely raunchy experience. Within both “The Collywobbles” and “The Tourmaline Necklace”, their shared tone makes it very clear that Creature Commandos will be as snarky as The Suicide Squad was.

This is heavily presented in the first few moments of “The Collywobbles”, where we get context for what the team has to face. The witch Circe, and her gang of low-lives, aptly named “SofT” for Sons of Themyscira, plan to invade Pokolistan for unknown reasons.

Her henchmen are a near reflection of what far-right rioters would look like, playing up the satirical factor that James Gunn is known for. In a way, it tries to pull off what Harley Quinn usually does by blatantly satirizing its political humor.

Fortunately, this somewhat uncomfortable use of comedy doesn’t necessarily become the main focus as the group finally gets together.

This gathering of monsters is done through Amanda Waller, who’s chosen Rick Flag Sr. to help her lead the team. While their talk is pretty much straight to the point, it does provide some insight into what Gunn has actually canonized in the DCU.

Yes, A.R.G.U.S. was outed by Waller’s daughter, Leota Adebayo, on Peacemaker. Yes, Rick Flag Jr. died in The Suicide Squad. It tries to fill holes that were presently discovered by fans in a way that doesn’t fully feel like an exposition dump.

It just gives us enough information to keep the audience on their toes to finally get to the action.

This entire introductory sequence feels completely Borderlands-based, which is enforced by having these name shots popping out of nowhere. Everything here is done really quickly, from each member’s introduction to them flying off to Pokolistan.

Though there are a few comedic comments, especially around Weasel, it feels mostly shot-for-shot. Although, the tone really takes a turn when the team finally arrives and meets Princess Ilona.

From the start, there’s already this tension where Ilona’s not who she really seems. She is especially forward towards Rick Flag Sr., who doesn’t seem interested in her at all. Even though they’re supposed to protected Ilona, the tension is infused with this sense of erotica that “The Collywobbles” needs to fulfill.

Though the episode itself feels incredibly erotic, there are still some genuine moments. The interactions between G. I. Robot and Nina Mazursky are just extremely wholesome as they try to cope with their new circumstance. They’re monsters, but they have actual decency to go around.

Unlike Nina and G. I. Robot, Rick Flag Sr. finds himself completely in the ropes with Ilana. In fact, “The Collywobbles” drops a whole behind-the-door bathroom sex moment, which is comedically peered by Doctor Phosphorous. The fight that Flag Sr. and Phosphorous have otherwise is truly a sight to see as it helps them find at least some common ground to rely on.

Continuing into “The Tourmaline Necklace”, this episode finally picks up the pacing by focusing on the Bride. Here, we learn that the Bride was created by Victor Frankenstein to be the wife of his monster. Although, the bond between both men remains shaky.

The monster, Frankenstein, presents himself as this desperate creature who needs someone to love. Despite all the prowess and life his creator has given him, his need for more makes him into someone one would call a “degenerate”. Yet, you can’t help but feel a slight touch of sympathy for what happens after.

Though this memory is seen in brief flashbacks, it’s very depressing to see a creator abusing its creation. That’s exactly what happens when Victor decides to romance the Bride, who’s still trying to form her own consciousness. With Victor luring her in with the said necklace, it cements his full manipulative influence over her.

What results is a deadly rampage that leads to Frankenstein trying to get to Bride. It tries to be harrowing by pulling on that emotional connection the two barely share, yet it gets into a montage that cuts that short. The tonal shift is somewhat of a problem, for now, but hopefully there’s a clearer tone later on.

Both “The Collywobbles” and “The Tourmaline Necklace” are a serviceable introduction to Creature Commandos as it gets more chaotic. Though the overall comedic tone feels undone here, there’s still potential to improve it for future episodes. Fortunately, “The Tourmaline Necklace” seems to balance this out with its somewhat more mature development.

What did you think of these episodes of Creature Commandos? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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New episodes of Creature Commandos release Thursdays on Max.

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