The premiere episode of the animated series "Creature Commandos," titled "The Collywobbles," sets the stage for a thrilling and darkly comedic adventure within the DC Universe. Directed by James Gunn and produced by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation, this episode introduces us to a team of monstrous outcasts assembled by the notorious Amanda Waller. The story unfolds in a world where non-humans are forced into internment, and Waller sees an opportunity to use these creatures for her covert operations.
The episode begins with a tense atmosphere as we are introduced to the Non-Human Internment Division, a place where non-humans are held against their will. Here, we meet the ragtag team of Creature Commandos, each with their own unique set of abilities and tragic backstories. The team is led by Rick Flag Sr., voiced by Frank Grillo, a character with a hardened exterior but a complex emotional depth.
One of the standout characters is The Bride, voiced by Indira Varma, a woman with no identity who is as mysterious as she is enigmatic. Her presence adds a layer of intrigue to the team, as her past is shrouded in secrecy. Doctor Phosphorus, voiced by Alan Tudyk, is a character whose skin is permanently radioactive, adding a dangerous yet fascinating element to the team's dynamic. Weasel, voiced by Sean Gunn, is a character with a dark past, connected to the death of Flag's son, and G.I. Robot, with over 300 Nazi kills to his name, is a force to be reckoned with.
The episode's title, "The Collywobbles," refers to the uneasy feelings and stomach churning that the team experiences as they are thrust into their first mission. Waller, played with cold calculation by Maria Bakalova, has a new target: Circe, the "Amazonian Sorceress Terrorist," voiced by Anya Chalotra. Circe claims to be the rightful heir to Themyscira and leads a terrorist group known as the "Sons of Themyscira," who are attacking Pokolistan.
As the team embarks on their mission, we see the contrast between the monstrous exteriors of the Creature Commandos and the humanity that lies within them. They are forced to confront their own monstrous natures as they navigate the treacherous political landscape of Pokolistan. The episode highlights the moral ambiguity of the characters, as they are tasked with protecting Princess Ilana Rostovic, voiced by Maria Bakalova, who has her own set of secrets and motivations.
The episode reaches its climax with a dramatic standoff between Flag and the princess's head of security, Alexi, who proves to be a ruthless and unpredictable foe. The tension is palpable as Flag's team must navigate the complexities of their mission while also dealing with their own internal conflicts.
In the final moments of the episode, we are left with a cliffhanger that sets the stage for the rest of the season. The Bride is revealed to have a stalker, and the episode ends with a hint that it might be Eric Frankenstein, voiced by David Harbour. This revelation adds a layer of personal intrigue to The Bride's character and suggests that her past will play a significant role in the series moving forward.
"The Collywobbles" is a strong start to the Creature Commandos series, blending action, humor, and pathos in a way that is signature James Gunn. The episode expertly sets up the characters and their relationships, while also laying the groundwork for a season of high stakes and unexpected twists. With its engaging plot and compelling characters, "Creature Commandos" proves that the DC Universe is in capable hands.