In the penultimate chapter of the first season of Creature Commandos, titled "Priyatel Skelet," the series delves deeper into the tragic past of Doctor Phosphorus, played by Alan Tudyk, as Task Force M finds itself scattered and on the brink of a climactic showdown in Pokolistan. This episode not only provides a chilling backstory but also sets the stage for the season finale with a major surprise appearance from the DCU's Batman.
The episode opens with a flashback to Gotham City, where Alexander Sartorius, the man who would become Doctor Phosphorus, is seen fleeing from crime boss Rupert Thorne and his men. In the present, Doctor Phosphorus is in Pokolistan, on the run from Rostovic's royal knights after Task Force M was separated in the previous episode. This split forces the team to confront their own demons and the consequences of their actions, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of Pokolistan.
Nina and The Bride find solace in a brothel, where they are protected by the brothel's madam when the knights come knocking. This safe haven becomes a temporary respite from the chaos outside, as they plan their next move. Meanwhile, Rick Flag, hospitalized and in a coma after his fight with Clayface, leaves Eric in charge of a plane, which he hijacks to reach Pokolistan. Weasel, alone in the woods, befriends a pack of wolves, showcasing his unique ability to connect with creatures.
Flashbacks continue to unravel the tragic tale of Alex Sartorius, a scientist driven by the noble goal of curing cancer through nuclear fusion. However, his need for funding led him to the dark path of Rupert Thorne, who sold Alex's research to the oppressive regime of Bialya. Thorne's betrayal results in the murder of Alex's family, and in a twisted turn of fate, the very machine meant to kill him transforms him into the radioactive skeleton Dr. Phosphorus.
The episode's most significant surprise is the appearance of Batman, who captures the newly empowered and vengeful Doctor Phosphorus at the Ice Lounge. This marks Batman's first active role in the DCU, though he remains a shadowy figure, his identity and face still shrouded in mystery. This encounter explains how Phosphorus ended up in the hands of Waller, setting the stage for his inclusion in Task Force M.
As the episode draws to a close, Task Force M members reunite, each carrying the weight of their past and the urgency of their mission. Weasel's quest to find Princess Ilana, who reminded him of a girl from his own past, could complicate the team's objective to kill the princess and prevent the prophesied WWIII. Eric's return to Pokolistan, seeking to warn The Bride about Clayface's deception, adds another layer of tension, as his personal quest for reunion with The Bride could clash with the team's greater mission.
The episode concludes with Task Force M, now reunited, marching towards Castle Rostovic with a singular goal: to kill the princess and save the world. The slow-motion walk at the end of the episode echoes the iconic team shots in James Gunn's The Suicide Squad, signaling that the season finale is poised to be a explosive culmination of the series' darkest themes and most pressing conflicts.
"Priyatel Skelet" is a masterful blend of character development, action, and emotional depth, setting the stage for a season finale that promises to be as thrilling as it is consequential.