It’s something of a bittersweet week to review Doom Patrol as we end its second season with an uncertain future. The show likely is the only widely-agreed-upon good thing to come out of the DC Universe streaming (and more) app has neither been canceled or renewed. The double-dipping here would also seem to not bode well for its future on HBO Max, the new platform chose to release a shorter season of Doom Patrol on. What started as a promising show doesn’t–potentially–end poorly, just disappointingly. Here’s five thoughts on “Wax Patrol,” and, remember, beware of spoilers.
1. Not the Villain We Wanted, or Needed
It’s unfortunate to see the narrator of “Crash Team Racing” fall so flat after an intriguing introduction and build-up but the decision to have a cliffhanger here simply does not work, especially considering there’s no guarantee of a payoff from it. But “Wax Patrol” chooses to focus on a great many other things, to the detriment of its A-plot. Candlemaker’s sporadic appearances in this season provided more promise than climax. While the gang working through their issues made for an enjoyable expositional ride, there’s simply no resolution by the end of “Wax Patrol.”
2. She Dead
Speaking of unresolved plot-points Roni is all-but-forgotten about in “Wax Patrol.” It’s strange to see something left so open-ended but Vic and Roni’s relationship is only briefly mentioned between Vic and Dr. Cowboy–Howdy, Pardner. As many criticisms as I had of this storyline throughout season two this feels like yet another victim of a shortened season, cut down before her time.
3. These Pictures of You
As little as “Wax Patrol” addresses Roni there is a great moment of reminiscing with The Cure. While Vic wallows Rita quips that “there’s no superhuman strength that can save you from heartache.” This line could have landed with so much more weight than it does, though. Again, this feels like the victim of a rushed season end, but it still leaves me wanting for more development.
4. Fucking Dad of the Year
Speaking of underdeveloped plots, Cliff got a bit shortchanged here. Of course he wasn’t going to make it to his daughter’s wedding, and watching him fight imaginary Jesus was a highlight for this episode and season, but there should have been so much more here. Cliff was handled far too well leading up to this season two finale to have a lackluster climax in this already underwhelming finale. Will we ever see him reconcile with his daughter Clara? Who knows, there’s no guarantee of a follow-up.
5. We lost Alan Tudyk for this?
Look, it isn’t that I didn’t enjoy this season of Doom Patrol, but it certainly left me wanting. That excitement the first season left me with week to week just wasn’t there this year. It’s not that the cast’s performance was lacking, Diane Guerrerro especially stood out this season, but something didn’t jive like it did the first time around.
With any luck we’ll get a third season of this outstandingly weird show but hopefully we’ll just chalk this season up to being some filler between what came before and what follows after. And hopefully Candlemaker will be a bit more menacing.
