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Swamp Thing
DC Universe
Season 1, Episode 7
“Brilliant Disguise”
The reunion leads Alec and Abby to the Rot, a force that’s been addressed previously on the show. The Rot is in constant battle with the source of Swamp Thing’s powers, the Green. Yet another cool nod to the source material (there will be more), but Abby has danced with darkness one too many times and during their trip visiting the Rot’s domain in the swamp, she becomes infected by it.
The true meat to be had here has nothing to do with the stars, but rather the supporting cast. There are some outstanding acting performances and subplots that consistently bring the goods. The trio of Avery Sunderland (Will Patton), his wife Maria (Virginia Madsen) and Lucilia Cable (Jennifer Beals) are an absolute tour de force that could crack your television screen.
Speaking of interesting wrinkles, the script is fully stocked. It starts with Avery, Lucilia and even her son Matt Cable (Henderson Wade) joins the fun, but doesn’t stop there. For example, it’s been established that Woodrue wants to cure his wife of her Alzheimer’s disease, due to his odd demeanor suspicions are bound to be raised. Namely, what does Woodrue truly love the most, his spouse or science?
Maria flexes her muscles and we witness how she’s not someone to be reckoned with. Empowerment is one heck of a drug, which makes you wonder. Was she always waiting in the weeds ready to strike, or was losing Shawna for good the straw that broke her back? Either way, it’s a powerful performance to watch. Madsen knocks the role out of the park and into oncoming traffic. Which coincidentally, is where one may end up should they cross Maria Sunderland.
Yet again, there isn’t much Swamp Thing physically to be seen. Understandably frustrating for some I’m sure, except there’s poetry at play and it shouldn’t be dismissed. While Abby saw him as Alec again for a brief time, he remained in the body of a monster. No matter what transformations or trials lie ahead Alec accepts his fate, but he’s unwilling to let go of at least one human characteristic, his heart.