REVIEW: ‘Doom Patrol’ Season 3 – Episodes 3 “Dead Patrol”

Doom Patrol is heating up and after the end of what we saw in “Vacay Patrol”, the title of the third episode “Dead Patrol” is utterly ominous.

Developed, and executive produced by Jeremy Carver, starring Diane Guerrero (Crazy Jane), Matt Bomer (Larry Trainor / Negative Man), Brendan Fraser (Robotman), April Bowlby (Rita Farr), and Jovian Wade (Cyborg). Doom Patrol tells the story of a dysfunctional group of metahumans that were the test subjects of a mad scientist on the quest for immortality. The episode is directed by Chris Manley, who directed four episodes from the series thus far.

The episode wastes no time at all in letting you know that after the events of “Vacay Patrol,” the would-be heroes are dead, as they are ferried across to the afterlife. Meanwhile, poor Larry receives an unwelcome package delivery that includes his dead teammates stuffed in boxes. All while Larry is processing the loss of the Negative spirit, to return home to this. Thankfully, Dorothy returns home to check in on the gang, and with the assistance of Danny, they get some help of the spiritual kind.

Enter the Dead Boy Detective Agency. The agency consists of Edwin and Charles, two spirits who chose not to cross over to the afterlife and instead, help the living deal with demonic forces. The other member, Crystal, who is a living person, was a survivor of one such nasty demonic possession.

It bears mentioning that Variety has reported that HBO Max has ordered a pilot for the Dead Boy Detective Agency, and after this performance, I can absolutely see why. The trio, played by Sebastian Croft, Ty Tennant, and Madalyn Horcher, is incredibly charming, very relaxed, and funny as hell. There’s a great dynamic between the three, and I hope we get to see more of them. They layer in a great opening story for the characters, and they are just written so damn well.

The rest of the group continues their path of self-healing in a highly unconventional manner. While in the afterlife, each member is welcomed by someone personal from their past. It opens up a highly emotional storyline for each character that adds to the depth of their backstory. Notable among them is Jane, who probably has the lion’s share of screen time, but after watching it you can see why. Guerrero is such a phenomenal actor, and her ability to run the gamut of emotions that Jane is said to possess—it’s so engaging to take in.

The episode does have its downfalls, however, but it’s more of a minor objection. The ferrymen of the afterlife look very cheaply designed and it really shows. They are very akin in style to the early Star Trek original series from the ’60s with an oversized rubbery head. It’s a quality episode, but the layer of horror is kneecapped by a budget look.

Overall, Episode 3 of Doom Patrol “Dead Patrol” continues the streak of fantastic episodes to launch the show officially on HBO Max. The show continues its world-building and expansion into possible spin-off shows off the back of its own success. A truly weird show, but you can’t help but love it.

Doom Patrol season 3 episode 3 “Dead Patrol” is available now exclusively on HBO Max, with a new episode coming next Thursday.