REVIEW: ‘Doom Patrol’ Season 3 – Episode 1 “Possibilities Patrol”

Doom Patrol season 3 is back on HBO Max  with its first episode “Possibilities Patrol”, and to say I’m little excited is an underwhelming statement. This show is absolutely the wildest, and most ambitious product that DC currently has in its live action tv department.

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 Dermott Downs, who directed three episodes during the first season.

With the events of Season 2’s cliffhanger ending, every fan of Doom Patrol has waited with bated breath to find out what will become of the misfit heroes. Season 2 actually finished an episode earlier than anticipated, as work on the show was disrupted due to the pandemic and all of the subsequent lockdowns.

With that being the case, Episode 9 of Season 2 titled “Wax Patrol” was actually a really natural stopping point. It created a fantastic amount of suspense leaving the audience wanting more. Now, with Episode 1 dropping on HBO Max, we can finally have some closure to Dorothy’s coming-of-age arc.

Previously, Dorothy’s powers had erupted as her body underwent the physical changes of puberty. Now, in Season 3 Episode 1, Dorothy must face off with Candlemaker in order to save her Father, Niles Calder, and her friends. Meanwhile, Jane is trapped in the underground as she tries to reveal who the mysterious alter is, who has been murdering her other alters, in an attempt to protect Kay, the primary persona. In the end, the team must say a final goodbye to one member of the team, and a powerful villain finds their way into this reality setting up the main through-line for Season 3.

The episode absolutely feels like a finale as it seeks to resolve all of the previous stories. Given the show had to adapt mid-season with the world being on fire, this episode not only served as a good recap, but it also allowed us to see all of the trauma this team has experienced.

Trauma, and the processing of trauma, have always been a central part of the show, and it continues to be an important element of what sets Doom Patrol apart from other superhero storylines. But it seems like this season in particular will really dive deep into the impact of these experiences on the central core of characters.

Wade, Bomer, Bowlby, Fraser, and especially Guerrero’s performances have elevated this show into a must-watch. Yes, it’s utterly bizarre, but the character development here has such a depth. it keeps you invested.

Overall, the opening episode of the third season of Doom Patrol completely hits its mark. It is as ambitious as it is insane, and the character performances are not to be trifled with. I’m excited to see what’s in store for the remainder of the season!

Doom Patrol season 3 episode 1 “Possibilities Patrol” is available now exclusively on HBO Max.