REVIEW: ‘Doom Patrol’ Season 3 – Episode 2 “Vacay Patrol”

Doom Patrol has returned with Episode 1 “Possibilities Patrol” having some work to do in order to wrap up most of the main plot from the second season. Essentially the show had to slightly chopped and changed due to the pandemic and with production shutting down due to mandatory lockdowns. Now, however, the show heads into its second episode “Vacay Patrol”, with our core cast feeling the weight of their exploits and in desperate need of a break.

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 meta humans that were the test subjects of mad scientist on the quest for immortality. This episode was directed by Christopher Manley, who has also directed three other episodes in the series.

With the death of Niles Caulder, and Dorothy off adventuring with Danny, who is now a sentient ambulance instead of a street, the team begins to feel the weight of their recent exploits, and the pain it’s left them with. Rather than allowing themselves time to work through that trauma and grief, they decide instead to get away from it all for some much deserved rest and relaxation. As expected though, the unexpected and obscene is always one step around the corner when it concerns the Doom Patrol.

One of the many elements of this show that I absolutely adore is the introduction of some of the most ridiculously fringe characters that DC has to offer. I mean, this series, this whole concept, is at its core swimming in the waters of madness and then dialing the wacky up to 11. With “Vacy Patrol” we see the unexpected first look at the Brotherhood of Evil, with a small scene for both The Brain and Monsieur Mallah. Not only does this incredible duo feature in the episode but they also call upon Garguax the Decimator, accompanied by his faithful servant Samuelson, played by Stephen Murphy and Billy Boyd. Yes, that Billy Boyd.

The opening scene, while short, had me a little giddier than I was expecting, but it was such an entertaining spot. Murphy and Boyd steal the show this episode, and I loved how Boyd’s character is just so full up until the very end. A phenomenal actor for sure, but I demand we see more Samuelson, because his pomp and demeanor is so atrociously infectious. The comedy of these two characters was a great contrast to the actual problems being worked on Cliff, Rita, Jane, and Vick.

The episode itself really stripped back a lot of the  characters, and by putting them up in a remote vacation getaway in the woods, forces the characters into a situation of solitude where their pain is staring them in the face. None of these people are ok after what they’ve been through. The show does such a wonderful job of aggressively, and candidly, addressing the invisible but all to real pain each of them are carrying around inside.

Episode 2 of Doom Patrol “Vacay Patrol” was just bonkers. The introduction of some amazingly fun fringe villains, while in the backdrop of what looks to be the vacation lodging from Dirty Dancing, just has me believing the writers of this show are evil geniuses. So much to unpack, but where to even start?!

Doom Patrol Season 3 Episode 2 “Vacay Patrol” is available now exclusively on HBO Max.