REVIEW: ‘Doom Patrol’ Season 3, Episode 8 – “Subconscious Patrol”

Doom Patrol has for a long time been one of the best comic book adaptations that adeptly captures the complex nature of human existence. In its stories the show explores that even people with superpowers have to deal with their own baggage, and none of it is easier and we all have it. Let’s dive into Episode 8 titled “Subconscious Patrol.”

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 Rebecca Rodriguez, who also led the Season 1 finale.

In the previous episode titled “Bird Patrol”, we saw the continuation of the concurrent timelines, as the tension heats up in both the past and the present. The timelines come crashing together as Laura is forced to face her past, and the Eternal Flagellation begins.

Over the last few episodes I’ve referenced that term flagellation a lot, but what does it mean? I’ll be honest, it’s not what I expected when I first heard it referenced on the show, but it approximates to a beating for a spiritual or religious purpose, a cleansing.

With that in mind we pick up minutes after the prior episode with the team spirited away into their own subconscious as they’re forced to relive their most difficult memories, their repressed feelings. Each member experiences a different memory, a different reason for being forced to face a part of themselves they’d long tried to bury deep within themselves.

It’s a short synopsis that’s for sure, and purposefully designed that way. The reason is that “Subconscious Patrol” really needs to be experienced, so rather than rob you of that joy, I’ll keep it general.

I unabashedly loved this episode as it was a perfect example for why Doom Patrol is beloved amongst its fans. From the pilot episode until now, the story challenges the characters to face harsh truths, confront trauma, and grow together as a found family. Each character continues to get pushed through their paces as the challenges mount.

This time however, has quite the sense of an ending about it. Now we know the show has been renewed for another season so I’m beyond curious to find out how the remaining few episodes play out, and what becomes of the characters.

The episode itself is so different from one moment to the next. Robotman talking to Cliff Steele, Cyborg turned into an action figure, and Jane in a children’s puppet special with adult Kay as the host. I mean creatively, this series never pretends to be anything more than it chooses to be.

Overall, Episode 8 of Doom Patrol is one of the best of the season emotionally, and truly drives the overall story forward. The show runners, and directors continue to elevate the writers insane visions, and ask for more from this phenomenal cast who themselves continue to deliver. I didn’t want the episode to end!

Doom Patrol Season 3 Episode 8, “Subconscious Patrol,” is available now exclusively on HBO Max, with a new episode coming next Thursday.