'Doom Patrol:' DC's Brilliant Antithesis
In the opening lines of the new DC Universe original, Doom Patrol, Mr. Nobody (an ever-charming Alan Tudyk) remarks, “Ugh. More TV superheroes. Just what the world needs.” Within seconds, Doom Patrol enlightens its viewer. Here is a programme that knows where it is at, and what the hell it is. Superhero television shows are the latest obsession. On ABC you will find Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD, on Netflix you will see Dark Horse’s The Umbrella Academy and on the CW, you would find an array of DC shows like Arrow, The Flash and Supergirl. None of which are particularly good, but that is another discussion entirely. Earlier this year, DC unveiled a new programme on their streaming service (DC Universe), Titans, and despite the fantastic castings, elaborate costume designs and overall maturity, the show feels dated, completely unaware and, for lack of a better word, lame. With the newly released Doom Patrol, DC has done something utterly courageous; they have completely reshaped the superhero genre.