DC Universe, the online, subscription service that spawned "Titans" and "Doom Patrol", now gives us "Swamp Thing": a James "Aquaman" Wan-produced, revamped genesis for the popular, monster-superhero, set for May 31.
I've always liked Len Wein/Bernie Wrightson's morphed rendering of the honorable Dr. Alec Holland; I hold Wes Craven's movie version in high regard, though not so much Jim Wynorski's sequel, though I was compelled to own it on disc, so take that for what you will.
The USA, Joseph Stefano-developed series happens to be one of my all-time favorites of any genre, and the short-lived "Swamp Thing" cartoon show was nifty in its own well-intended right, producing some real swell action figures.
The DC Universe remake sure has some big shoes to fill, and yet the subscription source seems intent on delivering superior storytelling with impressive casts. ("Doom Patrol", in particular, has exceeded expectations.)
For "Swamp Thing '19", we get Andy "Power" Bean as Holland and Derek "Jason vs Freddy" Mears as the doc's vegetated alter ego. There's also super-hot Crystal "Gotham" Reed as Dr. Abby Arcane and legendary Virginia "Highlander II" Madsen as anguished Maria Sunderland. Will "The Postman" Patton plays her spouse, Avery, a businessman who appears more the antagonist than the alluring Arcane could ever be. (Hey, what's in a villainous surname, anyway?) To cap things off, Leonardo "Westworld" Nam stars as Harlan Edwards (Arcane's right-hand man), Ian "Sharknado" Ziering as the blazing Blue Devil (aka Dan Cassidy), Kevin "Wolverine" Durand as the quirky Jason Woodrue; and Jennifer "The Bride" Beals as the lovely Lucilia Cable.
The series' trailers don't reveal much, yet manage to establish that this "Swamp Thing" will be darker than previous adaptations. Wan has also stated that his Swampy will contain Gothic horror. Neato...
On the unpropitious side, word has it that the production ended earlier than expected, due to creative differences (whatever that means): The series was planned for thirteen episodes, though ten will stream.
I do hope the new "Swamp Thing" doesn't turn out to be a big, loose-end tease. It's maddening as hell when cool-concept shows like this get severed before they start. "Swamp Thing" has good cause to carry on for several seasons, but if inflated egos are involved, the fans will have little say in whether this reincarnation triumphs or tanks.
(And while we're at it, why doesn't the DC Universe queue up the prior adaptations of "Swamp Thing"? If one is going to commemorate the character in live-action form, be thorough...do it right.)
Derek Mears is a remarkable performer (actor/stuntman) who should receive the utmost respect from fans. He not only plays the new Swamp Thing, but has starred in "Freddy vs Jason" and "Friday the 13th '09" (as Mr. Voorhees, of course); "Predators" (as guess what?); "The Hills Have Eyes 2 '07); "Hatchet III" (with fellow Jason, Kane Hodder); "Men in Black II"; "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"; "Cursed"; "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters"; "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters"; "Dead Snow"; "Zathura": "Alita: Battle Angel"; several of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films; "Twin Peaks: the Return"; Fox's "Sleepy Hollow" (as the Golem), among many other imaginative submissions. Mears is destined for the celebrity-signing circuit, if he hasn't already become part of it. This guy is the real deal.
ReplyDeleteGood first episode. A tad slow at first but interesting, with a distinct mood. More monster/science-fiction oriented than superhero based. Kinda like "Carpenter's Thing".
ReplyDeleteAnd what can I say about Crystal Reed? She's sure a looker. Thought so when she played Sophia Falcone on "Gotham". Though Abbey Arcane is cut from a far different cloth, the same charisma shines through.
One thing I didn't like: Holland admitting that he manipulated data. No, no, no... That's not a flaw I can embrace for this character under any circumstance.
https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3565653/confirmed-dc-universe-already-canceled-swamp-thing/?fbclid=IwAR0qYrvKvDOV3J01Pgjz_cJ3jM1UZpE6RAtUJAV3scAituF9pT0EBqdPiPM
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the second episode far more than the first. I can only imagine that Swamp Thing's presence will grow, and the chapters will benefit from it.
ReplyDeleteThe big drawback is DC Universe's cancellation of the series. It spoils the atmosphere, as did Netflix's cancellation of its Marvel programs. I'd imagine fans (subscribers) could influence the decision, but at this point, it appears that the pay-for-it source has already dug in its heels.
Wonder what this means for DC Universe's (online) status, for "Doom Patrol", "Titans"....
Top-notch third episode. Perhaps this will set the pace for the series henceforth, but again, the cancellation declaration still stings--stings hard.
ReplyDeleteOn the positive side, man is Abby Arcane/Crystal Reed sure beautiful. Is it just me or does she get ever more striking as the series progresses? She's definitely one darn, good reason to keep watching.
On a special note: What a stunning performance by Kevin Durand as Dr. Woodrue. I always found Durand a cool, character actor (in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine"; "Robin Hood" {Ridley Scott/Russell Crowe version}, "3:10 to Yuman '07"; "Noah"..."Resident Evil: Retribution"), but this might be his best performance yet. Talk about eccentric...absorbing.
I'm liking the dark, spiritual rise that's now characterizing the show. It's helping with Swamp Thing's cognitive development, as well. Better this angle than all that cliched, environmental stuff. It's good to give things a twist here and there.
ReplyDeleteI rather like the idea of Alec being able to appear to Abby from out Swamp Thing. I wouldn't want to see the technique overused, thus pushing the monster guise to the side, but still, I gotta say, this is clever.
ReplyDeleteSo cool to see Adrienne Barbeau on "Long Walk Home". Often these little touches, these wee nods, have such big impact.
ReplyDeleteThe series is coming to a close, but with Blue Devil in full swing (or close to full) and so much developing with Holland/Swamp Thing, I'm going to be sad to see this one go. In all honesty, perhaps it's best it didn't have more episodes than ten. I'm really tired of the padding approach, and it did mar a few of the Netflix Marvel shows.
ReplyDelete"Loose Ends" certainly ended open-ended, which saddens me for all that could yet be. (I felt the same with "Ash vs Evil Dead: Season 3". It hurts when something good is cut sort.) There was so much more to this new "Swamp Thing" to tell, as well. I wanted more on Blue Devil. I wanted to gaze further upon the pretty Arcane. Que Sera, Sera...
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