On the whole, I rather like DC Universe's "Doom Patrol". Granted, I don't care much for the Bureau of Agency execution. I'd prefer a twist on the "we're more opened-minded than you" dictum, which can be more dictatorial than any traditional bigotry. (I suppose, with a slight bending of one's brain, that irony can be perceived throughout "Doom Patrol", though I doubt its makers intended it, even with all the Lewis Carroll, hidden-meaning beef.)
Though absent in the finale, what made the season extra cool came in its near-to-final phases, when Flex Mentallo entered the action. Devon Chandler Long grants the hero enough chivalrous brawn and poignant vulnerability to please fans. His character also complemented Brendan Frasier/Riley Shanahan's bumbling but huge-hearted Robotman and perhaps to a lesser degree, Joivan Wade's steadfast Cyborg and Timothy Dalton's secret-scorched Chief Niles.
In case one is unaware, Flex is a '90s Charles Atlas spoof, who became more profound as his magical muscle progressed within "Doom Patrol'"s panels. He was still underused within the vast DC universe. Glad to see the live-action version changing that. At this point, Flex could helm a spin-off series for DC's subscription source, whether in flashback or the modern-day form. (This also goes for Diane Guerrero's Crazy Jane, if only due to her many quirky personalities and linking "inner sanctum".)
To be honest, I like all the characters: each with his/her nuanced flaws, and that does include Alan Tyduk's devilish Mr. Nobody. Nonetheless, Matt Bomer's LarryTrainor/Negative Man (soulmates to Billy Batson/Captain Marvel and Hayata/Ultraman) strikes me as more weepy than resourceful. To a degree, this approach works for the sake of the sorrowful symbiosis, but let the damn duo seize the day and stay there for a spell. Besides, anyone who dons the Dr. Griffin/Invisible Man look deserves greater command.
My favorite character ended up being April Bowlby's Rita Farr/Elasi-Woman. Bowlby is a sex symbol/pin-up worthy of any age: an ascent that started with her recurring role on "Two and a Half Men". As the ravishing Rita, Bowlby is more serious and sad than innocent and undressed, but all the same--wow, oh wow!--as striking as ever...okay, that is, when not waxing away. (At least Rita's Blob digression separates her from other elongating entities.)
Here's hoping that word of mouth brings more folks into the "Doom Patrol" fold. Yeah, it's a shame we gotta subscribe (shell out) to watch this stuff, but if it's quality (if it makes one think), it's worth it. Beyond a doubt, "Doom Patrol" is worth it.
