Like "Titans", "Doom Patrol" was one of the inaugural original shows for the now defunct DC Universe streaming service that continued over to (HBO)Max for a total of four seasons. Between the two shows, "Doom Patrol" was consistently better with its in-depth character exploration and surreal nature. And it's certainly the clear winner when it comes to the final season as well.
Initially, the season got off to a slow and worrying start for me. I kind of got season two vibes with the barrage of f-bombs being dropped, though now the others were getting in on Cliff's schtick. There was also a fear that the show may be getting too weird with the main threat appearing to be an impending apocalypse brought on by the Werebutts we've seen before on the show (referred to as the Buttpocalypse). That also added a ticking clock aspect similar to "Umbrella Academy"; considering the two shows have been compared to each other since they started, it kind of felt like "Doom Patrol" was leaning into those similarities. Funny enough though, Gerard Way has also written some Doom Patrol comics and they dropped a couple MCR easter eggs this season.
However, as the season went on, many of these fears were alleviated. Along with a more direct threat in Immortus, much of what made the show so beloved shined through again. While having lots of laughs along the way, there were plenty of emotional moments that resulted in scene after scene featuring the best performances of the entire series. Compared to how it felt with "Titans", I think everyone here knew for sure this was going to be the final season, so they wanted to go all out with a story that brought everything full circle and gave our heroes as much of a happy ending as a show like this could deliver.
However, as the season went on, many of these fears were alleviated. Along with a more direct threat in Immortus, much of what made the show so beloved shined through again. While having lots of laughs along the way, there were plenty of emotional moments that resulted in scene after scene featuring the best performances of the entire series. Compared to how it felt with "Titans", I think everyone here knew for sure this was going to be the final season, so they wanted to go all out with a story that brought everything full circle and gave our heroes as much of a happy ending as a show like this could deliver.
Two episodes really stood out as the best of the season to me. The first was "Casey Patrol", which was a Dorothy focused episode, showing what she's been up to since leaving the manor in season three and how she's dealt with her father's death. This episode also introduced my favorite new character of the season, Casey Brinke, played by Madeline Zima. While coming off at first as a Captain Marvel pastiche, Zima's performance shows a deep character trying to find her place in the universe. Plus, while brief, I really liked her chemistry with Jane.
The other highlight is "Immortimas Patrol", a holiday musical episode. If you've wondered how a Christmas episode of Doom Patrol would work, this is your answer. It's a holiday special that doesn't deviate from the show's tone and continues the narrative of the season. Plus, who knew everyone on this show, both starring and recurring, was such a damn good singer.
The other highlight is "Immortimas Patrol", a holiday musical episode. If you've wondered how a Christmas episode of Doom Patrol would work, this is your answer. It's a holiday special that doesn't deviate from the show's tone and continues the narrative of the season. Plus, who knew everyone on this show, both starring and recurring, was such a damn good singer.
Between "Titans" and the DCEU, this year has seen the clear or potential end to a lot of live action versions of DC characters this year. And I was totally ready to write off this season of "Doom Patrol" too. But props to everyone who worked on this show. They delivered one last hurrah that will remind you why this show was so good and make you miss these characters once it's over.
Now before I go into a show-hole, I'm going to leave you with a moment from season one that's lived rent-free in my head since that encapsulates the meaning of the show.
Now before I go into a show-hole, I'm going to leave you with a moment from season one that's lived rent-free in my head since that encapsulates the meaning of the show.
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