WARNING: Spoilers for the third episode of Creature Commandos
Putting the “Commando” in Creature Commandos
The third episode of this savage series centers around the guiltless mechanoid, G.I. Robot. Through flashbacks, we see how they ended up inside Belle Reve and on the Commandos, and it is slightly heartbreaking but fairly humorous. From World War II to the present day, the story of G.I. Robot is the most well-crafted episode of the monster mayhem program. James Gunn finds ways to sympathize with an artificial being but also make you titter at the violent massacre of fascist supremacists and nazis alike. If there is a contender for the best episode of the season, “Cheers To the Tin-Man” is a great candidate.
War Tales
First, we see G.I. Robot having a flashback to WW2 with EZ Company. A group of Nazis ambush the squad but G.I. Robot saves everyone as they extend their body up by the legs, and mow down every fascist in sight. EZ Company celebrates their win at a bar, with members of the crew saying “Cheers to the Tin-Man!”. This sequence displays the height of bliss G.I. had in his life. Meanwhile, back in Pokolistan, the Commandos realize that Bride and Nina were used as a diversion so Circe could assault Princess Ilana. When the Commandos return, they find themselves at war with the sons of Themyscira.
Past & Future DC Surprises
Upon saving Nina and being a good friend to her, there is another flashback to a talk show featuring G.I. Robot some twenty years after World War II. In the crowd, is one Will Magnus. Magnus in DC Comics canon is the creator of the Metal Men, and this flashback indicates that not only was G.I. Robot given a substantial upgrade by Magnus, but there is an even larger implication that G.I. Robot may be the blueprint for the Metal Men. Considering James Gunn has a knack for adapting oddball and C-List characters, it would not shock anyone to see a project dedicated to the Metal Men somewhere in the DCU. Especially considering the heavy rumors of a Sgt. Rock film happening, which very well could also be a result of the character appearing in G.I. Robot’s flashback to WWII. If this is the way this shared DC universe interconnects, I am here for it.
Surprise Attack
As the sons of Themyscira proceed to hold their own against the Commandos and the Pokolistan army, G.I. Robot asks Flag if these are Nazis. When Flag expresses as such, G.I. Robot then detaches from its legs and flies into the air. The last flashback of G.I. Robot being picked up by Sam (voiced by Michael Rooker) shows a subtle life lived with Sam and some cats. One day Sam takes G.I. Robot to a meeting that turns out to be a gathering of supremacists. The rampage of killing the supremacists is intercut with G.I. gunning down the sons of Themysicra. Just as the cheery slaughter reaches its height G.I. is blown to bits by Circe.
Thanks For The Memories
Just as Circe is about to murder Princess Ilana, Weasel comes in for the rescue. Weasel brings Circe back to the ground, and the commandos overpower her. Phosphorus even burns her face. As she screams in agony, Bride remarks Flag. “You wanted monsters, you got monsters.” The episode closes with Nina holding G.I. Robot’s head and his dying words are “Cheers to the Tin-Man” – This line is said three times total in this episode, which is interesting because every other episode title is mentioned once in its respective episode. The last thing we see is Circe telling the Commandos that they have doomed the world.
Witch Hunt
Overall, this episode of Creature Commandos lends itself well to telling a solid story about a simple character, while also possibly planting seeds for more things that could come in the DCU. To see G.I. Robot go from war hero to being on trial for manslaughter odes to a real-world parallel of how the world turns its back on combat veterans for morally gray decisions or lack of empathy. Sean Gunn also deserves all the praise for giving this character’s voice such a distinct personality. We may be saying goodbye to G.I. Robot here, but the work put in was not in vain. Now that the Commandos have apprehended Circe, the implications going forward are not going to be favorable, that’s for sure.
New Episodes of Creature Commandos air on MAX on Thursdays at midnight PST.