WARNING: Spoilers for the fifth episode of Creature Commandos.
The Calm Before The Storm.
Old Friends, New Enemies
The latest episode of Creature Commandos slows down with the momentum this week but picks up again by the end. This chapter focuses on the backstory of Frankenstein as we also spend time in the present with the commandos as Flag and Frankenstein investigate MacPherson. The Commandos make their way back to the castle in this episode and we finally see Clayface show up. Overall, this interlude may not reach the heights of the previous two episodes, but remains just as entertaining.
Friends For Life
The alliance forged by Frankenstein and Flag leads them to a college campus. They scope out the daily life of Amanda McPherson to confirm the validity of her knowledge of Themyscira. Upon getting into McPherson’s house Flag quickly realizes something is amiss. The investigation led to Flag finding the real MacPherson’s body in the upstairs bedroom. The imposter is revealed to be Clayface. While trying to escape the house, Clayface puts down Mortal Kombat, and begins to beat the snot out of Flag and Frankenstein. The animated fighting sequences continue to be a highlight in this series, with the bar going further by showcasing Clayface’s morphing capabilities.
Divide and Conquer
The remaining commandos meet up with the Pokolistan army to return to the castle with new orders to kill the princess. However, the army does not become aware of this until Flag calls Alexi to warn them of what’s happening. Alexi then takes the commandos on a detour that ends in his death and the rest of the Pokolistan army hunting the commandos. Phosphorus tears through bullets and the bride makes quick work of soldiers. The animation in this show continues to be crisp and clear in presentation. Our Commandos inevitably end up on the run and split up.
Colorful Upbringings
Through flashbacks, we see how Eric Frankenstein survived his encounter with the bride after murdering Victor. After being ejected from the burning mansion, Eric washes up a river and is found by a gypsy named Bogdana. Eric learns various concepts while being nursed back to health by the woman, but still yearns for the Bride’s love. Bogdana tries to sway Eric into a different life but is unsuccessful. Ultimately, Eric kills Bogdana so she does not die alone. This is reflective of Eric’s nature to destroy everything he comes into contact with. Of all the characters in Creature Commandos, Eric Frankenstein’s impulsive and brutish nature is what makes him so tragic, due to the fact he is also elegant and romantic with his words.
Violent Fiends
The commandos are split up and on the run in Pokolistan, and Clayface has beaten Rick Flag into severe pain. Ilana knows the commandos are trying to assassinate her, and Flag entrusts Frankenstein to stop the commandos. Can Frankenstein locate them in time, and will Task Force M be able to reassemble? While this episode serves as a comedown from the previous in terms of reveals, it still offers plenty of monstrous mayhem coupled with sincere storytelling that keeps you questioning if you’re a fan of monsters who have tragic backstories.
New Episodes of Creature Commandos air on MAX on Thursdays at Midnight PST.