‘Doom Patrol’ Season 1, Episode 3 ‘Puppet Patrol’ Recap: Nazi Scientist

The Doom Patrol finds out that the Donkey is a doorway. Before any of them could react, three of them find themselves in another dimension. While this trio struggles with reliving their tragic past lives, life goes on in the real world. Having to deal with 64 distinct personalities is no easy task, but our dear robot friend is up to the challenge. Now that they are all back, they need to find their leader, and one of them may have an idea as to where he is.

In this week’s episode of Doom Patrol, Victor Stone/Cyborg (Joivan Wade) unties the team on a mission to find Niles Caulder/The Chief (Timothy Dalton). Because of a few setbacks, Cyborg and Rita Farr/Elasti-woman (April Bowlby) get left behind. As Crazy Jane (Diane Guerrero) and Cliff Steele/Robotman (Brendan Fraser/Riley Shanahan) explore Fuchtopia, Larry Trainor/Negative Man (Matt Bomer/Matthew Zuk) recalls his life before the accident.

Daddy Issues

DC Universe

While looking for leads on the Chief’s probable whereabouts, Cliff finds the Chief’s file about him. In it, he sees a sticky note with a phone number belonging to his daughter, Clara. Cliff may not have acted on it at first, but kept the phone number anyway. During their trip to Paraguay, Cliff contemplated calling Clara, but he hesitated, unsure of what to say. After the massacre that he did in Fuchtopia, Cliff realized that he is in no shape to try to reach out. Clara would surely be terrified of him.

Victor, on the other hand, dealt with his father, Silas Stone’s (Phil Morris) arrogance. Initially, Silas denied Victor access to S.T.A.R. Labs’ resources. As a result, the misfits took turns in their two-week drive to Paraguay. When Rita and Victor become emotional, they rant to each other about their current situation. Later, Silas calls, offering them the jet that they previously are not allowed to use. On their trip back, Victor abruptly ends Silas’ video call as he undoubtedly got on Victor’s nerves. That Asshole.

Had It All, Lost It All

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A night before the launch, Larry’s loved ones worried about him. Larry’s secret lover, John Bowers (Kyle Clements), begged him to leave the service after his test flight and run away with him. On the other hand, Sheryl Trainor (Julie McNiven), contemplated taking their kids with her and ending their marriage. Inevitably, things went south for Larry. Sheryl took the chance to break things off with him and leave with their children. Also, Larry decided to let John go, thinking that he is a burden to him. Now, Larry’s only companion is the rogue entity that decided to take residence in his body. Indeed, Larry led a sad life.

Fuchtopia

Strumbanhfuhrer Von Fuchs

DC Universe

Strumbanhfuhrer Von Fuchs (Julian Richings) is a twisted Nazi scientist. Before the Second World War, Von Fuchs performed odd medical procedures that earned him a bad reputation. However, when the Nazis controlled Germany, his extraordinary experiments became one of their projects. His most famous client, Eric Morden/Mr. Nobody (Alan Tudyk) brought much fame to him, bringing more criminal clients. Because of his intellect, Von Fuchs managed to survive, although encased in a glass case. To this day, he still performed what he calls as ‘enhancements’ for a hefty sum of money. Also, he managed to spread his consciousness on the staff of ‘Fuchtopia,’ his sketchy laboratory.

DC Universe

Thinking that Jane, Larry, and Cliff are there for a procedure, Von Fuchs lets them in, along with a smalltime crook, Steve (Alec Mapa). Von Fuchs tries to exploit Jane and her 64 other personalities’ powers, but as soon as she mentions The Chief, violence erupts. While Jane and Cliff battled the Fuchtopia staff, Larry went inside the same chamber that gave Mr. Nobody his powers. Eventually, Jane kills Von Fuchs. After this, she wrecks the entire Fuchtopia. Unfortunately, their trip there did not bring back The Chief. The trip perhaps even worsened their emotional condition. Still, they had to find him and bring him home. The Chief is all that they have.

‘Doom Patrol’ Season 1, Episode 3 ‘Puppet Patrol’ Final Verdict

Finally, we have Larry’s point of view before the accident happened. It was tragic what he experienced, and the show made a perfect performance of Larry’s story. Also, introducing a character for comic relief is what made this episode different. Of course, the previous events had their funny moments, but this one, in particular, gave actual time for a character whose sole purpose is to make the audiences laugh. Overall, this chapter helps continue the show’s excellent brand of humor and anti-hero action.

‘Doom Patrol’ continues Friday, March 8th, with ‘Cult Patrol’ at the DC Streaming Service.