‘Swamp Thing’ Season 1 Episode 5 ‘Drive All Night’ Review: History

Following the events of the previous episodes, Swamp Thing brings new characters and mysteries into play. As the dangers of the swamp become increasingly riskier, our heroes face personal dilemmas. While one receives guidance from a shadowy figure, another inevitable takes a trip to the past. The trees of the swamp are the silent watchers of Morais, keeping its secrets known only to a select few.

On Friday’s episode of Swamp Thing, Phantom Stranger (Macon Blair) gives guidance to Alec Holland/Swamp Thing (Andy Bean/Derek Mears). Meanwhile, Dr. Jason Woodrue (Kevin Durand) makes an unsettling discovery. Elsewhere, Maria Sunderland (Virginia Madsen) and Abby Arcane (Crystal Reed) deal with memories of Shawna Sunderland (Given Sharp). As this happens, Avery Sunderland (Will Patton) and Lucilia Cable (Jennifer Beals) show ruthlessness when facing unpleasant odds.

Not Quite Done

Daniel Cassidy (Ian Ziering) badly wanted to leave Morais. Unfortunately for him, he made a deal with (probably) a magical force that bound him to Morais unless he does something to break the curse. Sure, Madame Xanadu (Jeryl Prescott) told him that his cards changed, but so did the town’s fate. Also, he may have saved Abby from a rogue Lucilia, but the fight is not over yet. All that remains certain is that he must help Abby, protect her even, from whatever danger that may come her way.

Seeing Daniel’s right arm catch fire when he tried to flee from Morais opens much room for a possible team-up with him and Swamp Thing. The arm was not the only giveaway, either. Instead, we have a full glimpse of Blue Devil’s costume, which Daniel kept at the trunk of his blue muscle car. Plus some thugs hit him on the head, so it seems as if there is more for his character in the show.

First Love

After starting the day with secretly meeting up somewhere to fuck, Avery and Lucilia go separate ways. Avery tries to bully the Tremaynes, Liz (Maria Sten) and Delroy (Al Mitchell) into silencing Liz’s case against him. Lucilia, on the other hand, heads out to a possible witness, Remy Dubois (William Mark McCullough). Remy made the mistake of threatening Lucilia’s son, Matt Cable (Henderson Wade), so she straight up killed the guy. If Avery and Lucilia got married long ago, Morais would undoubtedly be at their mercy.

Mad Scientist

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Jason Woodrue is getting seriously creepy. Not only does he sneak up on Abby while she made an audio tape of her discoveries, but he also shows complete disregard of other people, too. That fool only wanted to make something out of what Avery hired him to work on, and now that Abby has hold of a sample from Alec, he wishes to use the material for his gains, too. Jason does not appear to be concerned with Avery, too. As far as he knows, Avery is his walking money bag. The unfeeling scientist did ask Avery to hire someone to hunt down Swamp Thing while Maria lay at the hospital. Frankly, it is surprising to note that the guy has a wife. WTF.

The Possession of Susie Coyle

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The show’s suspense feel reaches a new level when they finally introduce Susie Coyle’s (Elle Graham) real role in the series. The moment the Sunderlands decided to adopt [well, buy, since Avery paid Susie’s uncle, Lee Coyle (Benjamin Keepers) for custody] Susie, a tormented spirit taking Shawna’s form found an avenue to claim another victim for itself and the swamp. The surprise on Abby’s face mirrored those of the viewers as well when Susie suddenly starts acting rude, let alone revealing things only Abby and Shawna knew.

The Hero’s Path

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Swamp Thing could only bear so much of the swamp’s memories. Fortunately, Phantom Stranger shows up somewhat quite randomly, but of pure intent. The immensely wise and powerful being spends time with Alec to help him perceive his purpose. With that, Alec learns a new ability: he can see the past through a tree’s eyes when he touches it. Once he does, he finds a clear and present danger: Abby’s life is on the line.

When Maria goes on a misguided trip to the swamp, it is Alec who saves her from being taken by it. Also, he gives Abby insight into the bigger picture. As persons of science, Abby and Alec incline to resort to logical explanations of such phenomenons. In Morais’ case, however, nothing is guaranteed. Sure, science explains how the events happen, but not the reason behind it happening. It is up to Alec, Abby, and the others who truly love the town to defend it, or maybe themselves, too, from the threats that come from men who are greedy and unexplainable forces of nature.

‘Swamp Thing’ Season 1, Episode 5 ‘Drive All Night’ Final Verdict

Based on the show’s direction, it is hard to believe that it got canceled. Not only does it introduce subplots with the possibility for other shows, but it also develops the characters in ways that aim to be for further seasons. Swamp Thing‘s romantic partnership has not even remotely begun, either, so the show has a long way to go from capturing the character’s actualized self. Regardless, the fact remains undeniable: the excellent script writing, the brilliant character development, as well as the adequately executed introduction of crucial comic book concepts, all add up to the show’s perfect portrayal of Swamp Thing, his identity, and what he represents.

Swamp Thing continues Friday, July 5th, with ‘The Price You Pay’ at the DC Streaming Service.