Swamp Thing episode 3 review: Action-packed homage to fandom

From multiple comic-riddled references, Swamp Thing builds up a lot of New 52 lore, as well as a ton of action and romance with it.

We’re going to be redundant. We’re upset — because every week, Swamp Thing produces a stronger episode and a better case for why we need this show. Episode 3 of Swamp Thing gave us a riveting new reason to believe in love, want what Abby Arcane and Alec Holland have, and it topped it all off with horror and action-packed monster vs. monster scenes.

We’re not entirely sure if we’re mourning the cancellation of Swamp Thing or the death of Alec Holland. However, the real condolences this episode don’t go to Alec Holland. It goes to his fashion scene. The poor man died looking like a frat chapter president. Jokes aside, this episode works as a moving comic book issue because it uses its comic accuracy to bring a critical villainous force to the DC Universe.

That medically significant entomological terror throughout thriving in this episode is apart of the New 52 lore. It’s as terrifying as it is gross. But watching this integral component of DC Comics mythos come to life on screen, making the sting from the show’s cancellation even rawer. Nonetheless, the Rot isn’t done rotting. Similarly, we know we haven’t seen the last of Jason Munson.

Geeky lore aside, Swamp Thing knows how to build characters that we’re thoroughly invested in any context. Harlan has us sobbing because we can’t imagine the series without him. We empathize with Alec/Swamp Thing, and we’re thoroughly investing in hating Jason and Munson, but we have to appreciate the diverse portrayals of these two formidable villains. And the Sunderlands’ character development duals as an accessory to the multiple subgenres of horror that thrive on the series.

Proving that it’s truly a terrifying psychological horror, Swamp Thing injects the Sunderlands’ developing drama with a visit from their rotten daughter (literally, she’s inflicted by the rot). However, it’s Marie who pays the toll as the rot tries to infiltrate her too — just in the form of the cruel words from her daughter.

Then, there’s the classic horror in the scene when Abby returns to Alec’s place to scour through his research, and the rot slowly seeps into the quarters somewhere in a not-so-distance place off frame. But the formal introduction of the Rot brings about two things: our love of monsters and complementary action shoots.

We love monsters, and the Munson vs. Swampy fight scene is a thirsty fan service to our budding monster admiration. Yes, we just openly admitted to being in love with fictional monsters in a romantic sense. And yes, we can feel you’re judging us from behind your screen and hovering over the “close window” option. But in our Swamp Thing-loving defense, half the internet was thirsting over Venom not so long ago, so let us have this.

Apart from our obvious obsession with our monster boyfriend, episode three is no less than a work of art. Somehow if manages to stress and challenge the mere hour it’s given and makes it seem like three hours of a riveting film has passed. With no lag or any faults — that couldn’t be attributed to our personal bias of wanting more Abby and Alec scenes — “He Speaks” weaves in action, romance, social commentary, and multiple layers of horror without making these elements feel like they need to compete. They exist just as the Green and Rot coexist. And they make dang good cinema in the process, and an even more compelling love story.

We’re not saying that Abby and Alec are soul mates, but that’s exactly what we’re saying. Beyond the clearly moving portrayals of their concluding embrace, which shows how They both protect each other. Simultaneously while showing both of their connections through the Green and the depths of their unconditional love, Swamp Thing is immediately drawn to Abby as soon as Munson attempts to attack her.

Watching Swampy gently brush the hair out of Abby’s face, followed by her flashback of Alec, shows the familiar feeling behind their connection. But it could also illustrate how Abby is somehow connected to Alec’s consciousness within the Elemental hero.

Now, we just wish the series would stop showing us sad scenes of Swamp Thing… along with our obvious desires for DC or someone to reinstate the series so we can continue to cherish these touching and tragic moments. He doesn’t deserve the heartbreak or the cuts to his self-esteem. We’re just glad Abby gave him a hug because he deserves it.