Swamp Thing episode 5 preview: Who is the Phantom Stranger?
The magical forces behind Swamp Thing are thickening, and the series will introduce a new character this week: Phantom Stranger, who has an extended and obscure history.
Even without any episode-specific trailers, the entertainment news cycle is still sodden with all things swampy and green. Sure, we’re still clinging to the unlikely hope that Swamp Thing will be revived either on DC Universe, HBO, or another network. From the promise of the Phantom Stranger to a possible Swamp Thing live-action film, our already intense marshy fandom has intensified.
While Swamp Thing is obviously a show about the hero of the swamp, the series is just as much about the villains. Over the last four episodes alone, the show has already built the framework for a few noteworthy villainous foes. From the Rot to Woodrue to the Darkness. And of course, the biggest threat for the town of Marais is the green virus, a mysterious pathogen that’s afflicting the town.
Beyond the growing mystery of the Rot, Darkness, the Green and how they all intertwine, the swamp has another old flame. Magic.
Sure, we’re already well aware of the on-screen that’s only been made possible thanks to the cast and crew who love the series just as much as us. Though they probably love it even more than us, seeing as they came to experience the fandom in a completely different way than us. They are the reason we can’t imagine the rumored Swamp Thing movie without them. However, we’re talking the actual mystic forces in the swamp.
While we’ve already met Madame Xanadu, and we’re ready to see more of her magic in coming episodes, episode 5 introduces a new magical character. This time, it’s Phantom Stranger.
He might have a peculiar name, but Phantom Stranger (Judas Iscariot) is name-dropped in this week’s episode synopsis… which we’ll get into in our live stream later this week.
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Without revealing too much, Phantom Stranger is an ancient mystical man, much like the good ol’ Guardian of the Green. Seeing as the Rot’s introduction reflects The New 52’s version of the decaying baddie, we can expect that the series will take a similar approach to the mysterious new introduction, who doesn’t exactly defend any one entity.