Swamp Thing episode 5 review: The mystical forces behind the series

From Abby and Alec’s blossoming romance to the supernatural elements lurking in the swamp, Swamp Thing’s “Drive All Night” takes an interesting approach to some classic stories.

Can the magic of the swamp resurrect Swamp Thing? We already know the answer is no, but this week’s episode makes us believe in the magic, which is just another testament to why the DC Universe series should continue to flourish. It’s time for our regularly slated mourning session. In other words, our hour-long reflection during the latest Swamp Thing episode. Nurturing a crossover sapling“Drive All Night” fortifies its classic lore, and it’s nothing short of magical.

There’s a lot going in “Drive All Night.” From some tense turtle soup prep work to some sexy special effects. Yes, we said sexy because there’s no better way to describe our emotions while watching Swamp Thing (portrayed by Derek Mears) directly connect with the Green. But seriously, let’s talk about the visual effects in this episode.

Strong visual effects and makeup are two key elements of any Swamp Thing episode. However, there are a couple of scenes that really amplify our expectations this week. Thanks to some impeccably coordinated vines, “Drive All Night” delivers a beautiful scene when Swamp Thing willingly connects with the Green. You know, after his horrifying nightmare, and with a lot of moral guidance from his fleeting mentor known as the Phantom Stranger (portrayed by Macon Blair).

Building off the same adjoining meet and greet between Alec (portrayed by Andy Bean) and the Green, the episode mirrors the aesthetic with Dan Cassidy (portrayed by Ian Ziering). With a different more threatening tone than the benevolent Green, the episode teases us with a proper Blue Devil backstory. Connections are critical in this episode. Both scenes illustrate each character’s comic backstory and their arsenal of abilities. While the series isn’t done elaborating on their powers and how Dan and Swamp Thing connect, the early beginnings make a memorable mark of viewers.

Connections thrive, just like perfectly choreographed scenes are a part of the swamp’s ecosystem. Liz’s fight scene (featuring Dan, sort of), is another one of the many highlights this episode. When you pull back all the building blocks to Justice League Dark (RIP) and the leafy goodness, “Drive All Night” serves as a concurrent homage to the powerful woman of Swamp Thing that make the series possible.

Swamp Thing knows how to press out emotions and work a myriad of reactions in a single scene. In Liz’s parking lot fight scene, we went from screaming “leave Liz alone, dang it” to trying to warn Avery’s (portrayed by Will Patton) flunkies not to mess with Liz (portrayed by Maria Sten). In a brief scene, that reactionary turnaround is a difficult feat, but the timing and Sten’s acting prowess make that seamless transition possible.

Abby (portrayed by Crystal Reed), Susie (portrayed by Elle Graham), Lucilia (portrayed by Jennifer Beals), Shawna (portrayed by Given Sharp), and Maria (portrayed by Virginia Madsen) bring new life and powerful interpretations into their comic book characters that inspired this production. Whether they’re portraying a terrifying possessed version of their character, a sinister antagonist, or a wife who’s plotting vengeance on her horrible husband, the ensemble of actresses define a different version of powerful in their episode renditions.

For Lucilla, she stole another scene this week.  We know Lucilla is a bit corrupt, but she is a kick-butt character. Somehow, we can’t help but root for her, even though we don’t agree with her actions or motives. Seriously, the gun work alone. The resourcefulness of using the newspaper to block the close-range blood splatter from hitting her face. Using her facial expressions as weapons to dupe her blackmailer. All of her relentlessness just draws us closer to her. The magic might make the show, but the women of the swamp keep us watching.

“Defying all odds of biology as we know it,” this fifth episode better outlines the magic and supernatural components of the swamp. Well before the Green was officially namedropped, the show allows us to escape in the mystical elements within the fandom. Even with all the dozens of references that guide our hypotheses, the mystery keeps us guessing. This is what sustains our intrigue. And the lack of jarring cliffhangers only makes this subtle storytelling technique even more impressive.

Without shock value cliffhangers, there is still is a healthy amount of foreshadowing in this episode. From new threats to Woodrue’s impending transformation to Floronic Man, that’s a lot to look forward to in the second half of the season. However, we’re more interested in Matt Cable (portrayed by Henderson Wade) and his building role as Swamp Thing’s archrival. Seeing as this episode took a lot of inspiration from their classic comic dynamic, we have a lot of conflicts, fight scenes, and a lot more magic to look forward to.

Considering that the walking plant of the series needed some help from a mysterious version of Phantom Stranger to fully accept that he can talk to plants, Abby’s skepticism is justified. Granted, we definitely don’t consider this a flaw or out of character on Abby’s behalf. We must look at everything from all angles. Abby is a scientist — and a good one at that. Healthy skepticism is natural for her.

We know we’re probably not done with Abby’s tragic past just yet, but seeing Swampy give Abby some closure about Shawna to help her cope with the grief that’s been weighing on her is such a power couple move. Loving Abby+Alec just comes with the terrain of the swamp. Our impending fanart will keep us going until next week’s episode of Swamp Thing.