The hype has been building for the new Swamp Thing series, which premiered today on DC’s streaming service, DC Universe. Recent first looks at the creature, played by Derek Mears (Friday the 13th, 2009), and the trailer that followed added to the excitement, but the actual execution of the show remained to be seen. Now that the pilot episode has landed, it feels great to confirm that Swamp Thing is worthy of the hype and exceeds our already high expectations.
Abby Arcane (Crystal Reed, Gotham) is a doctor with the CDC who returns to her hometown of Houma, Louisiana to investigate a mysterious swamp virus. She quickly meets scientist Alec Holland (Andy Bean, It: Chapter Two), who is also investigating the virus, which creates a quick and powerful mutation of organic swamp matter. After things go horribly wrong for Holland in the swamp, he is thought to be dead, but instead emerges as the creature.
DC is not one to shy away from darker subject matters, or a bit of horror (even when it comes to Batman!), and although it has been mentioned since the show’s first announcement that the series would feature drama, it definitely brings on the horror. The effects the virus has on bodies is reminiscent of The Thing, and the crew and creators obviously had the “go big or go home” mentality. The end result gave us some of the most impressive and grotesque body horror FX on television.
Speaking of FX, Derek Mears’ Swamp Thing fully embodies the creature and looks absolutely incredible. As exciting as it will be to see Mears in action in the next episode, I am not ready to say goodbye to Andy Bean as Alec. We need more time with him, which hopefully we get through flashbacks or other means.
Overall, the Swamp Thing series is a huge (and much needed) win for DC, and is one of their best productions yet. The origin story will feel fresh and original, even for longtime fans. The show, combined with Doom Patrol, is more than enough to justify a subscription for DC Universe at the moment.
Swamp Thing episode 2, “Worlds Apart,” will release on June 7th.
Related Article: Review: ‘Brightburn’ is a Satisfying Evil Superman Origin Story
