IR TV Review: DOOM PATROL - EPISODE 5 (“Youth Patrol”) [HBO Max-S4]
The relativity of time lost or time wasted is at the front and center of Episode 5 of Season 4 of "Doom Patrol" entitled "Youth Patrol". There is the approach of a sense of deconstruction brimming in terms of all the members. The questions revolve around "what does it mean to be me?" and "is that enough?" One of their old cronies who understands the deconstruction reappears but Rita, in her vainness but also grief, does something that sets back the clock in a way. What it does though is allow a very clear view into both the repressed fears but also joys of each of these members are feeling but gives them a way to express them. Seeing Vic smile but not knowing that he could still have that freedom. Jane feeling a sense of pleasure and ease without over worrying about K. Cliff reverting and just having fun.
But also two friends separated by hurt actually hearing each other for the first time in a long time despite their undeniable history. Beyond that, Larry is on a different quest but just as interesting with an agent typically trying to take him down in the form of Sendhil Ramamurthy playing Mister 104 is a parallel of loss and intent . Sendhil's "Heroes" cred serves him well here as it allows a new character of empathy to engage. Michelle Gomez as Laura does the same thing in reference to Rita. What this does in both instances is create a sense of sadness but also connection that has always resonated within this series but sometimes needs just the right story beats to make it poignant again while still being fun and aloof. B+
By Tim Wassberg
