No one expected much from this show when DC first announced it as part of their streaming service. Against all odds, though, Doom Patrol turned into an engrossing success, beloved by nearly everyone who watches it.
Yet, it's exceedingly weird. One wonders what the creators were on when they came up with half this stuff. Granted, this partially gives the show its identity, but it has also led to several Doom Patrol memes. Many of these are just as freaky as the series itself, which is no easy feat. Congratulations in that respect.
10 What Is Doom Patrol?
The Doom Patrol has never been a mainstream superhero team. Even hardcore comic fans consider them C-listers, not achieving remotely the recognition of the Justice League or the Avengers. That probably hasn't changed much since this show premiered.
Again, as creative and compelling as it is, the series is incredibly odd. Those used to the popcorn action tales of most superhero franchises might be put off by how niche it is. Perhaps they've never heard of it because it's so fundamentally different. As such, this very question likely goes through their minds.
9 The Donkey Is A Door
The first impression is important, and Doom Patrol takes ample advantage of it. At the end of the pilot, an extradimensional donkey farts out a cryptic message from the mysterious Mr. Nobody. It goes further in the following episode, where the donkey functions as a gateway to Nobody's universe.
This set the tone for the rest of the show. It established what kind of logic (or lack thereof) would inform the storytelling and the type of imagery audiences should expect. If such a visual gag is too crazy, then they should get off while they still can.
8 The Flash Isn't Even That Fast
When Cyborg comes into the picture, eager fans would naturally be curious about the rest of the Justice League. Baby Doll shares this sentiment, Vic amuses her with this inside secret on the Flash.
The CWFlash show is currently running, so it's easy to see this as a dig against him. He'd probably be pretty hurt by this jab considering how overly sensitive and melodramatic he can be. However, he's seemingly never fast enough to beat the latest villain, giving this comment plenty of basis in reality. Yeah, it's a cheap shot, but those are often the most satisfying.
7 Before And After
Sent by the Department of Normalcy to investigate a sentient sanctuary street named Danny, Agent Wilson soon fell in love with the love and acceptance that this community offered. He then defected and experienced a sexual awakening as a drag queen, his eyes forever opened to the possibilities beyond that normalcy.
Those who watch this show experience a similar awakening. Sure, they may identify with the themes of tolerating differences and being satisfied in themselves. However, they would also open their eyes to how unconventional a superhero show can be. You can't say that much in such an oversaturated market.
6 A Tale Of Two Cyborgs
They may be the same character, but these versions couldn't be more different in their aesthetics. The Cyborg of Justice League is a CG mess of metallic shards and compact components. It's the type of visual typical of a multi-million-dollar comic book flick these days, almost akin to the character's evil counterpart.
The Cyborg of Doom Patrol looks much more modest by comparison. His robotic attachments come down to practical prosthetics. It's clear which of these guys is more expensive, but at least the latter is actually in front of the camera.
5 Niles Presses The Wrong Button
Niles Caulder initially appears to be a Professor X figure. No, it's not just because of the wheelchair; he provides a safe haven where the characters can cultivate their powers without the prejudice of the populace. Over the course of the story, though, secrets come to light.
In reality, Niles caused the "accidents" that damaged the Doom Patrol, giving them their powers and destroying their relationships with their loved ones. He did this in search of immortality so that he could be with his ageless daughter. He's ashamed of his actions and has done his best to atone, but he still screwed up these people's lives in service of his own. One wonders if it was as easy as pushing a button.
4 Robotman Want Therapy!
Cliff Steele may not be the stereotypical killer robot, but he has no filter on what he does or says. Though this makes for plenty of outrageous outbursts and f-bombs, it also comes in when he tries to help. Things get tense around the mansion (more so than usual), so Cliff loudly blurts out the idea of group therapy.
Sadly, this only makes the situation worse. Big surprise. Forcing people to talk about their problems in such an obnoxious way doesn't solve those problems. Then again, Cliff did have a vengeful rat in his head at the time. Nevertheless, it got the message across.
3 Waiting Too Long
At long last, Larry Trainor reunites with his lost love from decades prior. He never had the courage to come out as gay before, but he desperately attempts to make up for it with this one exchange. Although the bandaged misfit hasn't aged a day, his companion is on his deathbed. Everything might have turned out better had Larry embraced this man back in the day. Given the tragic circumstances, it's hard not to see this as a cautionary tale.
The imagery is certainly striking enough. Viewers essentially see a mummy cradling a senior citizen. It's as if their bodies finally caught up to their heartache. Maybe this is what really happens after 60 years of regret. In short, stop dawdling and tell that special someone, or you'll end up like this.
2 64 Characters For The Price Of 1
Obviously, the Doom Patrol only has a handful of team members, but Jane is the poster child for dozens of others. Aptly named "Crazy Jane," she sports a whopping 64 personalities. They all come with their own wants, needs, and even powers.
The creators could have written a whole show set in Jane's mental "Underground." Taken separately, this makes for a varied community of conflicting ideals, many of which must be considered when making a choice. Taken all together, these facets make Jane the most developed character on the show.
1 Let Slip The Butts Of War
Just when you thought this show couldn't get any stranger, the creators pull this out. One would be hard-pressed to find a more bizarre phenomenon in either DC or Marvel. The Department of Normalcy's darkest secret isn't some supervillain or alien substance. Instead, it's an army of sentient butts.
These things consume anyone and anything in their path. Once they get loose, it spells doom. It doesn't matter what advantage you think you have. It's all over if they're set free, hence the golden rule that everyone follows: don't release the butts.