Batwoman: How Queer Everything Is Today!

January 19, 2020 6:09 PM - Season 1, Episode 10

While Gotham busies itself reacting to Batwoman's awkward encounter, Alice celebrates her ultimate act of vengeance with Mouse. A devastated Mary focuses on Jacob Kane's trial, while Sophie seeks advice about her love life from someone unexpected. As they tackle the newest threat to Gotham, Luke prioritizes protecting Batwoman's secret, and Kate must decide what she's willing to do to honor Batwoman's identity...and her own.

TV Line - Did Batwoman Just Deliver Its Big, Post-Crisis 'What the F--k' Moment?

TV Fanatic recap

posted by oh yeah! (7 comments total)

And the Post-Crisis WTF'ery begins. I am now hoping that this is like the first season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., in that the writers knew what was coming and had to keep some of their powder dry for the big shift almost half-way through the season. I am also coming to realize that the stylized feel that the pilot was shooting for is not going to work for this series. There is a pacing and characterization thing that keeps happening that leaves me feeling like I keep seeing the episodes before they are fully, "cooked".

From this week's antagonist, Terrier, to the alt-Beth reveal, the feel of it is off for a Batwoman series. Part of it may be Ruby Rose but I feel she is not getting the direction and support she needs. This series could really use a bit more of season 1 Arrow as an influence. Gotham needs to be more of a dark presence. The Chicago location works but the lighting is too bright, the citizens too middle class, and the scars of Batman's Rouges need to be there. The gossipy radio-host needs to be less flip and more biting. Gothamites should have the dark humor of undertakers and Batwoman, like Bat-folk in general (Robins and Nightwing excepted), should have more showmanship to strike fear into the hearts of criminals.
posted by Ignorantsavage at 4:01 AM on January 20, 2020 [2 favorites]

Kara wrote Batwoman's coming out story!

So, there are multiple Beths on Earth Prime? Will there be multiples of other characters? I'm not sure what to think of that idea.
posted by plastic_animals at 3:15 PM on January 20, 2020 [1 favorite]

I overall liked this one, and I look forward to Parker's return (I don't think they'd out her to Kate without her being a recurring character in the future), and enjoyed the selective phone service. Also, the Catco cover that merges all the worlds and has Kara interview Batwoman.

But uh...how do we have two Beth/Alices now?!?! I don't get how that went on at all.
posted by jenfullmoon at 7:58 PM on January 20, 2020 [1 favorite]

jenfullmoon -- On Supergirl there were multiple Brainys -- it could be a side effect of the collapse of the multiverse.
posted by amtho at 1:59 AM on January 21, 2020 [1 favorite]

Kara wrote Batwoman's coming out story!

Ha! I didn't even notice!

I was very confused by multiple Beths until I watched the next Supergirl, which explains all this. It's definitely like amtho said.

I'm glad this is all happening concurrently, and every show has to figure out how to resolve their own multi-people.
posted by numaner at 4:15 PM on January 21, 2020

I know I shouldn't bother to quibble about unrealistic superhero equipment and costumes but Kate's white-out lenses didn't make any sense (unless they were contacts), there was no way her bike and some cables and some grappling hook anchors could stop a train, and her eye make-up doesn't match up between when she's in the mask and when she removes it. Okay, consider the nits picked.

I know they were trying to be funny and light but Slam didn't give me Chris Evans/Captain America vibes at all. If anything he gave me more Adrian Chase from Arrow vibes. Also, I was a bit surprised they went with the young and sexy version of Slam Bradley as opposed to the mature gruffer one. Maybe this is Selina Kyle's paramour, Slam Jr.

I guess now that Arrow is finishing one of these shows is going to have to take over the bad wig crown. Based on Beth's hair in the final scene, I'd say this sow is a contender for the title.
posted by sardonyx at 5:32 PM on January 21, 2020

I screamed when normal!Beth showed up. Now I want to know HER history. Does anyone in this timeline remember her or is she going to turn out to be a timeline orphan? This could be FANTASTIC. If they want to make things REALLY interesting they can start calling her Betty and have her become Flamebird.

I know other people have issues with the tone and pacing. I'm fine with it. I liked the introduction of Terrier, and like other people I'm assuming she's going to be back.

Sophie's marriage is on the rocks? Also interested to see what happens there.
posted by rednikki at 12:31 PM on January 24, 2020 [1 favorite]