Swamp Thing (Complete Series 1 Review) - What Lives In The Swamp

Review: Swamp Thing Complete Series 1 by Gary Dauberman and Mark Verheiden (8/10)

As part of the initial line up of original content for the DC Universe streaming service, alongside the already released Titans and Doom Patrol, Swamp Thing had to not only be serviceable to fans of the source material but also convince them that it was worth their money on a monthly basis. So, has it succeeded? I am happy to confirm that it has!

Despite a reportedly strained production cycle, plagued with budget cuts and a reduced episode count, Swamp Thing has come out the other side like a plant in a forest that finally found sunlight. Terrible simile aside, credit must be given to the extraordinarily talented writers for creating a story that could sustain the loss of three episodes.

Abby Arkane, played by Crystal Reed, who many of you fans of Gotham will recognise as one of Jim Gordon’s many love interests, takes the starring role in the show. The titular man himself, Alec Holland, may receive less screen time, but this is made up for by the mystery and intrigue generated by this creative choice as the viewer alongside Holland learns who and what he has become. This is greatly enhanced by a compelling plotline and performance from both Andy Bean and Derek Mears, playing both Holland and his more monstrous form, respectively. As many readers of the comic will know, Swamp Thing is in many ways a romance. Luckily, the fantastic script and acting comes together, formulating a believable connection reminiscent of Alan Moore’s excellent Vertigo books.

Derek Mears as Swamp Thing — Credit: DC Universe

The supporting cast lends itself to making the starring town, Marais, situated in Louisiana, feel small and isolated — as the rather surprising inclusion of Daniel Cassidy (also know as the Blue Devil) loves to keep reminding us. For the most part, everyone plays their parts well, despite the arguably cliché depictions of the moustache-twirling Avery Sunderland and socially inept Jason Woodrue. Clichés ignored, the show does attempt to give these characters some depth through a sympathetic eye, but it lacks the focus to make the viewer sympathise strongly enough. Luckily, the overall performances service to engage the viewer in the true focus of this show that is Abby and Alec’s journey.

Crystal Reed as Abby Arkane — Credit: DC Universe

With famous horror and Aquaman director James Wan attached to the project, it is no surprise to say that the series combines a number of horror elements into its scripting and direction, providing the perfect visual style to faithfully represent Swamp Thing. Permeating a constant dark hue and fog enveloping around Marais, there is an ever-present unsettling feeling keeping viewers from being at ease. The intended effect is undoubtedly to put the viewer in Abby’s shoes, and it achieves this spectacularly.

Andy Bean as Alec Holland — Credit: DC Universe

Despite having read very little Swamp Thing in my comic career, the writers appear to have drawn much inspiration from the New 52, with the ominous ‘Rot’ being a notable background threat across the ten episodes. Interestingly, this plotline was prevalent within the comic Animal Man, of which the two shared a short-lived crossover. Unfortunately, the show has been cancelled alongside future plans to helm a Justice League Dark series, so the chances of seeing Buddy Baker in live action are stunted — at least for now.

So, should you watch Swamp Thing? To put it simply, yes. Swamp Thing is a brilliant example of what the DC Universe could provide uninhibited by the limitations of network TV. The inclusion of an after-credits scene may only serve to disappoint fans as to where this series could have gone if it wasn’t for poor judgement skills on behalf of DC. But revivals are not unheard of, so I will continue to hold out hope, and so should you.