Fantastic Universes

“If You Believe in Me, I’ll Believe in You” Writers: James Stoteraux & Chad Fiveash Director: James Bamford Starring: Ruby Rose, Rachel Skarsten, Meagan Tandy, Nicole Kang, Camrus Johnson, Dougray Scott, Christina Wolfe, Sam Littlefield, Gabriel Mann, Rachel Matthews, Alex Zahara, Carmine Giovanazzo and Brianne Howey Review by Steve J. Ray “If You Believe in Me, I’ll Believe in You” is the single most comic-booky episode of  Batwoman  to date. I mean this as an honest and sincere compliment. From the open kick-ass fight scene - a lot more  BvS  and not at all  Batman ’66  - the episode delivers action… in spades. Think of it as a heist movie meets James Bond, but with the bonus of multiple pay-offs from previous episodes. Oh, and if you’re one of the few who hasn’t seen the pics online already, Tommy Elliot’s transformation into a fully formed Hush takes a step closer to coming to full fruition too. Guess Who’s Back? I love i...

"A Mad Tea-Party" Writers : Caroline Dries & Natalie Abrams Director: Michael A. Allowitz Starring: Ruby Rose, Rachel Skarsten, Meagan Tandy, Nicole Kang, Camrus Johnson, Elizabeth Anweis, Dougray Scott, Sam Littlefield, Greyston Holt and Rachel Maddow Review by Steve J. Ray Come one, come all… everyone’s invited to a Mad Tea-Party! It’s  Batwoman  episode 8, a story full of revelations, surprises, lies and consequences. My maternal grandfather, in his infinite wisdom, always said to me that a liar is easier to catch than a man with one leg. This week we see how lies affect everybody, and how the truth will always come out. This could well be the deepest and most emotional episode to date, as one character’s lies have catastrophic repercussions for everyone around them. Kate Kane reaches a startling realization this week on just who and what family really is, as Alice’s tea party claims its first victim. I’ve gone on the record to frequently state...

“Mine Is A Long And Sad Tale” Writers : Jerry Shandy & Ebony Gilbert Director: Carl Seaton Starring: Ruby Rose, Rachel Skarsten, Meagan Tandy, Nicole Kang, Camrus Johnson, Elizabeth Anweis, Dougray Scott, Sam Littlefield, Nicholas Holmes, John Emmet Tracy, Ava Sleeth and Rachel Maddow Review by Steve J. Ray “Mine Is A Long And Sad Tale”,  Batwoman  episode 5 was an absolute gem. After a disappointing chapter  last week , this instalment fired on all thrusters. We were introduced to John Emmet Tracy (iZombie alumni, and terrific character actor) with Nicholas Holmes and Sam Littlefield. The last two gentlemen played the young and adult versions of Mouse, respectively. It made for harrowing viewing at times. We were teased with this new villain last week, and without spoiling the episode, all I can say is that he’s like a wonderful cross between Dollmaker and Faceless. His relationship with Alice is an intriguing, heartbreaking and thought-provoking one, ...

“Who Are You?” Writers : Nancy Kiu & Denise Harkavy Director: Holly Dale Starring: Ruby Rose, Rachel Skarsten, Meagan Tandy, Nicole Kang, Camrus Johnson, Elizabeth Anweis, Dougray Scott, Brianne Howey, Rachel Matthews and Rachel Maddow Review by Steve J. Ray “Who Are You?”  Batwoman  episode 4, delivers another vintage Batman baddie, the dreaded Magpie. Nothing shiny is safe when she’s around, not even Martha Wayne’s pearls. Not only does Kate have her ex, a new love interest and a jewel thief to contend with, Alice is still inflicting pain; on Gotham as a whole, and the Kane family in particular. Nicole Kang is on top form again as Mary this week, in terms of being hilarious, adorable and a total badass. The scenes where she has no choice but to jump at Batwoman’s sudden appearances (and disappearing acts) really made me smile… but this character isn’t just there to provide comic relief. Mary really uses the old noodle when quizzing Alice’s injured “boy...

“Down, Down, Down” Writers : Holly Henderson and Don Whitehead Director: Dermott Daniel Downs Starring: Ruby Rose, Rachel Skarsten, Gabriel Mann, Meagan Tandy, Nicole Kang, Camrus Johnson, Elizabeth Anweis, Dougray Scott and Rachel Maddow Review by Steve J. Ray Batwoman  episode 3, “Down, Down, Down” has been the strongest chapter so far. We see the culmination of Kate Kane’s journey to becoming something new, and not just someone pretending to be Batman. Lines are drawn that will determine her relationship with Alice/Beth moving forward, while others are crossed completely between Kate’s twin and their father. Once again I have to acknowledge just how great Rachel Skarsten is as Alice. The subtleties in her facial expressions, her mannerisms and emotional range really sell the fact that the character is a damaged and dangerous individual… but that’s not all she is. There are moments in the episode where you can almost see child-like innocence, and vulnerability. T...