by Graham Osborne
Constantine has risen from a shaky start to become an engaging supernatural detective show. This week has the gang of paranormal investigators heading to New Orleans to deal with a vengeful spirit murdering in a method similar to that of its own demise.
Constantine has risen from a shaky start to become an engaging supernatural detective show. This week has the gang of paranormal investigators heading to New Orleans to deal with a vengeful spirit murdering in a method similar to that of its own demise.
During the course of events, we are introduced to Detective Jim Corrigan, the officer in charge of solving the murders. Those familiar with the DC universes will recognise the name as the alter-ego of The Spectre, the Spirit of Justice (or vengeance, depending on certain factors). Played by Emmett Scanlan, who currently also appears in The Fall on the BBC (as was Jonjo O’Neill from last week’s episode; might we see Gillian Anderson appear in some future episode? Almost certainly not.) Corrigan’s appearance (combined with Zed’s vision at the end of the episode) suggests that we are likely to see other heroes from the DC comics roster making appearances in the show. It has been suggested that Zatanna will make an appearance at some point, as well as the rest of the Justice League Dark team, with the Swamp-Thing showing up if the show gets picked up for a second season. There have been plenty of hints at a larger universe, such as the helmet of Doctor Fate and Pandora’s Box in the Pilot episode, and it would be great to see some more cameos from other characters.
The return of Papa Midnite in this episode shows a bit more of the relationship between him and Constantine. Throughout the episode, we see the two of them squabbling about whose respective magic is better, but beneath it all there is grudging mutual respect, and their acceptance that there is something bigger out there helps them to put aside their differences. Their initial meeting in the episode does seem to suggest that Constantine suffers a bit of a blind spot when it comes to Midnite however. Both times we have seen them on screen, Constantine has been taken down with ease. It is possible that this is an attempt to make Midnite seem more in control, but it feels more like Constantine is too trusting and foolish (despite seeing him being savvy most of the time).
The return of Papa Midnite in this episode shows a bit more of the relationship between him and Constantine. Throughout the episode, we see the two of them squabbling about whose respective magic is better, but beneath it all there is grudging mutual respect, and their acceptance that there is something bigger out there helps them to put aside their differences. Their initial meeting in the episode does seem to suggest that Constantine suffers a bit of a blind spot when it comes to Midnite however. Both times we have seen them on screen, Constantine has been taken down with ease. It is possible that this is an attempt to make Midnite seem more in control, but it feels more like Constantine is too trusting and foolish (despite seeing him being savvy most of the time).
Overall, this week’s episode is strong, with the main characters using less magic and more detective work to try and solve the bulk of the case. The special effects were kept to a minimum, a blessing in this case due to blood spatters of some of the victims looking particularly fake, though we are treated to a nice looking shot of Chas’ supernatural “survival skills” from the Pilot episode. Scanlan’s turn as Corrigan was also a good choice in casting, however his Irish brogue still broke through on occasion.
This time, Constantine was a thoroughly enjoyable ride from start to finish, and the hints at a wider mystical group of heroes only adds icing to the cake. Unfortunately, the ratings of the show aren’t supporting the quality, so it’s looking like a second season of the show may not be forthcoming. But there’s still plenty of time to change that!
This time, Constantine was a thoroughly enjoyable ride from start to finish, and the hints at a wider mystical group of heroes only adds icing to the cake. Unfortunately, the ratings of the show aren’t supporting the quality, so it’s looking like a second season of the show may not be forthcoming. But there’s still plenty of time to change that!
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