Creature Commandos Episode 3 Review: James Gunn Gives The Tin Man's Story A Heart In Another Brilliant DCU Entry

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Warning: This post contains mild spoilers for Creature Commandos episode 3

Returning in Creature Commandos episode 3, the series explores G.I. Robot and the path that led him to work with Task Force M. While the first two episodes laid a foundation for the series, episode 3 is an incredibly emotional and insightful approach to a character who is the least organic or living thing on the show. G.I. Robot is a machine and inherently not alive, but despite that fact, the episode makes you feel deeply for the tin man.

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Release Date December 5, 2024

Franchise(s) DC

Cast Indira Varma , Frank Grillo , Zoe Chao , David Harbour , Sean Gunn , Alan Tudyk , Anya Chalotra , Maria Bakalova , Viola Davis , Steve Agee , Benjamin Byron Davis
Character(s) The Bride , Rick Flag Sr. , Nina Mazursky , Frankenstein , GI Robot , Weasel , Dr. Phosphorus , Circe , Princess Ilana , Amanda Waller , Economos , Rupert Thorne

Seasons 1

G.I. Robot was initially created to aid in the war efforts in World War II, where the military used him to combat hostile Nazi enemies. Once the war was won, he fell into disuse, until a series of unfortunate events led to G.I. Robot being imprisoned and eventually recruited to Task Force M. This episode explores the life and times of the robot, leaving no stone unturned.

The Symmetry Of Storytelling In Creature Commandos Episode 3 Is Spectacular

GI Robot In Creature Commandos

James Gunn has proven himself to be an incredibly talented writer who can create engaging characters from the most unlikely sources. In Guardians of the Galaxy, Gunn made misfit criminals into beloved individuals with challenging pasts. Again, in Creature Commandos, Gunn explores characters who appear undeserving of affection or any emotional response, turning them into beautifully portrayed, deep characters.

James Gunn has proven himself to be an incredibly talented writer who can create engaging characters from the most unlikely sources.

G.I. Robot is one of the most difficult characters to negotiate when it comes to creating emotional connections. As a robot, whose sole directive is to kill Nazis, he does not appear to have any feelings. But the episode peels back the layers and reveals a soft core to a character whose outer casing is literal metal. To do so, the episode switches between the past and present frequently, pushing forward the narrative while strengthening G.I. Robot as an individual.

Overall, it's a beautiful episode that feels like the most compelling one of the series so far. There's plenty more left to see before Creature Commandos season 1 ends, but the deep dive into G.I. Robot is a powerful one and proof of Gunn's talents for writing compelling and strong stories to bring characters from obscurity into the limelight.

The Story Doesn't Skip A Beat In Creature Commandos Episode 3

While the episode has a clear focus on G.I. Robot, the core narrative is in no way ignored. Things are heating up with Princess Ilana and the war against Circe. The other members of the team have opportunities to shine, especially Nina Mazursky, who has a unique bond with G.I. Robot.

Paula smiling against backdrop of Dream Productions studio gates

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Once again, the voice acting from the cast is excellent, with Sean Gunn delivering a powerful performance as G.I. Robot, while the rest of the cast continues to build out their characters' unique personalities in their performances. And finally, the song that plays at the end of the episode in unison with the action is a standout moment that is sure to be one of the most exciting and hilarious moments in Creature Commandos yet.

New episodes of Creature Commandos drop weekly on Max every Thursday.

Creature Commandos (2024) Official Poster

Pros

  • A powerful and emotional story from an unlikely source.
  • Incredible voice performance from the cast with Sean Gunn standing out.
  • Great utilization of a 20-minute runtime with comedy, emotion, and much more packed in.
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