DISCLAIMER: This recap of Doom Patrol Season 4 Episode 9, “Immortimas Patrol,” contains spoilers. Proceed at your peril.
Happy Immortimas, Doomies! “Immortimas Patrol” might be one of my favorite Doom Patrol episodes. I can see this one being a bit contentious because of the musical aspect. It all depends on if you’re a fan of musicals. I grew up with and performed in plenty of theatrical productions, so this outing scratched that theater kid itch for me. Plus, a show as f*cking weird as Doom Patrol can easily pull off musical episodes. And guess what? It’s perfection.
To me, this installment is in a similar vein to The Magicians‘ musical episodes. We got lots of f-bombs. A human Cliff and Larry. Power ballads and uptempo tunes. Sex ghosts. Masturbation. “Immortimas Patrol” is a delightful, kooky fever dream that presents the show’s trademark dark wit with a dose of music while propelling the narrative.
I’m going to miss this show so much.
Ready to delve into “Immortimas Patrol”? Let’s get to it.
RELATED: Check out our recap for Doom Patrol Season 4 Episode 8, “Fame Patrol”
We open with Dorothy (Abi Monterey) dancing down a corridor bedecked with Immortimas decorations. Fun fact: Monterey is a ballet dancer in real life. Anyway, Dorothy greets the sex ghosts as they join her in celebrating the great Immortus. I love how the episode automatically starts with singing and dancing with zero explanation. It’s perfect. Meanwhile, Casey (Madeline Zima) climbs through Jane’s (Diane Guerrero) window to wake her up for the festivities. They’re also singing. Laura (Michelle Gomez) hands out the Immortimas ugly sweaters (I want Jane’s). Even Cliff (Brendan Fraser) appears as his fully human self for the occasion.
Vic (Joivan Wade) barges into the room with presents from Deric. He gleefully states that the robotics club is going well. Everyone continues singing and dancing with the sex ghosts. They decided to take a break from f*cking to be backup performers in a musical.
Upstairs, Keeg wakes up a fully human Larry (Matt Bomer). He’s indecisive about what to wear. He wants to introduce his family to his boyfriend, Rama. I forgot how fantastic Bomer’s voice is. Downstairs, Rita (April Bowlby) joins Laura in providing our Doomies with a presentation of how Immortus came to be and why they celebrate her. Then — more singing and dancing! Rita accompanies on the piano! Everything is normal and not weird!
RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: Leota Adebayo
Next, it’s time for a duet that sizzles with sexual tension. I love a good will-they-won’t-they. Jane and Casey decorate for Immortus’ arrival. Said decorations include standees of the Edward Scissorweirdos from Orqwith. The pair duet about their feelings for each other. Should they say them out loud? Why not bang out a choreographed dance to an uptempo rock melody first?
After Jane and Casey awkwardly part ways, we’re blessed with a Rita and Laura friendship duet. They set the table for Immortus. Dinner isn’t complete with plenty of ham. The sex ghosts dance behind them. While they’re singing, Laura experiences fragmented flashbacks from her real life. We see her arrive in Cloverton in her time machine. Isabel (Charity Cervantes) sees Laura and falls into the massive chasm in the ground. Once Rita departs, Laura panics over her visions. She realizes they’re in some peculiar Immortus fever dream. She lets out a shrill “What the f*ck?” echoed by the sex ghosts. God, I love this show.
Meanwhile, Vic and Dorothy decorate a gingerbread version of Doom Manor with gingerbread versions of the Doom Patrol. Dorothy even makes one of her father to join the fun. They talk about how much Niles Caulder loved hot chocolate. Right on cue, the sex ghosts sing about it as they awkwardly shuffle into another room. Perfection.
RELATED: Catch up on the Eagly goodness with our Peacemaker recaps!
Later, Cliff searches for something to wank to, looking through their extensive VHS collection. He finds a tape and pops it into the VCR. He arms himself with the requisite tissue box and lotion. Now, he’s ready to crank it. Fraser is so funny in this episode. Initially, he’s confused by Immortus on the screen. She’s sitting in front of a fireplace with a book. However, she transforms into a siren, tempting him with her hotness. It’s go-time. Naturally, he’s singing the whole time.
Well, except it’s not go-time because Laura walks in on him. Laurus Interruptus. After Cliff leaves in a hurry, Laura notices something amiss with the TV screen when the video is paused. She can see the top of Larry’s head. You know, the one wrapped in bandages. She runs into Human Larry in the hallway. She ushers him into another room to show him the tape.
Meanwhile, Casey walks into Jane’s room to find her painting. Jane’s creating artwork of the Underground, but she doesn’t realize that’s what it is. They’re adorably awkward around each other. Then, Laura corrals the group to reveal what she’s learned. Larry (Bomer/Matthew Zuk) enters in his bandages, to which the crew breaks out into raucous laughter. They didn’t know the Immortus dinner had a theme. Anyway, Laura states that they’re superheroes called the Doom Patrol, and none of this is real.
RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: Harley Quinn
Laura backs this up with evidence: she shows Jane, Cliff and Larry the interviews Niles filmed where he asked them questions. Laura also reminds Vic of his identity. Everyone, save Rita and Dorothy, starts to remember their identities. However, Cliff is keen to stay in this perpetual musical. He’s a human now.
Next, Vic discloses the truth to Dorothy, who doesn’t take it well. He launches into a solo power ballad about his identity and life trajectory, as one does in a musical episode. However, he’s interrupted by Laura urging him to come inside, Cliff launching the world’s tallest and longest pee stream, and Larry asking him if he’s okay. Hey, in Cliff’s defense, he’s just enjoying having a dick again. This sequence/gag is pretty damn funny. I love how Wade absolutely commits to the cheesy musical choreography you’d expect in a power ballad.
Meanwhile, Casey and Jane run into each other in the hallway. Jane reveals their dynamic has changed now that she’s back to her normal self. For starters, Jane has her Underground personalities. Casey claims it’s all gravy. They’re cool. As they walk away, though, we see they’re the opposite of that.
RELATED: Catch up on the Harlivy fun with our Harley Quinn recaps!
Rama (Sendhil Ramamurthy) meets Larry in the basement. The bandages take him aback until Larry jogs his memories. Larry reminds Rama that he’s Mister 104, a superhuman capable of channeling any element on the periodic table. Naturally, our boyfriends dance along a giant periodic table when they have their duet. I love it. The number culminates in a kiss. Rama would rather stay in this reality — the basement, in particular — because they’re safe. Rama isn’t combusting. Larry’s body doesn’t boast radiation.
Next, Rita watches the footage of her with Niles. Her memories come rushing back in full force. Laura reveals she asked Rita to leave to prepare for Immortus’ arrival because she didn’t want to rain on Rita’s parade. At one point, Rita accuses Laura of being the monster in their friendship before storming off. Ouch.
Then, Cliff calls Clara (Bethany Anne Lind), who’s spending Immortimas with her son Rory. Rory says hi to Cliff. After he ends the call, Cliff looks up to see his robot self (Fraser/Riley Shanahan) sitting before him. They burst into song about Cliff’s identity and desire to stay in this fever dream. What’s so wrong with wanting to be human?
RELATED: Our Favorite Ladies of DC
Finally, Immortus/Isabel arrives. However, before they let her in, Laura takes a poll to determine who wants to break free of this never-ending musical and who wishes to stay. It’s decidedly mixed. When Immortus makes her grand entrance, she plops them into the dining room and forces them to sit at the table. Look at all that ham! Check out the plates with her face on them!
Immortus asks the crew to tell her what they’re thankful for. She starts with the obvious — she’s most grateful for herself. Responses are an amalgam of adoration for Immortus and a verbal middle finger to this zany episode of Glee they must experience in perpetuity. Immortus throws a few temper tantrums when those who despise her make their voices heard.
Cliff isn’t a fan of everyone hating on Immortus. However, those dissenting remain a united front. Casey and Rama decide to write their own stories and live their own lives. Larry realizes his boyfriend might leave him. Aw. Then, Immortus forces the Doom Patrol to dance in her musical number as she tells them they’re all doomed. I think this is my favorite tune in the bunch. After they sing and dance, Immortus returns them to their aging selves in the real world. Their longevities are gone, remember? Immortus leaves them a headshot with that same message: “You’re all doomed.” Uh-oh. That’s what happens when you don’t play her game…
RELATED: Catch up on all the weird sh*t with our Doom Patrol recaps!
What will Immortus inflict on our heroes now? Where’s the frozen Were-butt that Cliff lost? Can they recover their longevities before it’s too late? Only time (and three more episodes) will tell.
Doom Patrol drops new episodes every Thursday on Max.
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/doom-patrol-rita-farr/
[email protected]
What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
- SNOWPIERCER Recap: (S04E09) Dominant Traits - September 15, 2024
- Wynonna Wednesday: Theories for a WYNONNA EARP Season 5 - September 13, 2024
- How the Women of WYNONNA EARP Inspire Me to Be Better - September 13, 2024
