Watchmen — Series 1 Episode 9 — See How They Fly — A Review

17th November, 2020.

I think I can safely say I’m feeling a touch better.

I was at the GP’s, earlier: for various reasons: as I mention in today’s Teaser.

And frankly?

I’ve got a course of antibiotics, let’s put it that way!

Hopefully, they’ll have an effect.

If they don’t, I have to phone back in a fortnight.

Keep your fingers crossed.

However, and as is traditional, by now?

I’m starting my review of the climactic episode of Watchmen, on the night I’ve seen it.

Partly?   I’ve got some bedtime reading I want to do: a short story collection by Arthur Machen, if you must know*.

Partly?   To get my brain in order.

And partly?   Because I want some sort of sleep, thank you!

~≈Á≈~

18th November, 2020

Let’s move on, shall we?

Episode 9 — See How They Fly — opens with a summary of Episode 8.   Reminding us Dr Manhattan (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) has been kidnapped by the Seventh Kavalry … 

Then moves on to 1985 … to show us Adrian Veidt/Ozymandias (Jeremy Irons) recording a message for President Redford: whilst a cleaner sneaks into his office.

Then shifts to 2008: to show us Lady Trieu (Hong Chau) arriving at Karnak, Veidt’s Antactic base: with some news … and the knowledge of what he did at New York, in ’85.

She’s got an offer for the man she says is her father.

She’s going to get rid of every nuclear weapon on the planet.

~≈Á≈~

We flash forward to now … and, while Trieu’s plan is being kick started, we see the Doctor’s kidnapping from the view point of the Kavalry.

Their leader, Senator Keene (James Wolk)?   Has the same idea: capture Manhattan, steal his powers and take over the world.

Only with a slightly more hard right option: he wants white America to be the only America.

Angela, stranded, and unable to help … ?

Can only look on, whilst her husband is dissolved …

Look on … and hope for a Deus Ex Machina … 

~≈Á≈~

Now … 

Episode and series, what did I think … ?

It’s got to be said, this was a great concluding episode.

Well written, beautifully acted: and fantastic looking.

With — it’s got to be said — a spot on sound track: composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails.

I’ve got to be honest, I’ve never managed to get into them.

But this soundtrack … ?

Definitely impressed me.

As did the episode’s ending: it’s … 

Well, I’d like a series two … but this deeply ambiguous ending is perfect, even if it’s not followed through.

As is the acting!

I’m very aware Regina King got a Primetime Emmy award for Watchmen: a very well deserved Emmy.

But?   She’s at the front of a superb ensemble cast: with Jeremy Irons superb as the villainous Veidt, Louis Gossett Jr as the ambiguous Hooded Justice, and Tim Blake Nelson as Wade/Looking Glass.

I can only tell you that See How They Fly was a great finish to a great series.

Yes: I have an issue.   Veidt getting arrested for his actions in 1985 seemed — to me — to spoil the ending of the original graphic novel.   He was, if I’ve understood it, supposed to get away with murder.

Trieu not getting Manhatten’s powers?   Seemed to be on a similar scale.

But these are minor complaints.

See How They Fly as a piece, and Watchmen as a series?

Are formidably watchable.

~≈Á≈~

As a final thought … ?

Could there or should there be a second series of Watchmen?

I don’t know if there should or could be.

From where I’m sitting, this one series is both superb: and complete, in and of itself.

Another?

Could be a good move … but could also detract from this first season.

Especially given show runner, David Lindelof, said he won’t be doing another.

As things stand?   Watchmen is great as it is.   And I heartily recommend you watch it.

*        If I’ve understood this version’s introduction, correctly?   The White People and other Weird Stories was originally published by Chaosium: best remembered for the role playing games, Call of Cthulhu and Runequest.   Runequest was the first of it’s kind to feature a background universe: at least, a more developed on than anything else.   Call of Cthulhu — along side the 1985 film, Re-Animator — was a factor in the revival of interest in the work of the long gone H. P. Lovecraft.