Review: Batwoman 2×09 – “Rule #1”
[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers!]
Director: Michael Blundell-Lithco
Writers: Nancy Kiu & Maya Houston
Starring: Javicia Leslie, Rachel Skarsten, Meagan Tandy, Camrus Johnson, Dougray Scott
Reviewed By: Steven Brown
Summary
As the team finally comes to terms with Kate’s death, a new enemy emerges to cast his grip on Gotham City–Black Mask.
Positives
Batwoman 2×09Â starts us out with Kate’s funeral in Gotham Cemetery. Thanks to Julia Pennyworth, the team and Kate’s father finally have proof that Kate is actually dead. The funeral is small but filled with emotion over a rollercoaster of ups and downs the team has experienced in it’s search for the truth. I in particular really felt sorry for Mary who had to finally lose hope of her sister’s return. Ryan is back to full strength thanks to the Desert Rose and she acknowledges how her and Kate are alike to a certain a degree in a letter written by her.
Later in the show we’re introduced to the leader of the False Face society, who happens to be lead by Black Mask. Here in Batwoman we see Black Mask as a charismatic villain who seems to be seeking some revenge against the police and Batwoman in particular. Although his appearances in this episode were brief, I did like his presence. Hopefully once his story is over, we can see Black Mask in more episodes in the future.
Negatives
I didn’t have any complaints about this episode, except for one thing. I really think the writers are dragging out Kate’s story here too long. At the end of the episode it’s revealed that she’s held captive by Black Mask and that her face has been altered due to the accident. However, with the family and friends of Kate’s world finally finding closure, what does this mean for them? This episode told a great story all on its own, but gets upstaged by a pretty pointless ending. At this point I really want someone to just find Kate so we can end this particular story arc and move on.
Verdict
Batwoman 2×09 is a good episode outside of its ending. We had a good story with Ryan, Black Mask, and even an introduction to Sophie’s little sister, but it’s all overshadowed by Kate’s inevitable return.
