Review: Batwoman 2×13 – “I’ll Give You A Clue”
[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers!]
Director: Marshall Virtue
Writers: Caroline Dries & Natalie Abrams
Starring: Javicia Leslie, Meagan Tandy, Rachel Skarsten, Camrus Johnson, Nicole Kang
Reviewed by: Steven Brown
Summary
A girls night out turns into a disaster when Cluemaster, Sophie’s first arrest as a rookie, returns to Gotham City intent on killing her. Poisoning Mary, Sophie and Ryan, Cluemaster plans to torture them with a series of traps based on their demise. Meanwhile, Jacob Kane finally receives the consequences of snakebite.
Positives
Batwoman 2×13 finally attempts to put Ryan and Sophie on same page with at first seems like disastrous results. Ryan still doesn’t know that in the previous episode, Sophie saved her identity from being exposed to the Crows. Coming into the apartment while Mary and Sophie are having drinks, Ryan immediately comes off as rude. I really hated that Ryan kept throwing Sophie’s job in her face in this episode, as if she herself was corrupt. I actually like Sophie and she’s one of the few characters I’ve been enjoying since season 1. Towards the end of the episode, attitudes change between the two, and I was happy to see that some sort of trust has been developed finally. Sophie may be a by the book type of person, but sometimes that’s what you need. Someone who’s dedicated but yet reminds you not to cross the line.
Negatives
I really didn’t like the villain Cluemaster in this episode. Although they reference the Arkham breakout involving Black Mask’s daughter Circe, I hated that they mention Riddler, Penguin and the like. It just made me wonder just where they were? Stephanie Brown also known as Spoiler makes and appearance here- but I felt like it was a wasted one. She’s linked to Sophie’s past and also Cluemaster’s but there wasn’t much more development past that. I’m thinking that’ she’ll be around for a few episodes though because she did have a good potential building relationship with Luke Fox.
Verdict
Honestly if you remove the villain Cluemaster from Batwoman 2×13, I think this would’ve been a great episode. It seemed that they just didn’t go in depth enough with the villain for me to care about his defeat. A flashback would’ve sufficed at least to tell his story. Jacob Kane finally succumbs to the effects of snakebite as he’s found the park completely overdosed. Foaming at the mouth and convulsing, Mary screams in agony while frantically trying to save her father’s life. Ending on a cliffhanger I’m eager to know Jacob’s fate as he’s been through so much at this point.
