Weekly TV Reviews: Batwoman s2 ep2

 

"Dear Kate." 

Two simple words and this episode of "Batwoman" has us feeling all the feels. This is the second episode for the second season and has given a little more into the character of Ryan. She's steadily growing into a more in-depth character. Going into season two as the new Batwoman is a lot of pressure to put on a character that is playing catch-up to characters that were already established for a whole season. This episode was about getting Ryan to pick the cape back up and to fill the voice that Kate left behind when she disappeared. 

"Batwoman" Prior Criminal History: 

1.) Luke & Mary

These two have been two of our favorites since season one because they're both comic relief with lots of heart. Together they make a duo that makes us laugh every time we watch. They're the light that makes the town of Gotham seem less dreary and less murdery. It's quite a humorous sight to see the duo being interrogated by Jacob and Sophie on knowing that Kate was Batwoman. Their attempts at pretending they weren't aware were humorous and started the episode off with a laugh. Gotham isn't a town that comes with happy stories to tell so we've been well-prepared for Ryan's backstory to slowly unfold with tragic undertones. 

2.) Ryan Flashbacks

This week's episode features special flashbacks to a moment in Ryan's life where she was in the process of being mugged right before Batwoman swooped in to save her. This flashback is a key moment in Ryan's journey and is important to her acceptance to take the mantel of Batwoman. The episode ends with Ryan writing a letter with the start "Dear Kate" which is a nice homage to Kate's own letters that were always started with "Dear Bruce."  

3.) Plague of Bats

The plot of the episode focused on Ryan's first official mission (with Mary and Luke's blessing) as Batwoman. Alice's plans are set in motion with her using Mouse's body as a way to enact her next evil plan which so happens to include bats. Ryan's attempts to relocate a group of people at a Batwoman rally are met with the unfortunate plague of bats. This is a slightly insane (as usual with Gotham) plot but it finds Mary and Luke helping Ryan to put a stop to the infestation. The bats are an unusual method but a clear calling out of Batwoman by Alice and gives way to a disturbing moment where bats emerge from Mouse's body. The chaos does come with a little humor as Ryan at first sight of the bats proclaims "I really hate bats."

4.) Fear of Letting Kate Go

The episode also explores the various characters facing their different emotions over losing Kate. Mary has already fallen into acceptance over losing Kate and doesn't want to get her hopes up. Her reaction contrasts with Luke's who refuses to give up hope and often butts heads with Mary with the idea of letting Ryan be the new Batwoman. Jacob's feelings are highly prominent as season one focused on his discovery that Alice was his missing daughter and now he's terrified to give up on Kate. It's appreciated to see how the writers are weaving in these elements and that the characters aren't grieving one episode then getting over it. 

We're excited to see where this season goes and to see where Ryan's journey ends up.