Many film critics on the Internet are hacking MCU and DC to celebrate the show, but ignore the ambition of the show. For me, "Black Robe" is more profound than "Watchmen" (the movie) in some respects, especially in the current political climate, which is more ironic.
The show and "Watchmen" have some similar keynotes: superpowers are used to manipulate fear. The pharaoh in "Watchmen" has the trait of tragic heroism. His conspiracy is to divert hatred and maintain peace by manipulating fear. The tragedy of this approach is that he must use evil deeds to prevent the outbreak of a more evil nuclear war. Behind the scenes, "Watchmen" exposes the combative and self-destructive aspects of human nature. To ensure the survival and continuation of mankind, evil must be used to control evil, and fear and hatred must be used to maintain peace. This is also the depth aspect of "Watchmen". But the fear manipulation of "Black Robe" is completely different. The manipulation of fear by the people of the motherland comes from pure evil: for the sake of wealth and power, to get rid of the company's control over themselves, and also to inflict on the military power of the United States and become the de facto ruler of the world.
But in essence, the natives themselves are the incarnation of the United States, or the American incarnation of Trumpism. Wearing a Star-Spangled Banner cloak, he incorporates the classic image of Captain America and possesses the strongest strength. He is a well-deserved leader among the seven, just like the current military power and international status of the United States. But at the same time, he also nourishes terrorists, wins over right-wing people by supporting conservative religious forces, and steps on the flesh and blood of victims to seek political benefits for himself. All the time, they satirize the hypocrisy, indifference and cruelty of American conservative politicians. Recall the history of US anti-terrorism. The growth of Al Qaeda and ISIS is unclearly related to the US military intervention in the Middle East. However, the massacres of civilians by terrorist organizations have caused a wave of refugees, which in turn has become Trumpism. The best reason to expel immigrants, expand armaments, and create more killing weapons. This is why "Black Robe" is better than "Watchmen" ten years ago at this time node in 2019. "Black Robe" is more realistic, and is a ruthless flogging of real politics. In contrast, the tragedy of "The Watcher" is a bit poetic and lacks the strength to face the blood.
Of course, in the first season, the best portrayed are the natives of the motherland, but the complexity of the black robe itself has just unfolded. In the next season, it may take a step forward, and it may collapse like a song of ice and fire. Wait and see.
View more about The Boys reviews
