The Watchmen (Series) – Review
One of the most provocative DC comics series and movies is the Watchmen. This story was definitely not written for young people but rather deal with very mature themes. The Watchmen movie came out in 2009 and it still holds up well.
In 2019 there was a TV series based on the Watchmen. At the time, I assumed it would just be a series retelling of the same story as the movie. That is incorrect.
Instead, the series takes place 34 years after the events of the original story. It explores what the world is like after the dramatic events with Dr Manhattan. This allows room to discover this dark world with superheroes that are so different from typical comic stories.
As fictional as it is, it also taps into some real world events. This includes the Tulsa race massacre of 1921 which is an event that ties together much of the story.
Some of the characters from the original story return, including Ozymandias, Silk Spectre, and Dr Manhattan. However, new characters take the main stage and I found them to be quite interesting, especially Looking Glass.
The basic plot is that there is a rise in the activity of the Seventh Kalvary, a white supremacist organization. Vigilantes are outlawed but the police are forced to wear masks to protect themselves and their families.
Other mysterious forces are at work, especially Lady Trieu, whose true motives we are left guessing to almost the end. Dr Manhattan’s presence is felt throughout the story, with people assuming he is busy on Mars while he is actually much closer than any of them have imagined.
I will not go into any more details, as there are many twists and turns. Much of this revolves around the story of Hooded Justice, the first mask vigilante, whose story connects with each part of the plot.
I will warn that there is nudity in this series, especially male frontal nudity. I found that I had to fast forward through a number of parts that I just did not want to see.
While I disliked that, I did find the actual story to be interesting and a worthy sequel to the original Watchmen. Presumably the first season will be the only season. It ends on a note that makes it a satisfying conclusion.
