Batwoman really had me side-eyeing Ryan Wilder while sympathizing with Alice in the season 3 premiere of “Mad as a Hatter.” And I know what you’re thinking, “But she’s the villain!” So? Loki killed people and betrayed his brother left and right in the MCU. He still ended up being loved and understood before his redemption arc came into play. Then there are others like Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender who chased down the Gaang, tried to kill them multiple times, and somehow ended up being family by the end of the show.
What I’m basically saying is that if we’re really going to go for equality in all shapes and sizes, it applies to women too. It applies to Alice. And I hope that Batwoman doesn’t slip backward when it comes to her and her story. Sure, it’s fun to play the bad guy. But what we love about Alice is that she’s so much more than that. She’s someone broken and destroyed who has the potential to be something more than those around her expect her to be. And that makes for interesting stories that people want to watch.
That’s why I didn’t feel bad when Alice ratted Alice out to Renee Montoya. Ryan, bless her soul and I hope that she and Sophie get it on soon, had it coming. Ryan made a promise, saw the pain that Alice was going through and used it against her, and then she’s surprised when Alice paid her back for it? Nah. Ryan had it coming and her betrayal shows that she can’t totally be trusted and that she’s got plenty of growing to do. It also shows that there is still plenty when it comes to their relationship.
Like it or not, including Alice in the everyday shenanigans is going to be good for Batwoman as a show and for the actual character of Batwoman. It’s going to test Ryan and teach her some patience, understanding, and hopefully get her past that anger that is brewing inside of her STILL. Like, we understand it was your mom but you’re a hero. You stick to your word, you save the day, you set an example. And right now that example is that rage can live in your heart and make you justify the complete opposite of your words. And I don’t want that.
It’s also going to be good for Mary. Like it or not, Alice is the last of her family. And I know that there is something there. Mary understands Alice in a way that no one else can. And including her in the everyday day shenanigans of the bat-team is going to make Mary confront her loss and what she has left. But she isn’t alone. It’s also going to test Alice and start her on the road of redemption. Because if there’s anyone that she needs to say sorry to on this show is Mary aka the constant MVP of this show.
While we’re talking about Mary, I really hope that Batwoman ramps up her storylines. I love what they’ve done so far with Mary. But I think she’s become stuck behind other people and their stories. I want to see Mary’s story. I want to see what makes her tick, what gets under skin, and who she is talking to or connecting with to deal with the madness of her life. I would also like to see Mary get a love interest. And it’s not because women “are only happy when with a dude.” No, I want to see it because Mary deserves to be cared for in a romantic sense and then some.
The same thing goes for Sophie. She deserves someone to love and care for her. If that can’t be Kate right now because she’s out in the world trying to find Batman, then it’s absolutely more than ok for her to explore the world around her and get to know what she likes. Sophie is free to be herself. And if along the way, as she explores those bits of herself, maybe it can lead to something a little more with Ryan, who was making major eyes at her and totally jealous about the way Sophie is connecting with others.
We’re calling it now, people. Things are about to get even crazier on Batwoman and we can’t wait!
Batwoman airs Wednesday at 9/8c on The CW.
Alice is a murderous psychopath that has killed numerous people and is responsible for the deaths of Mary and Ryan’s mothers. She has wrecked havoc on the city of Gothem and put thousands of civilian lives at risk. Yet, you are perturbed by Ryan “lying” to said evil murderous person so she could save hundreds of people.
It is completely unrealistic to expect Ryan to suddenly forget and forgive the person responsible for her mother’s death. This is a person that has suffered with nightmares, panic attacks, and flashbacks of her mother’s murder since it happened. In fact, it shows great growth and emotional strength that she’s even willing to work with Alice despite all the BS. Especially because, the only reason she wanted to wear the suit was to kill Alice.
Then you throw in Loki as some sort of example like the Avengers never “lied” to him.
Listen, I get it. As a character, Alice brings a lot to the show. She’s a great nemesis. There is no denying that. She’s actually one of my favorite characters. But this portion of the review was very tunnel visioned and lacked empathy for…well..everyone except Alice.