Constantine Season 1 Episode 6 Review: The Rage of Caliban
Henry A. Otero
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I'd like to start by saying I'm bummed NBC halted production on Constantine at 13 episodes. Sure, the series had a bumpy start, but its potential is incredible. This is one of those series that needs time to grow its audience.
I will admit Constantine Season 1 Episode 6 wasn't a particularly strong installment. However, it was also the second episode shot which somewhat explains Zed's absence and why its placement feels a bit off.
After losing Liv in the pilot, Zed's episode was moved up to introduce the character which I think was a smart move. I just really missed Zed this week, didn't you?
I'm not a huge fan of the possessed kid storyline, which is a huge factor in why this story didn't work for me. That said, it did tie in nicely with the Newcastle incident making John nervous about exorcising a child. The black eyed demon effect is totally played out by the way.
On a positive note, we spent plenty of time with Chas this week while Zed was in "art class." The scry map lead our guys to Birmingham, Alabama. It wasn't long before Manny appeared.
Constantine: Smells of burning but there's no sign of fire. Some serious telekinetic energy was spent here last night. What is it you want?
Manny: Battle plans John. Time to draw 'em up.
Constantine: Battle plans eh? You know bugger all about what we're up against.
Manny: I know there's a darkness rising John. It's ancient beyond measure. You're going to stem the tide of its attacks.
Hilarious that Manny referred to John as "more of a desperation move." I liked that Manny explained his lack of assistance was the result of man being granted free will. Hey, at least we now understand why the angel hangs around without doing much. John's clever enough though, he used a quick spell to figure everything out.
So the malevolent spirit jumps into some random little kid; lucky him. Bear McCreary's score did help make the possession sequence that much creepier.
I found it a little too convenient a former client (and paralegal) helped John put the pieces together leading him to Marcelo, the real killer. She served her purpose though by delivering all the exposition.
Though Marcelo appeared catatonic, I had a feeling he was behind the killings.
Constantine: Marcelo was useless the poor bastard; fully catatonic. You know most people who survive a possession they're down right chatty about the ordeal.
Chas: Tough break for him.
Constantine: Not entirely, his parents got what they deserved. But we have to stop this evil entity mate, it's a bloody serial killer through the ages.
John mentioned ley lines in a previous episode, but here he explained they're a psychic railroad. Remember, this was originally episode 2 so you see why I say it feels out of place?
My favorite scene this week was probably Chas picking up the Sword of Night and giving John a piece of his mind. We also learned his wife, Renee, left him. I'm assuming she took their daughter as well. Writers, more about Chas please!
John uses a thurible (yeah I googled it) and frankincense to walk the ley line leading them to little possessed Henry. Loved the effect of the frankincense moving in the opposite direction.
Wrong way mate, frankincense flees the presence of malevolent energy. What we want is behind you.
Constantine
Shame that John didn't jump in sooner, he could have prevented that poor kid getting hurt at the playground. Guess the event did make him take action and confess to the parents he was an exorcist. Of course, the father had John locked up; predictable. How quickly he forgot stepping on those light bulbs.
This turn of events gave Manny a chance to pop up again. That scene was probably the most involved we've seen Manny so far. How long has he watched over John?
Manny: Guidance John, I can offer you guidance.
Constantine: Aw thank you very much. I made it through my life without any help from you.
Manny: Are you sure about that? How do you know I wasn't by your side when your father burned you with his cigarette? Or stayed you from suicide when your sister left you alone with him?
I've got to agree with John, I hate it when Manny disappears in the middle of a conversation. Just when he was getting interesting too. Still, I have a feeling the character is more important than we realize and we'll be learning more about him this season.
Little Henry loses it and his mother realizes Constantine was right. She bails him out and off to exorcise the kid they go.
Did you guess by this point the catatonic dude was behind the possessions? Yup, I had it figured out. The seance took place at Marcelo's old house (the first victim) but it didn't work. That would've been way too easy right? Besides, isn't a Halloween carnival cooler?
The funhouse Henry heads into provided some of the best visuals of the episode. It was genuinely spooky stuff.
An axe of course. I know who you are boy, even if you've forgotten. Your name is Marcelo. I know why you're doing this. Your parents weren't good people were they?
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The spirit turned out to be pretty powerful, but John managed to exorcise it. Nice twist that this was the spirit of the living that went on killing, even if it was a bit predictable. Naturally, the once catatonic Marcelo woke up at the asylum and wasn't too pleased about it.
Great to see John light up at the end of the episode as well. So much was made of the fact he couldn't smoke on broadcast TV, but that hasn't been an issue for me.
As I mentioned, this wasn't my favorite installment yet it provided a little more info about Chas and Manny. If you're enjoying the series and want a second season, tune in live on Friday nights and DVR the show. Get some friends to watch as well. Live tweet with us during the episode and use #SaveConstantine. It's all about the numbers guys, if we can bring those ratings up NBC will give us Season 2. The show's fate is in our hands.
What did you think of "Rage of Caliban?" Did you miss Zed? How about the child possession storyline, did it work for you? You're up, hit the comments and share your thoughts with me.
Remember, if you've missed an installment you can watch Constantine online via TV Fanatic!
