The fourth episode of Creature Commandos, “Chasing Squirrels,” at times feels like a bit of a breather to set up the second half of the show, but it delivers a deeply heartbreaking story. Continuing the series’ theme of revealing the tragic origins of a Commando in each episode, this one puts the spotlight on Weasel.
The previous episode, “Cheers to the Tin Man,” ended with the Commandos defeating the evil Amazonian sorceress Circe and saving Princess Ilana and the nation of Pokolistan—though not without cost, as they lost G.I. Robot. It seemed like the day was saved… or was it?
The Commandos return to America with Circe alive for questioning. At Belle Reve, we’re introduced to several new characters. First is returning Peacemaker MVP John Economos (voiced by Steve Agee), now back as the warden of Belle Reve and still healing from his role in defeating the Butterflies (as seen in Peacemaker). Then there’s Elizabeth Bates (voiced by Linda Cardellini), Weasel’s lawyer who is determined to prove her client’s innocence. Bates is the first person to show Weasel genuine kindness, even referring to him as “John Doe.”
Fun fact: Bates is a deep cut from DC Comics’ extensive library, having first appeared in Hit Comics #4 (1940) by Quality Comics before the company sold its properties to DC (then known as National Periodical Publications) in 1956. Once again, James Gunn shows his knack for reviving obscure characters and making them relevant.
ELIZABETH BATES & JOHN ECONOMOS HAVING A PLEASANT CONVERSATION OVER COFFEE.
During Circe’s interrogation, she insists her attack on Pokolistan and Princess Ilana was an effort to save the world. Circe, being clairvoyant, offers to share her visions. Amanda Waller, Rick Flag Sr., and Economos are understandably skeptical, but Waller still wants to be sure. Circe shows Waller a vision of the future: Princess Ilana leading an army in an invasion of America, with a particularly grim image of several notable superheroes dead and impaled on spikes—except for Peacemaker, whose corpse is apparently unworthy of a spike.
It’s a really horrifying scene, though it is a little funny how after Zack Snyder was criticized for his infamous Christ imagery with Superman in his DCEU films, Gunn takes it to the extreme here by having the Man of Steel crucified. Ironically, this grim vision also serves as our first glimpse of the DCU’s Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and other heroes who are stated to appear in the next few years.
WELL THAT WAS QUICK. ONTO THE NEXT REBOOT!
It turns out my theory about Princess Ilana being the main villain of Creature Commandos was correct, but the jury’s still out on whether she’s really Amethyst and if Gemworld will have any involvement.
Waller calls in another obscure DC Comics character, Prof. Aisla MacPherson (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz), who viewers would only recognize if they read the Gotham Academy comics. Here, MacPherson is a scholar on Themyscira, the Amazons’ mysterious island home, and confirms the accuracy of Circe’s visions, citing how she once warned the Amazons of a deadly tidal wave and saved thousands of lives.
MacPherson’s inclusion is a smart move from a writing standpoint, as using her as a second opinion makes better sense than having the characters (especially Waller) blindly trusting a supervillain. That being said, I think it would’ve been smarter to call the expert BEFORE letting the evil sorceress into your head. Also, it’s pretty suspicious to have someone so conveniently knowledgeable about Themyscira, especially since its stated the island’s existence was only recently confirmed. Could MacPherson secretly be an Amazon herself? Perhaps even Wonder Woman? Probably not the latter, but the former is definitely a possibility.
Convinced, Waller orders the Commandos to return to Pokolistan. However, Flag refuses to believe the worst about Ilana, with whom he got freaky with in the castle bathrooms.
COULD PROF. AISLA MACPHERSON’S APPEARANCE BE SETTING UP A POSSIBLE GOTHAM ACADEMY SERIES? OR MAYBE A PROJECT RELATED TO WONDER WOMAN?
The episode also introduces two DC gorilla characters. The first is Gorilla Grodd, glimpsed in Circe’s vision as an ally of Ilana, ordering the deaths of innocent prisoners—a surprising cameo even for this series. The second is Congorilla, a hero in the comics but portrayed here as a bully. He harasses Nina in Belle Reve’s cafeteria, forcing the Bride to step in and protect her. This moment further develops the Bride’s arc from apathetic loner to caring teammate. After thoroughly beating Congorilla with her food tray, the Bride leaves him looking worse for wear, though his healing factor in the comics suggests he’ll survive—and maybe rethink his attitude.
THE APES ARE RISING UP. ECONOMOS BETTER GET HIS CHAINSAW READY.
Eric Frankenstein returns after his absence in the last episode, connecting to the present story by (incorrectly) assuming Flag and the Bride are romantically involved. Jealous and unstable, Eric attacks Flag at his home, leading to an intense and well-animated fight scene that highlights Flag’s combat skills against superpowered foes. Flag ultimately calms Eric down, and the two bond over tea in a hilariously awkward conversation where Eric uses famous romance movies to make weird comparisons about their love lives. The friendship seems mostly one-sided for now, but their team-up to save their respective love interests promises some entertaining antics for the next episode.
Finally, we learn Weasel’s origin story. Unlike the other origin stories we’ve seen in the series, Weasel’s doesn’t explain who or what he really is but focuses on the event that led to his arrest. In The Suicide Squad, Rick Flag Jr. offhandedly mentions that Weasel killed 27 children. However, this episode reveals a different story. Flashbacks reveal Weasel innocently playing with children in a schoolyard before an old truffle farmer misinterprets the scene and intervenes, leading to a tragic accident—and Weasel’s arrest.
This deeply emotional scene is a testament to Gunn’s ability to balance absurd humor with genuine pathos. His brother, Sean Gunn, deserves special praise for his performance, as Weasel’s cries of anguish are genuinely moving despite the character’s comedic nature.
DOES THIS COUNT AS POLICE BRUTALITY, ANIMAL ABUSE, OR BOTH?
On another note, Bates clarifies to Flag that while Weasel was accused of killing 27 children, he was only convicted for the deaths of the eight he was playing with. So, who or what killed the other 19? And why was Weasel blamed? Hopefully, Bates can prove his innocence before the series concludes.
Once again, Creature Commandos delivers a blend of humor, action, and emotional depth that sets it apart. With the Commandos heading back to Pokolistan and more secrets likely to unravel, the second half of the season promises to be just as wild and unpredictable.
