Constantine 1.03 “The Devil’s Vinyl”

Full steam still ahead, Constantine is back with its third episode, and doesn’t want you to get it into your head that this show’s for kids. We’re not dealing with monsters and critters here, folks – with Constantine, we’re being continually exposed to the demonic, satanic, and vile. Like the second episode, this one is once again a small, self-contained story; a chapter in the life of John Constantine (Matt Ryan) with little attention to the show’s few overarching plotlines (the little girl in Hell, John’s own soul being hellbound, etc.). Notably still absent is the girl in the pilot episode – she hasn’t been mentioned or popped up in absolutely any way. From what I can tell, she’s been permanently replaced by Zed.

And thank God. Honestly, Zed (Angélica Celaya) is a fantastic character, and I’m extremely glad to have her on board. Shows and movies have a distinct habit of dividing female characters into two eerily specific camps – the first is “Girl,” who will be the damsel in distress and love interest but, otherwise, will have few personality traits. The second is “Tough Girl,” who’s just as bad in her own special way; she’s too busy being an isolated and independent ball-buster to actually have any unique personality traits either. Zed, on the other hand, is a streamlined and cool character who bursts with personality, talent, and usefulness. She brings a welcome grounded vibe to the show as well, which is utterly absent in Constantine himself, who is increasingly resembling The Doctor.

Happy birthday!

Maybe I should elaborate on that last bit. Let’s run down the list:

• Base that’s bigger on the inside.
• Magical card that shows people what they want to see.
• British
• Bizarre morality.
• Seemingly asexual.
• Carries a great degree of guilt.
• Distinctive outfit that he never seems to change out of.
• Companions that come and go.

That’s more than just a few superficial similarities. Constantine and The Doctor are eerily alike.

Anyway, on to the episode itself. Like the last episode (and like a great deal of other shows, with Supernatural and House springing rapidly to mind), this one starts off by showing the victim of the Horror du Jour, then skipping to the protagonist learning about and subsequently tracking down said antagonist. This one, on the other hand, is a good deal more convoluted than the last episode – rather than “there’s a monster, wtf, why,” this episode tosses a satanic McGuffin at us in the shape of an evil record that, like evil records tend to do, sounds rather like a garbage disposal trying to cough up Oscar the Grouch and has distinctly demonic effects on those that hear it. These effects include pain, violence, direct demonic possession, and ice.

Because… well… ice.

Its sinister nature is negated by the power of the Sex Pistols, however.

On top of the negative effects it has on people, though, it’s also a valuable and powerful item, and is therefore… desired, by less savory entrepreneurs. This provides a great opportunity to bring in a (I assume) recurring rival of Constantine (something the show had been lacking) – Papa Midnite (Michael James Shaw). Midnite’s an impeccably-dressed voodoo priest who represents the dusk to John’s dawn (hehe, that rhymes). They respect and hate one another, have a seemingly similar degree of power and knowledge, and I’m really looking forward to seeing more of this villain in the future. It’s been said that a hero can only be as good as his villains, and with a nemesis like this one looming in the distance, I don’t think Constantine’s going to be in too much trouble in that particular department.

I promise the “dusk” comment wasn’t me being racist.

Constantine is continuing with the punk rock aesthetic and soundtrack that I made mention of after the very first episode, and I hope it never stops. It works for the character immensely well and also works for the show, capitalizing on the Devil May Care reckless mayhem that makes it a unique addition to a genre [fella(s) seek out unnatural entities] that’s been continually swelling ever since studios realized that people actually like this kinda thing. For punk enthusiasts like myself, each new song is a treat.

So, another episode has come and gone. Where’s this show headed? I’m not entirely sure, at the moment. But I honestly don’t give a damn as long as I continue to enjoy the ride as much as I have been. It’s never too late to jump on and give this new show a shot.