Reviewed by Colin Jacobson (November 1, 2022)
While most TV series based on DC Comics properties revolve around superhero adventures, 2021’s Sweet Tooth becomes something different. In this case, we get fantasy material set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Across two discs, this set includes all of Season One’s eight episodes. The plot synopses come from IMDB.
Out of the Deep Woods: “Growing up in a remote forest cabin with his dad “Pubba” (Will Forte), Gus (Christian Convery) learns lessons about survival and the dangers that lurk beyond the fence to the outside world.”
That synopsis leaves out two important points. For one, Gus is born into a world affected by “The Sick”, a deadly, massive virus.
For another, Gus is a part human, part animal “hybrid”. These kids emerged at the same time as “The Sick”.
Thus “Woods” needs to bite off a lot of expository material, as it not only introduces lead characters but also it needs to provide background for this unusual new world. This becomes the dominant strain for “Woods”.
As such, the episode shows intrigue but it doesn’t quite catch fire. While “Woods” demonstrates potential for future drama, it seems a little lackluster on its own.
Sorry About All the Dead People: “Gus follows a reluctant Big Man (Nonso Anozie) into the unknown. Dr. Singh discovers what it will cost to save Rani (Aliza Vellani). Aimee (Dania Ramirez) finds a new beginning after the world ends.”
“People” gives us some signs of life, mainly because it offers a lighter feel than the prior episode. Granted, a series about a brutal world ravaged by a deadly virus wouldn’t feel like something inclined toward laughs, but the somber tone of “Woods” just felt like a bit of a drag, so I like the occasional lean toward comedy here.
This also allows the characters to become more endearing, especially in terms of the Big Man/Gus relationship. While I don’t think “People” completely endears the series to me, it gives me optimism the rest of the season will continue to grow.
Weird Deer S**t: “Eager to send Gus on his way, Big Man figures out how to hide him in plain sight. The Singhs attend a neighborhood party that takes an ominous turn.”
“Weird” opens with an intriguing tease, as it shows some new characters with promise. They then crop up later in the episode and add spark to the proceedings, so expect some good developments here.
Secret Sauce: “Gus lands under the protection of some new friends as Big Man's past catches up to him. Dr. Singh fears a nosy neighbor will unearth Rani's secret.”
The new characters mentioned in the last episode get better development here and help set up a potential confrontation down the road related to how various parties view/treat hybrids like Gus. These elements deepen the series and add narrative momentum.
What’s In the Freezer?: “Gus and Big Man pick up a travelling companion, who suggests a perilous shortcut. Aimee's (Dania Ramirez) sanctuary comes under threat. Time's running out for the Singhs.”
At its heart, Sweet Tooth follows a pretty standard “hero’s journey” framework in which Gus attempts to find his mother – one with increasingly clear links to Wizard of Oz. “Freezer” solidifies this concept more than its predecessors, mainly in the way it involves new colleague Bear (Stefania LaVie Owen) as part of Gus’s group. Expect a show that advances the plot well.
Stranger Danger on a Train: “In a moment of desperation, Dr. Singh makes a bold promise. A lost memento makes for a bumpy ride to Colorado. The Last Men close in on the Preserve.”
While I won’t call this a “placeholder” episode, “Train” doesn’t come with as many impactful events as its predecessors. Still, it advances the season’s narrative enough to make it a fairly positive show.
When Pubba Met Birdie: “Gus's quest to find Birdie (Amy Seimetz) and uncover more about her connection to his father leaves him questioning everything he's ever known.”
Here we find a flashback episode of sorts, as we see the origins of the Pubba/Birdie relationship as well as Gus’s literal creation. When mixed with the arrival of Gus, Big Man and Bear at Birdie’s house, we get a dramatic and impactful show that pushes to the season climax well.
Big Man: “His world shaken, Gus runs off and makes a rash decision. Big Man comes to grips with long-ago mistakes. Aimee makes a last stand against General Abbot (Neil Sandilands).
If you hope “Big Man” will end S1 with any form of real semi-resolution… sorry. It winds up the year on a note that doesn’t really present any kind of “conclusion”.
However, the episode does allow many of the disparate parties followed across the year to connect, and that means it comes with interesting links. All of these point toward Season Two in a positive manner.
