Summary
- Amanda Waller’s role in Creature Commandos raises doubts on her strategic brilliance.
- Waller recruits Nina, who doesn’t deliver as expected, causing a glaring contradiction.
- Debate arises on whether Waller’s characterization shift in the new DCU is intentional or a misstep.
Amanda Waller has long been depicted as a cunning and ruthless operator in whatever DC Cinematic Universe she inahbits. Known for her ability to outthink even the most powerful individuals, that might be in doubt as a member of the Creature Commandos series. Whether it’s orchestrating Task Force X (aka the Suicide Squad) or pulling the strings behind secret government operations, Waller’s meticulous planning and strategic acumen are a cornerstone of her character. However, Creature Commandos, the animated series that kicked off the new DCU, may be introducing a wrinkle in this legacy.
One of the show’s apparent missteps—or perhaps intentional hints—is how Waller assembles the Creature Commandos team. There are hints that things are a misdirect right from the very beginning. In fact, one of the first lines spoken is either a hint that Waller is supposed to be incompetent, or James Gunn simply forgot to fill out the story to match what one of the most powerful non-powered people in the DCU had to say. It’s possible that Gunn is setting up a bigger reveal for later in the universe.
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Creature Commandos’ Biggest Question mark Is Amanda Waller
Right at the top of the list of reasons that Waller in Creature Commandos seems to be off is her decision to recruit Nina Mazursky, a scientist-turned-amphibian hybrid. That recruitment raises eyebrows for its lack of foresight. While Nina’s aquatic capabilities are hyped up by Waller, the execution of this storyline leaves audiences questioning whether Waller has lost her edge or if the writing behind the series has overlooked her well-established reputation.
Nina Mazursky’s inclusion in the Creature Commandos immediately stands out as a baffling choice. Waller describes Nina as a “killer in the water,” a claim that positions her as a potentially lethal asset in aquatic environments. However, the narrative fails to back up this assertion. Viewers are given no evidence of Nina’s prowess beyond the fact that she can breathe underwater, which is a standard trait for her amphibious form rather than a demonstration of combat ability.
Viewers are given no evidence of Nina’s prowess beyond the fact that she can breathe underwater, which is a standard trait for her amphibious form rather than a demonstration of combat ability.
This lack of development becomes glaringly obvious when Nina is captured by authorities when Creature Commandos shows her backstory. Her surrender is peaceful, suggesting she lacks the combativeness expected of a so-called “killer.” The most perplexing moment, however, comes when Nina meets her end—not in some epic underwater confrontation, but in a swimming pool, at the hands of a seemingly ordinary woman. This sequence not only undermines Waller’s claim about Nina but also paints Waller as uncharacteristically careless in her assessment of her team’s abilities.
The result is a puzzling contradiction: Waller, the master tactician, made a choice that feels entirely out of character. Was she simply misinformed about Nina’s capabilities, or does this choice reflect a deeper narrative shift in how Waller is portrayed in the new DCU?
Bad Writing Or Intentional Incompetence?
The question of Waller’s judgment in Creature Commandos invites two possible explanations: either this is an instance of inconsistent writing, or the series is deliberately redefining Waller’s role in the DCU.
On one hand, this could simply be a case of the writers failing to align Waller’s actions with her established character. As the mastermind behind operations like Task Force X, Waller has always been depicted as someone who leaves no stone unturned when assembling a team. Her ability to anticipate the strengths and weaknesses of her operatives is integral to her success. By this logic, Nina’s inclusion—based on superficial reasoning and without any substantiated ability—feels like an oversight in the writing process rather than a calculated narrative choice.
The show does not explain why Waller was so wrong about Nina, nor really acknowledge that she was.
On the other hand, this could be an intentional move to showcase a different side of Waller. If the DCU is aiming to explore her flaws or portray her as more human, her misjudgment of Nina might be a deliberate choice to highlight her fallibility. In this context, Waller’s decision could serve as a setup for future stories, where she faces consequences for underestimating the complexities of her own recruits. This would mark a bold departure from her usual image of unflappable control, potentially signaling a broader thematic shift in how the DCU plans to handle its characters.
Regardless of the intent, the execution leaves much to be desired. Nina’s demise feels anticlimactic and raises more questions than it answers, leaving audiences to wonder whether this was a missed opportunity or a hint at something deeper. It doesn’t help that Creature Commandos never addresses how wrong Waller was. Making it a bigger question.
Waller Taken To Another Level
If Creature Commandos is indeed signaling a change in Amanda Waller’s character, it opens up intriguing possibilities for the future of the DCU. A more fallible Waller could bring fresh narrative depth, allowing audiences to see her not just as a puppet master but as someone grappling with the consequences of her decisions. This could pave the way for stories where Waller must confront her own hubris, forcing her to adapt and evolve in ways we haven’t seen before.
Alternatively, if this is simply a case of inconsistent writing, it risks diminishing Waller’s reputation as one of DC’s most formidable strategists. Her character thrives on precision and intellect, and undermining these qualities without a clear narrative purpose could erode the audience’s trust in the storytelling. It also risks diminishing what James Gunn is trying to do. If he can’t track a plot point through a show, how does he keep these kinds of things going through multiple projects.
Ultimately, Creature Commandos has placed Amanda Waller at a crossroads. The series could either serve as a platform to deepen her character or unintentionally chip away at her legacy. For fans of the DCU, Waller’s portrayal will be a key factor in determining whether the new era lives up to its potential or falters under the weight of its own contradictions. Only time will tell if this version of Amanda Waller is truly a step forward or just an unfortunate misstep on the part of James Gunn.
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