As we continued our more supernatural foray into chapter three. We would then receive an ambitious project in a straight to television movie with a run time of 105 minutes. This project would very much continue the build to our justice league dark crossover event as for the very first time, we would see the character of Boston Brand (Steven Yeun) aka Deadman brought into Live action. We would very much begin Dead Again with a voice over style origin story for Boston by the man himself. Revealing he was the son of a circus performer who was raised in Haly's travelling circus, Boston would remark that it wouldn't take long before his father left for the break of a life time and he would instead grow up in the circus along with his half siblings. As Boston would reveal he would from a young age form a very close bond with his sister Lita (Clair Coffee). Lita would very much act as a mother figure to her younger brother, yet while these two were close there was a noted disconnected with Boston and his elder brother Cleveland (Sasha Roiz).
From a young age despite his troubled childhood, Boston would very much grow into a kind hearted individual and as we'd see he would in fact be close with the Grayson family until their tragic demise. This heart break and the criminal element in Haly's circus would very much cause Boston to make a life changing decision as he would opt to leave Haly's circus. This would very much further harm the relationship between Boston and Cleveland as Cleveland looked to step into a managerial role in Haly's. Yet despite their fractured relationship we would see Boston remain close with his sister Lorna. It wouldn't be long either for Boston to find a new career as he was reached out to by rival circus performer Lorna Hill (Jennier Anniston). While Boston may have had family ties at Haly's circus and his relationship with Haly (Paul Whitehouse) may have been more akin to a father figure when in comparison to the more business like approach of Lorna. Boston would soon find himself having great admiration for Lorna as he saw that beneath her hard exterior was a caring woman who sought to truly do the best for those who worked at her circus.
During his time working at Lorna's circus, Boston Brand would meet a cavalcade of characters. This would include a strong man known as Tiny (Bill Goldberg). While an imposing and powerful figure, Tiny was shown to be a caring and intelligent individual. He would also be Boston's first true friend he made at Hill's Circus. Another individual who Boston would meet in this time would be a mystic known as Vashnu (Aamir Khan). While the pair would seemingly have a lot of respect for one another, it would appear there would be a rivalry between Boston and Vashnu when it came to being a headline act. One name Boston would also encounter would be a failed psychic known as Alexy Kronsky (Jon Voight). Kronsky himself would be a further display of the moralistic behavior of Hill as she demanded he left after recognizing his part in several confidence schemes. A livid Kronsky as we'd soon learn would then in turn begin to find work at Haly's circus further displaying the criminal element of Haly's. Tragically as Boston began to settle into Hill's his life wouldn't be long. As on one fateful night when Boston was performing an acrobatic routine, in the shadows was a killer known only as The Hook (John Morrison). It would be the Hook who sabotaged Boston's equipment and through these actions we'd see Boston tragically fall to his death.
However even with his life ending, Boston would soon find that life was not through with him. Thanks to his kind heart we would learn that Boston had in fact been selected by the goddess known as Rama Kushna (Brenda Song). The Goddess of balance who recognized the life Boston had lived, Rama Kushna would reveal that she had selected Boston to be her champion. Offering him a chance for justice against the man who killed him and to see justice to those which wronged him, in return to this however Boston would forfeit moving on into the afterlife as he would instead become the Deadman. As Boston would contemplate this offer, we would meet Boston's observer and supervisor Taj Ze (Raghav Juyal). A loyal follower and subject of Rama Kushna, Taj Ze was someone who never questioned his orders or Rama's preaching's. This would be until Rama selected Boston to be her potential champion as Taj Ze would even question Rama herself in regards to this choice. Despite her most loyal questioning her decision as Boston would accept and undergo the transformation into Boston. Rama would remain focused on her champion as she remarked that through Deadman she would have the option to right many wrongs and correct some past mistakes.
His first act in his role would be to use his powers especially his invisibility to begin investigating his death. He would return home and it wouldn't take him long to learn of the Hook. Through police files Deadman would learn that his real name was Roy Matson and that he was a freelance killer believed to have once been associated with the League of Assassins. As Boston continued his research he would be disgusted to learn that a key part of the League and it's initiations was to take a life and make it appear as an accident. Angered to deal with the prospect of his life being ended for little reason, Deadman's research would only continue to take a most frustrating turn as in his continued research into the life of Roy Matson and his ties to the League of Assassins. Deadman would find this arrogant killer full of bluster and bravado never quite fit in or settled in with the League of Assassins and he never progressed much further as not long after the death of Boston Brand, Roy Matson would be found dead with a blade left in his chest which was a symbol from the League. Shaken at his inability to fulfill his purpose for justice, Boston would aimlessly return to Hill's circus and look to find his next purpose. However Boston would soon be shaken as he would be confronted by Vashnu who fully recognized Boston and the power he was generating.
While in the past the relationship between Boston and Vashnu may have been an adversarial one. This time there would be some differences as Vashnu could sense the power in Boston and his capabilities. Vashnu would also in a display of his own gifts see visions of Rama Kushna selecting Boston as her champion. This would very much earn Boston the respect of Vashnu who would look to make amends of his own having expressed guilt at his jealousy of Boston when he was living. As he spoke with Boston and heard his full tale of his transformation Vashnu would be the first to truly urge Boston not to be dismayed and instead seek to honor his gifts by using them for the sake of good and to ensure that no others suffered as he did. Curiously Vashnu would also warn Boston to be mindful as Gods were noted for having their own plans and designs this would include Rama Kushna. During his conversation with Vashnu, Boston would also begin to learn of the changes that the circus had undergone. The most crucial of which would be his sister Lita now following in his footstep and joining Hill's circus. As we'd learn Lita had taken up the name of the Chiaroscuro as she looked to step into the world of sorcery and the occult.
While Lita's powers and usage of the occult may have been limited at least for now. She did have in her possession an Ouija board, while still not aware of the full realm of his powers Boston would begin to communicate with Lita through her board. This would prove a source of comfort and reassurance for Lita who we'd learn had suffered with grief following the death of her brother. After a while of the pair talking Boston would finally appear before Lita in his new form and while Lita was taken aback she would greet her brother warmly. As the pair continued to talk and renew their bond however, a troubled Lita would reveal that she left Haly's due to the growing criminal element and that Cleveland had unfortunately began to go down a darker path. It wouldn't be long after this conversation that Boston would be visited by an unimpressed Taj Ze. Ze would actually attack Boston and easily put him down on the ground as he openly questioned Boston's worthiness and what Rama was thinking in choosing him. Calling Boston unworthy and someone foolishly seeing this as a chance to relive his life and not be a protector. Taj Ze would further insult Boston as he proclaimed that Boston was far from the first choice nor will he be the last.
Shaken by this confrontation Boston would begin to wander around the city when he would by chance encounter a demon known as Petey (Jack Black). A fun loving, boisterous individual who always saw the bright side of life. It would be Petey who helped snap Boston out of this low time as he spoke openly with Boston about his new life. Revealing that he had been alive for quite a time and was just spending his time on earth for the fun of living. There were other lost souls roaming this earth and in some cases they were hiding from something while in others they were looking for something. Petey would urge Boston to stay on the right path and see the blessings in his opportunity to help others and some of these lost souls. It would also be Petey who urged Boston to make peace with his new reality and not heed what Taj Ze had stated, seemingly inspired by Petey and his words Boston would begin to seek out these individuals. The first of which he would encounter would be Ann Colby (Allison Miller). A recently passed young woman who was a wandering soul. Ann would be someone whom Boston would form a very close connection with early on as the pair helped one another overcome the trauma of their deaths. Another name Boston would encounter would be Darius Caldera (James Frain), a man who couldn't quite come to grips with his fate and what had happened to him. Darius was determined to do whatever he could in order to get his life back and Boston believing this to be hope would encourage him to seek out his truth.
During these discussions Boston would also first learn of an individual known as Pantheon. It would first be Petey who issued a waring to Boston of this and it would be Ann who also remarked that she had learned of his story. During a meeting with Taj Ze who still questioned Boston's worth. Boston would learn that Pantheon real name Jonah (Garrett Dillahunt) was in fact the original chosen one of Rama Kushna and outfitted with powers. Unfortunately Jonah had no intention or want for justice instead he had a thirst for power and had transformed into what could only be described as a demonic like vampire feeding on the souls of those roaming the earth. Taj Ze would warn Boston that this was far from his remit and that he was to avoid Pantheon as if Pantheon was to absorb him then he would be one step closer to taking the power he truly covets which is Rama Kushna's. Seeking some help for what would come next, Boston would reach out to Vashun and ask him for advice. As Vashun would promise to see if he could see anything in regards to the Pantheon, Boston would be reached out to by Lita who urged him to try and help their brother Cleveland as she had heard concerning things from Cleveland's wife Inga (Sara Paxton).
As Boston began to investigate Cleveland he would be forced to look into Haly's Circus and would now see what had become of it. As we would see that the circus was now under the rule firmly of Kronsky. Now renamed as Yakin we would learn that Kronsky following his departure from Hill's circus had made a deal with a powerful demon. It would be Vashun who revealed this was in fact a crossroad demon by the name of Yakin and his goal from prophecy was power. As we would see a key part of Yakin's goal was corruption and feeding the worst of others. This would include Cleveland's want for power and money. As Vashun swore to help Boston and save this circus they would be joined by Lita who looked to save her brother and his soul. Taj Ze would soon reappear far from amused at Boston's willingness to team and align yet he would soon stop on recognition of the name Yakin and accepts this as just. Taj Ze would also surprisingly provide information that Yakin couldn't possess a person but instead a diadem, something that Kronsky would be wearing and he would offer to help banish Yakin to hell. Agreeing to split up Boston and Lita would confront Cleveland in the hopes of freeing him from Yakin's clutches and while they couldn't reach him physically Boston would further come to grips with his own powers as he possessed Cleveland and entered his mind.
While this was occurring Taj Ze would confront Yakin/Kronsky. While Vashun looked to sense the presence of Yakin, and managed to tie it to a necklace worn by Kronsky. Boston entered the mind of Cleveland and found beneath Cleveland's vain and power hungry exterior there was a man consumed by guilt and grief. Heart broken at Boston's passing and their lack of a relationship, Cleveland had taken this hard and was looking to ensure that no one else in his family was that powerless. As Boston looked to show Cleveland the error of his ways with the help of Lita and Inga who had shown up to assist. We would see Vashun manage to use his abilities to temporarily break the connection between Yakin and Kronsky. This in turn would allow Taj to snatch the necklace from Kronsky and crush it as he banished Yakin back to hell. With his powers stripped away from him Kronsky would be turned over to the police while a tearful Cleveland collapsed to the ground. Having seen the error of his ways, Cleveland would look to turn himself in only to be stopped by his brother in his Deadman form. Boston would call this a second chance for Cleveland to have the bonds he didn't have with Boston. Soon after we would learn that thanks to Cleveland's testimony regarding Kronsky and Haly's circus. The Circus had been purchased by Lorna Hill and Cleveland would begin working for her as he mended fences with his wife and his sister. In the fallout from this we would see some changes in events, the first of which would be Darius Caldera who having hid in the shadows watching this would begin to see the power of the gods while Ann would find herself being stalked by Pantheon. Crucially however Boston would be met by Pathfinder (Michael McElhatton).
Introducing himself to Boston as a government agent of Argus. Pathfinder would reveal he was a Metahuman capable of phasing with his body. This makes him the perfect spy to not only stop supernatural threats but also allows him to keep watch and tabs on supernatural beings. Pathfinder would say that he has seen Boston and his capabilities and he would like to work with him on some dangerous threats. As a show of faith Pathfinder would urge Boston to look up a woman called Cassandra Craft (Simone Missick). During a later discussion with Vashnu, Boston would learn that Cassandra was a highly reputable psychic and someone who could help him with his mission. Following Vashnu's vouching, Boston would say at least for now a farewell to his family with the promise that he would comeback to them as he sought out Cassandra. Proving her worth quickly Cassandra would reveal she knew fully well of Boston and his story. Saying that Boston is not the first chosen by Rama but that he is the first chosen during the power struggle between Rama and Pantheon, Cross would call him like others a pawn in a longer game and she would further warn Boston that one who he holds dear in Ann would be targeted by Pantheon. Through Cassandra, Boston would meet a supernatural investigator named Jack Small (Tim Kang) who pledged to keep watch on Pantheon. At the same time Cassandra would warn Boston that others aware of him did not have the purest intentions. Later Boston would meet Pathfinder and would be hesitant to trust him as Pathfinder requested his help.
However Boston would be willing to hear out Pathfinder as Pathfinder told him of a wanted and dangerous terrorist known as Rustam (Tom Wlaschiha) who had been spotted in the city. Calling this very much a black ops mission with a difference, Pathfinder would remark that this isn't a by the books operation as they would need to kill Rustam and put a stop to him before he launched an attack. Despite his misgivings about Pathfinder Boston would quickly agree in response to the threat to human life. Using his abilities Boston would quickly run through many of Rustam's army with their weapons proving ineffective against Deadman in his first true show of power. Deadman would soon manage to possess Rustam's mind and learn all about his plans before incapacitating the terrorist in a surprisingly easy display. Pathfinder meanwhile would be out of sight and behind Boston's back, not only would he begin recording Boston's moves but also collect some of Rustam's blueprints. Following this highly successful operation Pathfinder would thank Boston for his service before telling him that he would be in touch. While Boston may have had his misgivings about Pathfinder, we'd learn that Darius would potentially be his real reason for concern. As Darius would confront Pantheon and throw himself before him.
Remarking that he has seen the power of the gods and only wants to serve he would be surprised by the appearance of Pantheon's new master Tala (Tanit Phoenix). A demon goddess and rival of Rama Kushna, Tala would be well aware of Darius' upbringing. Revealing that Darius was a bastard who's father's illicit affair led to his conception. Tala would further reveal that Darius' father being a prolific businessman would kill Darius's mother and throw Darius in the system. Darius would grow up in abusive home after home and turn to a life on the streets. This would be until he garnered revenge by killing his own father before being gunned down by police which led to him as a wandering spirit. Recognizing the darkness in Darius, Tala would muse that he did have some potential. Darius in turn would remark that he had seen the potential champion of Rama Kushna and wanted to be a champion for Tala. Tala would agree to begin this transformation while Taj Ze reunited with an angered Rama Kushna. Kushna would not be impressed with the visions she had seen of Deadman and how he was squandering his gifts. Taj Ze however would speak up in response saying that Boston has earned his respect and unlike Rama's prior choices this one is respectable and has integrity to be a worthy champion. While Taj Ze defended Boston, Boston would be surprised to have Pathfinder appear before him. Showing a sense of honor he hadn't previously as he remarked he was a believer in a favor for a favor. Pathfinder would provide Boston with a dossier on The Hook and the League of Assassins.
This dossier compiled by Argus would stun Boston as he learned that the League of Assassins originally began as a cult to carry out the duty of it's goddess Rama Kushna. Seeing that it was Rama's work which led to his demise, Boston would in fact confront Rama Kushna now knowing this goddess had in fact lied to him. Showing a true courage and certainty as he stood before Rama and said from this point on he no longer serves her and her ideals of justice but instead he will stand for himself and true justice. With that Boston would depart Rama who would later be surprised to be confronted by Tala and her new champion. Formerly Darius Calera and now the terrifying monster known as Incubus, Darius' power and rage would make him capable of wounding Rama causing her to flee. Returning home to his family as he would now serve himself, Boston would be overjoyed to find that Cleveland had stuck to his promise and fully redeemed himself as he and Inga worked for Hill's Circus along with Lita. At the same time Jack Small had lived up to his word and brought Ann to the circus with the help of his new detective partner Petey. It would be the appearance of Cassandra Craft however which would shake things up as she came with a warning only for Pantheon to arrive closely after. Stripped of much of his power with Tala now with a new champion, the demonic Pantheon was looking to survive and prove his worth by claiming the Deadman. Showing her improving gifts of the dark arts Lita would join forces with Vashnu and Cassandra to further weaken Pantheon. This would allow Boston to kill his former rival champion and banish him to hell.
With Pantheon bested and the warning of a new champion, Boston and his friends would be surprised by the emergence of Pathfinder who claimed he had one last job. Seemingly having earned some trust from Boston, Pathfinder called this the most dangerous threat yet as he spoke of the Eden family. Headed by politician Charles Eden (Ray Winstone) and his reclusive wife Maureen (Bridgette Regan). Pathfinder would reveal there is a dark truth about this family and their daughter Eve (Natasha Negovanalis). Calling Eve a vicious vampiric figure who was the product of Charles Eden's work with the demonic Yakin and that Rustam had in fact been supplying a fresh supply of victims to feed Eve. Despite some hesitations Boston would agree to help Pathfinder stop this family. However Boston couldn't quite shake the feeling that things were not as Pathfinder had said. As Boston would soon find Eve Eden wasn't a monster instead she was a powerful but scared young girl with gifts far greater than she could comprehend. Boston would hesitate causing Pathfinder to step forward and look to kill the girl himself only to be pushed back by Boston who called Eve innocent much to the relief of her family. Pathfinder in turn would flee while Taj Ze appeared before Boston and the Eden family. Sensing Eve's powers and her ties to a shadow dimension Taj Ze warned Boston that this is the very darkness they warned him of. He would also warn Boston and the Eden family that their daughter would be a beacon for Tala and her champion.
Sending the powers of Eve Eden and wanting them for herself. Tala would appear outside the Eden home with Darius Caldera as her Incubus by her side. Serving Tala's wishes as she looked to exploit the power of Eve Eden to bring an army of darkness forward to finally eliminate Rama Kushna. Tala would send the powerful Incubus into the Eden home to take her. While Boston told the family to get to safety he would quickly be overwhelmed by the sheer power of Incubus. Revealing herself to also have limited abilities Maureen Eden would open a portal for her family to escape into when tragically Charles Eden would be impaled by Incubus and killed with his last act being trying to get his daughter to safety. Recognizing the danger here Taj Ze would enter the field to attack Incubus and fight alongside Deadman. Surprisingly the pair would be aided by Pathfinder who called this a greater threat than the girl. Showing her shadow powers for the first time Eve Eden would also attack Incubus who was shown to be highly durable and dangerous despite the numbers. This would be until the surprise arrival of John Constantine (Dan Stevens) and Zatana (Ana De Armas). Revealed to have been made aware of this threat by Cassandra Craft, it would be John combined with Zatana and Eve who managed to cast a spell which stripped Incubus and Tala of their connection. This in turn would greatly weaken Incubus and we'd see Eve manage to banish both Incubus and Tala into the deepest darkest part of the dark dimension thanks to an assist from Deadman who threw Incubus through the portal while Taj Ze wounded Tala and kicked her through.
With this monstrous threat handled Pathfinder would turn to Deadman and make it clear that this was a one off and nothing personal. He would then as a courtesy agree to leave the girl but keep a watch. As Pathfinder vanished with a new report of everything he had seen we would then see a farewell between Boston and Taj Ze. Genuinely impressed with what Deadman had become Taj Ze would wish him well in his future and promise to keep tabs on him should he ever need help. It would be then Taj remarked while he may not agree with everything he is a man of duty and he will return to serve Rama Kushna. Eve Eden and her mother would then go into hiding thanks to Eve's powers being revealed but not before Boston told them that if they ever needed a safe place to lie low that Hill's Circus is the place for them. After this Boston in his final scenes would meet John Constantine and Zatanna who looked to recruit him to their side for the threats to come. Deadman in turn would agree to join them in the future before he'd return to Hill's circus to close out this TV event. In a post credit scene however we would see Eve Eden looking to live a normal life unaware she was being stalked on her first day of college. This would be by a fellow student by the name of Lori Zechlin (Lulu Antariska) who was revealed to be connected to Tala as her final champion.... Black Alice! |
