Watchmen Episode 1 HBO - TOP 10 WTF and Easter Eggs

Summary

In this video, the host dives into the first episode of HBO's 'Watchmen' series, a sequel to the comic book. They explore numerous Easter eggs, including connections to historical events like the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and the 'Tales of the Black Freighter'. The episode sets up a complex narrative with meta storytelling, modern technology influenced by Doctor Manhattan, and a mysterious conspiracy involving the Seventh Cavalry. The host also discusses the series' soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails and teases the return of Ozymandias, hinting at a larger conflict beyond the police versus the Cavalry.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The video discusses a play that will have two leading roles, possibly related to the 'Watchmen' series.
• 🎬 The video is a 'Watchmen' episode 1 review, focusing on the HBO series as a sequel to the comic book rather than the movie.
• 🥚 The series is filled with comic book Easter eggs and meta storytelling, including references to the 'Tales of the Black Freighter'.
• 👮‍♂️ Modern-day police technology in the series is derived from Doctor Manhattan's abilities, and there's a unique gun-unlocking protocol.
• 🎵 The soundtrack features Nine Inch Nails music composed by Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor, who reached out to HBO for the collaboration.
• 🍪 A scene with Angela baking cookies serves as a vehicle for historical exposition and includes several Easter eggs.
• 🐙 The 'raining squids' phenomenon is a mysterious, recurring event that might be connected to Ozymandias' actions in the original series.
• 📺 The 'American Hero Story' TV show within the series comments on the main plot and is inspired by the 'Tales of the Black Freighter'.
• 🏰 Jeremy Irons portrays an older Ozymandias, living a reclusive life in Wales, hinting at a new plan for humanity.
• 🔍 The series sets up a conflict that seems to be between the police and the Seventh Cavalry but suggests a larger conspiracy at play.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the play that the speaker is writing?

The play is intended to be a sequel to the comic book 'Watchmen' and involves complex storytelling with layers of narratives, including a real event from 1921 and the present-day story of characters like Lou Gossett Jr.

What is the significance of the 'Tales of the Black Freighter' within the series?

The 'Tales of the Black Freighter' is an in-universe comic book that is part of the 'Watchmen' story, symbolizing the storytelling within storytelling structure. It adds a meta layer to the narrative.

How does the series connect the 1921 event to the present day?

The series connects the 1921 event, which is a real historical incident, to the present day through the experiences and actions of characters like Lou Gossett Jr., as well as thematic elements.

What is the role of Doctor Manhattan in the series?

Doctor Manhattan is a central figure whose actions and presence influence the technology and events in the series, including the development of electric cars and the potential return to Earth from Mars.

Why do the police in the series have to follow the rule of not unlocking their guns unless a dispatcher does it?

This rule is part of the present-day setting where technology and regulations have changed, possibly as a measure to prevent police brutality or misuse of firearms.

What is the significance of the Rorschach mask in the opening scene?

The Rorschach mask is a symbol of the character Rorschach from the original 'Watchmen' series, and its presence in the opening scene hints at the character's influence and the continuation of his legacy.

What is the connection between the music of Nine Inch Nails and the series?

The music for the series is composed by Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, who were approached to contribute to the series due to their thematic fit and interest in the project.

What historical references are made during Angela's cookie-baking scene?

The scene references Doctor Manhattan's influence on Vietnam, the presidency of Robert Redford, and the concept of 'red for Dacians' which are reparations related to the Watchmen universe.

What is the meaning behind the 'raining squids' event in the series?

The 'raining squids' is a mysterious and recurring event that may be connected to Ozymandias's actions from the original series, specifically the teleportation of a giant squid to New York City.

What is the significance of the American Hero Story TV show within the series?

The American Hero Story TV show is a narrative device used to comment on the main series and provide backstory on the original Minutemen, similar to how 'Tales of the Black Freighter' functioned in the original 'Watchmen'.

How does the series hint at Ozymandias's return and his new plan?

The series hints at Ozymandias's return through various Easter eggs and foreshadowing, including scenes of Jeremy Irons playing the older version of Ozymandias, living a reclusive life in Wales and working on a new plan referred to as 'the watchmaker's son'.