"Justice League" Wake the Dead (2004)

Writer:

Dwayne McDuffie (written by)

TV Series:

"Justice League" (2001)

Original Air Date:

18 December 2004 (Season 3, Episode 11)

Genre:

Animation | Action | Adventure | Family | Fantasy | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Plot:

When Solomon Grundy is inadvertently brought back to life as a mindlessly rampaging monster, the disgraced Hawkgirl must join the fight to stop him. |

Plot Keywords:

Martian | Justice League | Forces Of Evil | Hate | Cult Cartoon

Cast

Maria Canals-Barrera	...	Shayera Hol / Hawkgirl / Woman (voice) (as Maria Canals)
Phil LaMarr	...	John Stewart / Green Lantern / Fat Kid (voice)
George Newbern	...	Clark Kent / Superman / Kid (voice)
Scott Rummell	...	Arthur Curry / Aquaman (voice)
Oded Fehr	...	Kent Nelson / Dr. Fate (voice)
Gina Torres	...	Mari McCabe / Vixen (voice)
Robert Picardo	...	Amazo / Reporter (voice)
Jennifer Hale	...	Inza Nelson / Sroya Bashir (voice)
Bruce W. Timm	...	Solomon Grundy / Kid (voice) (as Bruce Timm)

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Quotes:

Aquaman: Only you have the power to put that creature out of its misery. And to stop it before it hurts anyone else.
John Stewart: ...
[puts his hand on Shayera's arm]
John Stewart: You don't have to Shayera. I'll do it for you. Give me the mace.
Shayera Hol: Forget it, John. He was my friend. It's my responsibility. I'll do it myself!

Very touching amid all the on-screen action

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Perhaps, the ratings for "Justice League" didn't go over the roof because the show's characters were more suited for baby boomers than for the younger set that is the prime demographic for The Cartoon Network where it aired.

That said, "Wake the Dead" is an exceptional episode that has enough action to satisfy the kids but has a poignancy in its story that can only appeal to the discriminating adult. Solomon Grundy, the zombie that has forever been one of Superman's main foes, is resurrected by three nerdy teens. Unfortunately, Grundy has been unearthed as an out-of-control mass of destruction, intent on doing harm to anyone and anything in his path.

Vixen, Green Lantern, and Superman try to subdue him but Grundy's power is too great, even for The Man of Steel. Meanwhile, Dr. Fate is aware of the happenings and brings Amazo, Aquaman, and the disgraced Hawkgirl to aid in subduing the marauding monster. Armed with her mace, enhanced by Fate's magic, Hawkgirl realizes that only she can bring down the giant by laying him to rest, as he is really seeking such.

In a touching finale, the Thanagarian eases Grundy's pain and all is right with the world.

As is the case with the series, the voice-over work and writing is excellent, with special kudos going to Maria Canals ("Hawkgirl"), Phil LaMar ("Green Lantern"), Robert Picardo ("Amazon"), and Oded Feher as the enigmatic "Dr. Fate."