TV Talk - Superman: The Animated Series - "Feeding Time"

Next up for the month is one of the biggest leachers in the DC universe: The Parasite. The character first debuted in Action Comics #340 and has actually been different people. The person he’s probably most known as is Rudy Jones. Through some sort of accident, the character gains powers and turns into a purple beast. He has the ability to leach life energy from others. Not only can he leach energy, but he can also leach the powers and memories of people. Since the energy only last for so long, he's always searching for more power. He's basically an energy vampire and quite literally the “Purple People Eater.”

At some point during the Post-Crisis, he was a Firestorm villain but that changed later on when he got back under Superman’s trail. The character has shown up in a few places outside the comics. Today’s post is actually going to look at his first appearance on Superman: The Animated Series. The episode is called “Feeding Time” and it was the sixth episode of the series.

The episode starts out with Superman getting some help from Professor Emil Hamilton of STAR Labs. Hamilton has created a suit that’ll block the effects of kryptonite. Meanwhile, Rudy Jones, a janitor, is helping Martin, his partner, load some chemicals onto a truck. Security guards hassle them and it turns out that Rudy’s into some illegal stuff. A scuffle breaks out and some chemicals catch on fire. Rudy and Martin leave while the guards have to get saved by Superman. While they’re fleeing, the canisters Rudy stole spill on him and they supposedly kill him. Martin dumps Rudy off somewhere.

Later, Rudy wakes up and absorbs a rat. Later, he comes upon a police officer and absorbs her energy too. Clark investigates it and stays on the lookout for this “parasite.” When he finds him, the Parasite is able to absorb some of Superman’s energy and escape. Luckily, the effects are only temporary and Clark gets his powers back. Parasite comes looking for Superman again actually succeeds in capturing him. He even learns his true identity.

Yeah, Superman's strapped and ready to go!

A week goes by without any word from Superman. Jimmy Olsen is actually the one who figures out that Parasite is still hiding out at STAR Labs. He finds Superman and frees him from his bonds. Parasite returns and Superman is able to use his knowledge of STAR Labs against him. He heads to the room containing the kryptonite and uses it to stop Parasite. Parasite is put into custody and actually loses his memories including knowledge of Superman’s identity. The episode does end with showing that the Parasite is still a threat when he absorbs a cockroach.

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This was a nice, fast-paced episode. The Parasite provided a nice threat to Superman. His origin was especially creepy. His look was pretty cool and not too over-the-top.  They didn’t make him too deadly since in the comics, he can actually kill with his abilities. I guess cockroaches are the only things that can die in kids’ cartoons. Everyone hates bugs. I especially liked the twist with him temporarily finding out Clark’s secret.  

Well,  I guess David Lo Pan isn't the only one we have to worry about with light coming out of the mouth.

The animation was good and the action was pretty nice. I even liked how Superman beat Parasite and I thought Jimmy was especially used well here. We got some new toys for Superman to use in the field. That lead suit was especially effective and you wonder where Superman keeps his special suits at.  Anyway, the only thing that might drag down the episode a little bit is the pace of the ending. Other than that, this was a good one for the villain. 

Parasite is a good villain for Superman to face. Even though he’s not one of the alien threats, his power set makes him a serious threat. Well, I’m on the home stretch. Next time, I think it’s time to get another female in. Until then, Peace, God Bless, and be safe out there.