‘Koala Man’ Recap: ‘The Red Hot Rule’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Koala Man’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One of the most entertaining aspects of the comic book world, both film and comic book alike, is the sheer fact that they operate within universes. And what makes that so entertaining is that it opens up endless possibilities for storytelling. Where crossovers and new worlds await, the kind that genuinely allow for anything and everything to happen. If anything, it is so engaging and so enthralling, that is has in essence become a true staple of the industry, to the point where every superhero story out there takes place in an alternate universe or a multiverse of some kind and believe or not, that even includes the new entries, such as the Hulu series, Koala Man.
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For this week’s episode, ‘The Red Hot Rule’, opened up with quite the yarn. Wherein we came to learn that the world Kevin and his friends populate is indeed an alternate world, one where a single man changed the course of history for the United States of America and Australia as well. Because since Australia is ahead in time because of time zone differences, its people learn about future events and with a little care, history altering news could make its way out to the world and that is what Maxwell did back in 1912. Since he sent out an emergency warning to the crew of the Titanic, and since that saved everyone aboard that boat, the Mummy present aboard that ship… made it to America. Then made it prosperous and then abandoned it after falling in love with the Russian Premier and that… brought Civil War to America and its collapse, except for Hollywood. That became its own island, and that act brought great punishment upon Maxwell as well, because the Red Hot Rule in Australia was to never abuse the powers of time. 

Which was… an amazing way to build a world and settle us into a traditional multiverse of sorts. Since it now explains the quirky nature of Kevin’s world, and how the Tradies got their powers and how there a supervillain is waiting in the wings to take Kevin on. All because mysticism and magic came to life in this universe and what’s interesting… is that the fall of America, played a big part in this episode as well. Because Liam was enamored with the wonder of American Americana, since he spent time in an American themed restaurant often, one opened by a former citizen of that nation named Chad Wagon. And well… the life of an American seemed so wondrous and carefree that Liam began to hang with Chad and embrace that lifestyle. Much to the chagrin of Kevin, and despite his best efforts to keep his son grounded in his own culture, Liam eventually renounced his Australian roots. 

But what made these twists and turns so worthwhile, is that it all related to a bigger plot. An evil one that Chad had brewing up his sleeve. For Americans in this universe happened to be the ultimate selfish people, and Chad was ready to stop at nothing to use Australia’s vast resources to resurrect the United States and all he had to do, was kill Nicole Kidman. Because it just so happened that she was the Queen of Australia. And he of course, planned to use Liam to make that happen during a pageant day in Dapto that her majesty was present at, and for a brief moment in time, his evil plans were successful. But thanks to Maxwell, who was off on an island trying to sort his life out, one that put him a minute ahead of his home… he was able to call in to Koala Man once he learned of things to come and change the future again. A risky gambit for certain, but one that saved Australia from a weak man with weak ideals. 

If anything, all of these elements, made for one brilliant tale. Simply because it offered up flawless world-building and amazing concepts. The kind that immediately engage a viewer and keep their attention from beginning to end. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a little satire on the American people, especially when one considers the state of the union and the strange polarization happening now, and as always… this episode was filled with laughs. Because the pageant was just ridiculously funny, as was Liam’s hilarious journey. But what matters most, is that Kevin is coming into his own as a hero, since he saved the day here with that assist from Maxwell, and that’s what we are here for. To watch Koala Man become the hero and protector of the good people of Dapto. Until next time.   

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