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Spawn 3


Cast:

There is no cast...


What the box says:

A terrifying whirlwind is sucking the earth dry, dragging all caught in the spiral down to the very depths of hell. Chinese Triads, government agents, Jason Wynne, the mysterious Zhang Lao. And what is the terrible secret - the awesome power - that lies behind the War Mask of Genghis Khan? Todd McFarlane's SPAWN stands alone, torn between heaven and hell. From Hell the evil forces that control his destiny beckon. And from Heaven, bounty hunters, whose mission is the destruction of Hellspawn, have been sent to destroy him. Beautiful, seductive, deadly. No man can resist them. No Hellspawn can survive them.

Torn from the comic book page, the flesh and blood, the cloak and chains, the passion and torment that is Spawn must rse up and prepare for THE ULTIMATE BATTLE.


Plot:

We get the introduction with scenes from the previous seasons and a creepy museum. A guy is covered in filth and having flashbacks while being chained in a cell. Cogliostro begins his first of many narrations about how every Hellspawn loses the battle with darkness.

Spawn sees the medieval Spawn, fights him in a nightmare. Cogliostro is there, knows about the nightmare of the Black Knight. Spawn must choose his fate, has the remnants of the other Hellspawns in him. Cogliostro is running out time, needs Spawn to complete the journey. Spawn is only making Malebolgia stronger by killing enemies. Spawn can regain his humanity like Cogliostro who was once a Hellspawn.

Some guys are driving around town, stop in their old neighborhood to see an old shop owner, Mr. Oretti. He is happy to see them all. But, thug, Petey, shoots him deader than Kennedy. The friend, Joey, is suitably disturbed by this is going to tell the cops. They leave the store and drive off. Pull the car over to let Joey get sick, Petey realizes Joey will have to be taken care of and lets Frankie handle it.

Joey is pleading with Frankie in the alley not to kill him. Cogliostro and Spawn are nearby, see a portal open to receive a soul. Spawn begins thoroughly trouncing Frankie. He has to kill his friend Joey or he’s worm food himself.

Petey is about to take care of Joey and Frankie himself. Driving into the alley to bake carrot biscuits, excuse me take care of business. When the portal opens time stops. Frankie tries running away to no avail. He’s unsure if he’s dead or what tries running away. He can’t escape the bullet, only inches away from his head. Cogliostro talks with him about choosing which side he’s on. Spawn is about to kill Frankie for what he would have done to Joey. Cogliostro questions how Frankie is any different from Frankie.

Spawn denies killing any of his friends. He tries explaining its different when you’re a soldier. We get a flashback to the jungle. Spawn’s friend, Sykes, is tortured in front of him to learn military troop positions. Al refuses to talk. Troops rescue Al. He learns that all the intel they were given was false in event they were captured. Al goes on a killing spree. Major Forsberg tries talking Al down, not giving into the demons…

Spawn was glad he killed those people. That got Hell’s interest. They craved him after that point. Frankie wants out. It is time for him to choose as time restarts. Frankie throws Joey in front of the bullet and then finishes him off. Petey leaves with Frankie who has proved himself.

Spawn wants to know why Malebolgia plays games like these. Malebolgia didn’t make Frankie a killer. He chose the same as Al did. Spawn doesn’t believe Cogliostro who walks away. Spawn needs to talk with someone he can trust: Major Forsberg.

In the asylum, Wynn pays a visit to Forsberg. Cogliostro narration ensues. As we get a flashback to Al’s wedding. Spawn is trapped in necroplasm, and has regained part of his face. Spawn demands to know where Cogliostro is from the bums. No one knows. Spawn rages.

Spawn awakens, finding Cogliostro who has relics from previous Hellspawns. Spawn is beginning to think Cogliostro isn’t a crazy old man. Cogliostro is curator of antiquities, has been waiting for Spawn. Cogliostro tries guiding each of the Hellspawns but always fails. Cogliostro finally reveals his story in the time of knighthood, he was a Hellspawn. Eventually, he turned away from killing. Sorcery freed him then he was known as Merlin. Spawn demands for his help.

Wynn is looking over police reports by Twitch. He wants the cops to find a man in red cloak. Wynn will then movie in.

On the shooting range, Sam can’t hit the broad side of a barn. Well, Twitch can. Chief Banks is interested in the dead cop killed by the crazy priest, thinking “Red Cloak” is somehow involved. He wants them to find Spawn.

Lisa Wu, reporter, calls her boss. She’ll find “Red Cloak.” She has a series of candles set up in some arcane non-reporter way.

Sam and Twitch question Chapel who talks about a dead guy in a cloak. Al Simmons is back. Twitch checks on Al, finds several articles written by Lisa Wu. Apparently, Twitch can’t get much information on Al.

Lisa meets Twitch who asks her about Al Simmons. They trade information. Al was burnt to death on a mission that “didn’t” happen. Chapel talks of a red cloak and a burnt face. Twitch leaves.

Lisa meets with Wanda. Spawn is nearby. Terry has been fired from the NSC. Lisa asks about Spawn. Wanda has some ideas that she hasn’t told anyone yet.

In the alleys, Twitch finds Spawn. He mentions that Al was killed on a mission. Twitch is close to figuring it out except for the Armageddon part. He wants to reveal the conspiracy Wynn is involved in. Spawn doesn’t think Twitch will be able to handle it. And, Spawn leaves.

Wynn calls Chief Banks; a cop has hacked in the system to learn about Al Simmons. Chief is to learn what Twitch knows then arrange an “accident.”

Twitch, Sam, and Chief Banks investigate the alleys. Sam goes off to check something himself. Twitch tells the Chief that Wynn is using the NSC in this conspiracy. Chief Banks shoots Twitch. An ambulance rushes to the scene. Banks claims that Red Cloak shot Twitch. He isn’t able to shoot Sam who rushes off to nail Spawn. Angry Sam ensues. He is searching and shooting all over the place.

Cogliostro lets Spawn in, too many police in the alleys. Cogliostro can help Spawn escape the shroud and be free. He must master the shroud by mastering his heart. Spawn must become a better man. But, there is a cost, as a human he will be vulnerable. Spawn is now in Al’s body.

Twitch awakens in the hospital with Sam by his side.

Cyan is after some candy. Blind Granny catches her. Al stops by. Granny knows it is Al. He wants to see Wanda. Granny knows one day they’ll be reunited. Cyan knows that Al is the Sad Man.

A doctor checks on Twitch, part of the bullet is still in his brain. They are unsure of the damage. Twitch has lost some of his memory like who shot him. But, he wants to nail the guy who did it.

Wynn calls Chief Banks.

Terry passes information to Sullivan to take care of Wynn. Sullivan is going to eliminate the corruption in the NSC. Wynn is in his office when Violator calls him about Terry meeting Vice-Chair of the NSC Sullivan.

Terry meets with Wanda and angry she didn’t bring Cyan with her. Terry is acting pretty erratic lately. Wynn is about to be brought up on charges of treason and will want revenge. Terry leaves.

Wynn is denying the allegations of treason. He barely escapes when several officers come to arrest him.

Spawn watches over Wanda. He transforms into a human. Terry (Al) returns and apologizes to Wanda. Pretty soon, the uglies get bumped.

In the alleys, Lisa is searching for Spawn. Cogliostro finds her. We learn she is Jade. Cogliostro is the only Hellspawn to ever escape her. She’s after the new Spawn.

Terry (Al) has a nightmare. His body begins decomposing. Leaves Wanda.

Cogliostro warns Spawn about the bounty hunter after him. Spawn is a bit macho, thinking no woman is a match for him. Jade killed Genghis Khan. Spawn isn’t like Genghis. Heaven is after him. He’ll fight them.

A pimp is smacking his girl Lakesha around. Flashback to when Wanda wants Al to leave after finding his large cache of guns. The cops arrive, the pimps leave. Lakesha won’t press charges.

Lilly, the farm girl, gets off the bus. Pimp comes to her rescue. These nice guys take her down a dark alley. They are quickly shredded.

Twitch is still in the hospital. Chief Banks gives him the Medal of Honor. He apparently remembers something.

Cops find the shredded guys.

Chief talks with a nurse. Wynn’s assassin will take care of Twitch. The nurse is about to give him a shot that’ll kill him. The phone rings, awakening Sam. The nurse leaves. Sam learns of the shredded guys. Twitch thinks the scene will jog his memory. They both leave.

Cogliostro finds Spawn and becomes very angry when he learns Spawn transformed into Terry to get sweet Wanda lovin’. He thinks this is very dishonorable. Cogliostro is trying to atone for what he did 800 years ago. Redeeming 1 Hellspawn will be enough to regain his honor.

In the alley, Sam and Twitch inspect the shredded guys. Lisa is there, too. She talks with Twitch who starts doing his Sherlock Holmes routine. Lisa quickly follows his lead. Sam has Twitch check something. Lisa doesn’t believe Red Cloak shot Twitch.

Twitch has a flashback. Lisa spots Lilly and leaves.

Sam and Twitch check out the crime reports. They don’t think an animal did it. Twitch talks about Spawn’s eyes and claws before going home.

In a club, Lisa finds Lilly the vampire. Police will think Spawn shredded those guys. Lilly is after Spawn, but has no hunting license. Lilly has this once chance to prove herself. She was raped by a Hellspawn. Lisa leaves and Lilly finishes her meal.

The head pimp finds Lilly. He goes after her. Spawn chains him. Lilly feeds. Sunlight drives her away but takes the body with her for a snack. He questions her. Lilly manages to trap him in a crypt. However, he escapes it. Spawn versus Lilly the vampire. It is hunt and go seek. Spawn is in bad shape before using the sunlight to parbroil her.

Jade shows up but wants to defeat Spawn when he’s 100%.

Back at the cemetery, Spawn digs up his grave. Cogliostro narration reveals Spawn has regained his strength by evil.

Flashback, Al gets off a boat and heads to a temple. Monks are performing a ceremony around a mask. One of the monks is Major Forsberg who is trying to protect the mask. Al is ordered to bring him back. Guys shoot at Al, firefight ensues. Al defeats the men and crosses the circle. Right then, Major Forsberg realizes something about Al.

Spawn talks with Cogliostro about Forsberg. He has the answers Spawn needs if he’s still alive.

Forsberg is making a circle to protect him when Wynn questions him bout the War Mask of Genghis Khan. Whoever wears it gains Genghis’ strength. Wynn believes in it now, threatens Forsberg’s family to get the name of who has the mask.

In an opium den slash gambling parlor, Gen Soon meets with Wynn who wants the mask. Gen Soon will get Hong Kong from China. Gen Soon is scared to reveal that Zhang Lao has the mask. He has some of his flunkeys take Wynn to meet Zhang Lao.

Cogliostro meets with Zhang Lao to try to spare Spawn. Zhang knows Spawn when he was Al. It is too late to save him. Wanda has the fruit of his loins.

Wanda gets a call from Terry in Chinatown. He is going to eliminate Wynn finally. Wanda checks on Cyan.

Jade meets with Zhang Lao who is angry that Spawn is dead yet.

Wanda starts looking for Terry. Wynn passes Terry disguised as a bum. Terry is prevented from killing Wynn. Wynn decides that Terry isn’t going to die unless Wynn wants him to. Terry is taken to an opium den.

Wynn heads to Zhang Lao’s store. The lackeys demand the mask. Zhang manages to rip one of the guys heart’s out. He crushes the other guy’s head off with a Darth Vader gesture. Wynn grabs the mask and is warned he isn’t worthy of it. Wynn barely manages to rip it off after putting it on.

Wanda finds Terry smoking opium cuddling a naked chick. We get some Wanda rage as she tosses the naked chick away. Opium guys won’t let them leave.

Forsberg is his cell when Spawn arrives to take him home. Forsberg tells Spawn that powers of Hell are in the War Mask. Forsberg has to find it. Wanda and Terry are taken to a cell and are freed by Forsberg. Spawn morphs into Terry and stays behind.

Wynn is going to torture Terry (Al). He smacks Wynn around before morphing back into rotting flesh Spawn. A gunfight ensues.

Jade arrives to take out the gunners. Spawn protects Forsberg. Jade, Spawn, and Forsberg leave. Jade senses Spawn is good, suckin’ face ensues.

Cogliostro narration is Heaven will not stop. Spawn knows more bounty hunters are after him. It is all part of the prophecy. Spawn must regain his humanity. Wanda is involved now. The prophecy involves a Hellspawn getting some that results in a child determining Armageddon. Malebolgia and Heaven want the child.

Cops talk with Twitch who is out there now. Twitch is sure that Spawn didn’t shoot him. Sam realizes Chief Banks tried to kill him.

Wanda is talking with Granny who knows Wanda is with child. Granny also knows it isn’t Terry’s, either. Later, she collapses from a stroke.

Chief Banks meets with Sam. NSC is investigating the police department. Wynn had several cops on his payroll. Chief is worried about the press learning about it. Twitch is finished. Sam storms out. Sam is absolutely sure Banks is the one. Twitch has a flashback, going to take care of business.

Granny is in the hospital. Spawn visits her. She wants to talk with her husband Jack. Spawn learns that Wanda is with devil cake in the oven.

Cogliostro narration ensues. Spawn and Jade are in the cemetery. The bounty hunters are after her for not killing Spawn. He needs to use his shroud for good.

In a subway, Twitch meets with Chief Banks. They fight. Sam is to the rescue. A train almost flattens Banks. Sam smacks Banks around the terminal, wants to make him a permanent dirt angel. Twitch talks him out of it. Sam has taped Banks admitting trying to kill Twitch. Banks is given a choice eat a bullet or Wynn will finish him slowly. Sam and Twitch leave the train before Banks attempts his impression of Kurt Cobain.

Spawn needs to change to defy Hell. Jade will defy Heaven. Hunters stab Jade. Spawn teleports her away. If Jade dies now, she goes to Hell. Spawn pulls the bolt out. But, Jade can go to the Elysian Fields if she dies in combat with a Hellspawn. She wants peace and pleads for him to do it. Spawn refuses when holding her sword.

The Hunters are nearby. Jade runs herself through on the sword and dies. The hunters take Jade away. Spawn is not on their contract. They will be after the child.

Granny is back at her house. Spawn gives her a chance to talk and see her husband. It isn’t her time, people need her. Spawn leaves.

Spawn visits Cogliostro. He wants to regain his humanity.


What I say:

The dominoes were set up in the Spawn and Spawn 2. I had thought they were slow about revealing Cogliostro. Even the flashbacks, didn't seem as bad this time. A conclusion is coming to a head. Ok, not really as the setup for season 4 had they ever did it.

The Cogliostro narrations didn't bother me as much as they did in seasons 1 or 2. You'd think any old guy following you around knowing you sold your soul to the devil and knows about your superpowers would be enough to make you believe him pretty quickly.

Each season is pretty static when it comes down to it: not much of anything changes. It took Spawn 3 seasons to listen to Cogliostro who could have flat out told him everything in season 1. They try to avoid this by saying he has to learn that killing only causes more problems. He has to break the cycle he's been living which lead him to being a hellspawn.

If you thought, why wasn't Angela in this series? You deserve a cookie. Neil Gaiman, comic book writer extraordinare, wrote the story that introduced the bounty hunter. But he and McFarlane have been fighting in the courts to determine who actually owns the rights to her. It got to the point McFarlane killed her off in the comic so; Gaiman wouldn't be able to get any more royalties due to her in the future.

This season of Spawn has a lot more familiar voices. Petey the hood, Eric Roberts. Lilly, the vampire chick is better known as Jennifer Jason Lee. Lisa Wu AKA Jade is Ming Na which means enlightenment. She is more familiar as the voice of Aki Ross in the Final Fantasy: Spirits Within movie.

A lot of what I’ve said has been on the previous seasons when reviewed. Hate to go back over it now. The animation style hasn’t changed significantly over the 3 seasons. The voice acting has been at the same level, too. The quality hasn’t drastically altered for the better or the worse.

I thought the series would have a more definite ending than what they really did. It was done in case of another season. Actually, in the comic, Wanda has yet to learn that Spawn is Al, unless the chronically late (only 3 or 4 years late) Image 10th Anniversary Hardcover book is ever finished. Good chance it will be done about the 20th anniversary of Image.

Most people aren’t going to get into the third season of a series unless they were fans of the previous seasons. It is hard to draw new viewers into a show that has been on a while. For no other reason that fear of the show getting cancelled after discovering it. Farscape anyone, anyone? I didn’t start watching it until after it was widely promoted there would be a season 5. So, I started picking up random episodes and when season 4 started. I almost think that any show on the Sci-Fi Channel I start to follow would is automatically cancelled. Why is Stargate SG 1 still on? I don’t watch it…That’s why…

I am surprised they ended the show on such a cliffhanger that was never resolved. I wasn’t expecting a conclusion when the series was and is still going strong. But, an ending that had some semblance of a conclusion should be expected. Spawn ended with Spawn rescuing Cyan and with a pointless Cogliostro narration. Spawn 2 ended with Violator contacting Wynn about a deal. But, Spawn 3 ends with him wanting to regain his humanity finally took him long enough…



3 NINJAS

Quotable Dialogue

"The Black Knight will keep coming for you."
"The bullet waits."
"Tonight, you made your bones."
"I can't do a fifth dance with this twisted sister."
"That's my signal a slight improvement in air quality."
"Heaven has sent their bounty hunters."
"They were licked clean."
"I don't care if the guy wears tights and a tiara."


Morals of the Story

Roaches are high in fiber.
A bullet in the head will give you amnesia.
The blind can sense the presence of another person like Daredevil.
Ghengis Khan was decapitated.
Cops know how to tear hearts apart.