DC’s Doom Patrol packed a punch that was both viscerally gross and layered with deeper meaning when Beard Hunter deputed in episode 10. In this episode, which is aptly entitled “Hair Patrol”, viewers are introduced to Ernest Franklin (played by Tommy Snider) - an antagonist known as the Beard Hunter. His comical and oddly self-explanatory villain name comes from the fact that Franklin, who can’t grow a beard due to a hormone disorder, hunts down men who have them and ingests their facial trimmings to “consume their essence.” In other words, by eating a man’s facial hair, the Beard Hunter can track where he is, as well as gain knowledge about his past.
In "Hair Patrol", he’s tasked by the Bureau of Normalcy to track down the whereabouts of Dr. Niles Caulder. After breaking into the Doom Manor, the Beard Hunter snakes a clump of Caulder’s beard hair out of a bathroom sink drain, and - unfortunately for viewers - slurps it down with immense pleasure. After consuming The Chief's essence and passing out in euphoria, he’s discovered and interrogated by Cyborg and Elasti-Woman. Before his eventual escape, he even inhales one of Cyborg’s beard hairs, giving the antagonist access to his innermost thoughts and memories. And much to fans' dismay, none of this is simply left to the imagination - it’s shown in graphic detail.
Doom Patrol's Beard Hunter scenes are undoubtedly grotesque, depicting content that could nauseate the most stoic viewer. But these portrayals aren't merely graphic for repulsion’s sake - a common trope in media. Rather, they further illustrate a vitally important concept of both Doom Patrol and superheroes/villains in general: even the most bizarre and seemingly useless powers can be both terrifying and useful in the right hands. Despite an ability being disturbing and peculiar like Beard Hunter’s, or even forged from heinous childhood trauma like Jane’s, it can be harnessed and used for either good or evil.
Doom Patrol's characters and storylines constantly emphasize the messy and amorphous nature of both this specific DC universe and life as a human being. Mental health struggles (such as Jane's D.I.D.), trauma and tragedy (i.e. the dark origins of the team's powers), and formerly repressed sexuality (like that of Negative Man's past) are just a handful of the topics tackled in this series that illustrate the often painful complexity of life. And, in addition, how it's the path people choose that informs what comes from events, talents, and the most seemingly minute or outlandish abilities.
As revolting as these scenes are, they show everything - the honest, yet cringe-worthy truth of the episode. In the Doom Patrol universe, if someone is imparted with powers (regardless of how mundane or unsavory), the way in which they're utilized determines both their usefulness and the nature of what they're harnessed for. And on top of all that, those powers help promote Doom Patrol's goal of being one of the weirdest superhero shows on television.