HBO's Watchmen series has only reached its third episode, but it's already proving to be a treasure trove of references and inside jokes. Knowing just how many Watchmen Easter Eggs have been found already, the third chapter shows there is no real sign of stopping any time soon.
The episode, "She Was Killed By Space Junk" adds actress Jean Smart in the role of the original Watchmen's Silk Spectre II, opening all new doors for references casual fans might miss. Viewers are guaranteed to have some questions for Episode 3, but for now we're breaking down the new comic book connections, resolved mysteries, and tiny nods of fan service that shouldn't be missed.
10. Earth To Manhattan
Almost immediately, there are several flash forwards to FBI Agent Laurie Blake sitting in what's referred to as a Doc Manhattan Call Box. Essentially, a big blue box bearing Manhattan's symbol, with a phone inside. Supposedly the phone is able to connect to Dr. Manhattan on the surface of Mars, so he can listen to those on Earth calling out to him. Agent Blake knows better than anyone that Doctor Manhattan cares little for humanity, but the larger implications here are intensely cynical, for those who remember the original story. Believing himself to be "God" was an idea Manhattan couldn't have cared about less... so seeing how people of Earth effectively 'pray' to him using these devices shows how disconnected they really are from the truth of Jon Osterman.
9. Owls and The Past
When Senator Joe Keene Jr. (James Wolk) asks Laurie to come to Tulsa and take point on the murder investigation, she is shown to be caring for a pet owl named Who (or Hoo). This is an obvious enough reference to her prior relationship with Dan Drieberg, the second Nite Owl, that is detailed in the original Watchmen story. But when Keene asks Laurie for help in maintaining his reputation--so as not to jeopardize his Presidential campaign--he drops a far bigger bombshell. To entice her help, he mentions that the president can pardon anyone, meaning he "could even get that owl out of its cage." This seems to be a confirmation that Drieberg is in jail, which further explains why law enforcement has access to his inventions and tech.
8. Laurie's New Last Name
Laurie's new last name is an Easter Egg in itself, though it may go unnoticed by fans who never caught it in the first place. It appears she has taken the last name of her biological father, Edward Blake a.k.a. The Comedian. This looks to be a darker form of acceptance beyond just abandoning her original, more recognizable last name in order to better hide her past life. Readers of the graphic novel know The Comedian is her biological father, and Laurie only makes this discovery near the end of the original story. She is understandably shocked, knowing that Blake had previously attempted to sexually assault her mother (the mother-daughter relationship was already strained, to say the least). Laurie obviously came to terms with it, perhaps even adopting her father's worldview along with his name.
7. Confirmed: Rorschach's Journal Was Published
While it seemed likely beforehand, this episode gives an explicit confirmation that Rorschach's Journal wasn't just used as a newspaper source, but published for mass release. The cover and pages from his book are displayed in the FBI briefing on the Tulsa murder investigation. Agent Petey provides the images to suggest psychological context to the Seventh Kavalry, since they have adopted his entire appearance and manifesto. But observing how the presentation of Rorschach's journal is received, it's clear the general consensus (at least among law enforcement) is that the journal and its' contents are not to be taken seriously.
6. The Millennium Clock Created by Lady Trieu
As Agent Blake and Petey make their descent into Tulsa, they catch a glimpse at what the captain refers to as "The Millennium Clock." Petey elaborates, speaking to the Clock's creator Lady Trieu (to be played in future episodes by actress Hong Chau). Apparently, she quoted the poem "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley, as Petey recites the words, "Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair." Petey claims it was a nod to Adrian Veidt, who took the same historical figure for his superhero namesake, and whose company was purchased by Trieu. We don't get any further context beyond this on the Clock or Trieu, but expect to learn more as the Watchmen series progresses.
5. The Black Freighter Inn
A smaller, but still fun callback to the original Watchmen story is the hotel Laurie and Petey are shown to be staying at. As they pull up to park, it's easy to see the hotel is called The Black Freighter Inn & Suites. For those who might not know or remember, the Tales of the Black Freighter is a fictional pirate comic book within the world of Watchmen. Because the world is full of real-life vigilantes and superheroes, the need for such adventures in comics was lowered in the Watchmen realityt. Therefore, pirates filled that void in the world, with the Black Freighter story told throughout the original Watchmen story, drawing similarities between its own narrative and the events happening in 'the real world' being seen by the reader.
4. Veidt is Still Into Squid
It looks as though there will be plenty of squid imagery to see alongside the clocks, faces, and ticking sound effects as the series progresses. It makes sense, since a massive physchic squid attack was the master plan of Ozymandias, aiming to unite the world. Instead of fighting each other, the nations of Earth would gather to fight a giant inter-dimensional squid race apparently threatening the entire planet. Images of one psychic squid placed among Looking Glass's interrogation pod video makes sense, but we can't explain the print of one on Veidt's desk. Maybe he just really likes squid?
3. Adrian Veidt's Three Candle Cake
While it's no longer a surprise, the third episode gives official confirmation that Jeremy Irons is playing Adrian Veidt, the former superhero known as Ozymandias. It was both assumed by fans and unintentionally spoiled by HBO's own marketing, but seeing him don his iconic gold and purple costume from the comic is still a treat. But the real moment viewers should catch is his similarly-colored cake now boasting three candles. It's still impossible to ascertain the exact passage of time the candles are recording (years? Days?). It's also revealed that he is apparently being held captive, and is designing contraptions to attempt an escape. Still unclear if the cakes and his capering are related, but his conflict with the mysterious Game Warden suggests some clarity may be coming soon.
2. The Russians Are Building an Intrinsic Field Generator
After a member of the Seventh Kalvary attempts (and fails) to attack and kidnap Senator Keene at Judd Crawford's funeral, Keene holds a press conference outside of the cemetery. But viewers should pay close attention to the moment when a reporters asks him if he has any comment regarding reports the Russians are building an intrinsic field generator. He ignores it, saying his attention remains in Tulsa, on the Seventh Kavalry. But the mention of a Russian built intrinsic field generator is BIG. Watchmen fans know that's the machine that turned Jon Osterman into Dr. Manhattan, giving him god-like powers. If the Russians are building one, it likely means they intend to create their own Manhattan.
1. Laurie's Joke About Heroes in Hell
The joke Laurie tells to Manhattan about heroes in Hell functions as something of a of long-form Easter Egg across the entire episode. But it's also a deep, and nuanced sign of how her identity has shifted towards that of her father over the years. The heroes are easy enough to identify as the survivors of Watchmen, with Lauire making herself "the little girl who threw the brick." The anecdote details Laurie's entire mindset towards the heroes and vigilantes of the original story, but there's added poetry in the fact that she was, unintentionally, the thing that made Manhattan care about humanity. The conclusion of Manhattan's story is still a mystery. But if it continued in any way tied to Earth, or his former friends, then calling Laurie the unseen brick that cracked him over his head is an apt comparison.
Expect to see plenty more Watchmen Easter egg breakdowns with each new episode! And if there are any we've missed, be sure to let us know in the comments.