Doom Patrol & Disability Part 3: Larry Trainor, Negative Man, Anxiety & Control

I really like Doom Patrol and I have a variety of disabilities, so I thought I'd make a video essay about how the Doom Patrol member's arcs mirror many disabled people's!

Today, as we look into Larry's mind, we discuss the social cost of being gay in the mid-20th century, the trauma that came with it, normalcy, having a body that you can't communicate with, and Queer Eye. Kinda.

Here's the source about the DSM:

I've broken this down into 5 parts, and I'll post each episode in the days leading up to the finale :)

[peczenyj]

Probably the best description of Larry. When he dreams about singing on Danny Street was... heartbreaking

[dswynne]

I think Larry being a test pilot also feeds into his anxiety and need to be "normal", and if he happens to "die on the job", he would be seen as an American hero.

[jepokacor]

The interaction between Jane and Larry improves in the second season, specially in the last episodes. And the way they do is powerful.

[prinzessinugk]

Larry doesn't confront the extraordinary things in his life:
1. Pretends to be heterosexual despite being gay
2. Doesn't confront the negative spirit despite it living inside him for decades
3. Refuses to be a "hero" despite living in such an extraordinary community and being guided by Cyborg, a full-proof established superhero.

And omg who else loves that musical sequence?

[jimdotbeep]

Most space shuttle pilots are Airforce pilots. Most Astronauts are military personal.

[jimdotbeep]

I don't think they ever said why Jane looks like a teenager despite being from the 1070's

[dogukancan]

Omg this channel and series is pure amazing!

[userwww]

4:05 which episode? i have just started doom patrol and few scenes from matt are already ruling my mind!❤

[greentombdive]

And 4 years later his denial thematic is repeated in FELLOW TRAVELERS … I’m sure Bomer wants to just be a man who is gay playing an out gay mam .. was he up for the lead in UNCOUPLED? Meanwhile, I have yet to watch DP, but your thought-provoking synopsis [EXECUTIVE DYSFUNCTION !] has spurred me to. Thanks, and subbed. PS greetings from England … and .. interesting eyebrows…

[marli]

Isn't kig or is it keeg nvm isn't he suppose to be larry and the negative spirits child...

[DrAnarchy]

Seeing Larry confront his internalized homophobia, in retrospect, mirrors my own struggle with internalized queerphobia. As an AMAB NB who took 27 years to realize he wasn't cis, I can relate.

[terciopelo]

Thanks for that historical context! I'm not american so those details always slip right through me but they are important to the characters. I'm looking forward to the way Larry and Keeg's relationship develops, as well as his relationship to the rest of the patrol except for Rita since he's already close to her.

[bushybrovvs]

the part that really made me realize the severity of Larry's fear is the part where his parents were arguing in the kitchen over him esp the added detail of it being the Great Depression. there's usually a saying that you have to watch things twice to understand it and seeing it again this time makes me really really empathize with Larry. not that I didn't already but it came across differently. Larry was always so sad even underneath the bandages. Thanks for making this. can't wait to watch Rita's.

[cooleralex]

What I also find interesting wrt Larry & disability is his kind of, inability to rest, especially at the beginning of the series. When Keeg leaves his body, he sees terrifying visions; he can presumably sleep alright, but can only let himself sleep comfortably in the walls of his room; and on top of the anxiety that you already cover so well in your video, I iamgine there's a kind of hyper-vigilance involved in making sure his bandages are wrapped tightly and remain undamaged etc etc...

Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing more stuff from you!

[AYoung]

I love your videos and I have one tiny nitpick. Keeg is not the Negative Spirit, he is the son of Larry and the Negative Spirit

[anthonypham]

Love your series on Doom Patrol! You should do more!