Warning: Spoilers ahead for the Arrow-verse crossover, “Crisis on Earth X”.
The CW has made crossovers between its DC based shows a regular tradition, as they should appear at least once per season. Starting from the second season of Arrow, when Barry first appeared as a nerdy forensic expert. Now this year’s epic crossover “Crisis On Earth X” is much larger and more ambitious, especially when compared to last years’ “Invasion”. That’s not to say “Invasion” wasn’t enjoyable but the episode of Supergirl wasn’t even really a part of the story. So instead of just focusing on this weeks episode of The Flash, I am going to give you the highlights (and low points) of this years
Here are the Top 5 Hits and Duds from this Gigantic four-part event:
Hits:
5. Sara and Alex’s Chemistry:
As the trailer suggested, the Chemistry between Sara and Alex is a treat to watch. Their bonding over drinks and Alex’s awkward response in front of Kara to Sara’s question about her bottom is absolutely hilarious.
4. Unusual Team-Ups:
This Crossover had paved a way for some brilliant and unusual team-ups in the history of Arrow-verse. We have Mick and Caitlin Snow’s fire and ice pair, Curtis organizing fight plans with Zari and Amaya in the waverider which were delightful to watch. The best unusual pair award goes to the evil versions of Oliver Queen and Kara who were married on Earth-X.
3. The Evil Doppelgangers:
One of the best things done in this Crossover is the perfection in showcasing the evil versions of our heroes. Especially the Dark Arrow, Overgirl, and Prometheus who all oozed with hatred and darkness during their sequences. Even the Reverse Flash had his brief moments in the final part.
2. Maintaining the Momentum:
From the starting moment in SuperGirl to final scenes in Legends of Tomorrow, the showrunners maintained the excellent momentum. It was like a 4-hour movie which had 2 big intervals. Each episode is filled with brief moments of fun, action, and thrilling reveals.
1. Jax and Stein:
Killing off a fan favorite character is always tricky. The fans of Legends of Tomorrow in season 3 are in a big dilemma about the retirement plan of Professor Martin Stein. The final episode put an end to the speculations by providing a perfect send-off for Victor Garber. The teary moments about the Father-Son relationship between Jefferson and Stein or Catlin quoting Ronnie while saying her goodbye at the funeral were hard hitting. Now I am looking forward to the future of Jax Jefferson in the team without his powers.
Duds:
5. Reverse Flash:
For the first time, Reverse Flash became an Achilles Heel to the show. Bringing him back without a proper reason (He was erased from the timeline by the Zoom in Legends of Tomorrow season 2) reduced the excitement. He has nothing to do except mess around and try to perform a surgery on Kara. Even his untimed exit from the final part is the nail in the coffin as Barry let him go.
4. Nazis:
The half-baked plot of Nazis can be added to the list of woes faced by The CW. They did not give the Proper conclusion to the Nazi army on Earth X after the death of their bosses Dark Arrow and Overgirl.
3. Too many references and Similarities:
The references to Spiderman, Terminator, and Diehard are a bit excess for me as they keep popping out at the wrong places. Even I find similarities between The Atom and Ant-Man, with Ray Palmer it was a turn off for me.
2. Unbearable Felicity Smoak:
Felicity Smoak’s subplot is the weakest link in the whole crossover. From yelling at Oliver in the party to finally marrying him is a terrible snooze fest. Her doppelganger is probably the worst one after the mime version of Harrison Wells.
1. Jarring Action Choreography:
One of my biggest concerns in this season’s crossover is the action choreography. Though it had a spectacular church fight and an incredible climax, the Earth X scenes as a whole were underwhelming. The scenes with Red Tornado and The Flash clearly showcase the budget and VFX limitations for the show.
On top of my top 5 hits and duds from Crisis on Earth X, I have also included my regularly scheduled likes and dislikes.
Liked:
Liked:
1. Tommy Merlyn’s version of Prometheus
2. Quentin Lance as the evil general
3. Leo and Ray’s quirky romance
4. Mick’s crush on Killer Frost
5. Atom saving Kara
6. Double delight of two weddings at the end!
Disliked:
1. Felicity’s Doppelganger sudden introduction
2. Winn’s Snarky attitude
3. Where is Ralph Dibbny and Wally West?
With this crossover event Crisis on Earth X, The CW had scored a home run. It conveniently answered all the issues of individual shows in one stroke. My only question left unsolved is the presence of the mysterious girl in Barry’s wedding. Hopefully they will uncover her identity in the coming fall finale.