DC'S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW - Season 4.8

REVIEW: LEGENDS OF TOMORROW – Season 4, Episode 8:  “Legends of To-Meow-Meow”

We have seen some VERY insane things on this season of Legends of Tomorrow.  Most often times, very tongue firmly planted in cheek, zany, and off-beat.  Tonight's midseason finale pretty much threw the 1966 Batman camp handbook out the window completely.

We see that after time has been altered, Charlie tries to escape after she decides to send Zari to the Waverider.  She lands in Vegas 1962, and disguises herself as Marylin Monroe, where she bumps into a leprechaun friend of hers, who is then discovered by the Guardians of the Chronology, who shoot first, ask questions later.  We get this whole 80’s intro about the team.  We see Charlie back aboard the Waverider, seeing that things have changed.  She morphs into Sara, and ends up getting stabbed by Gamera, Mick’s imaginary character, Grimera.  Apparently, Sara died at Woodstock.  Now, Charlie and Zari head to the Bureau, where Charlie morphs into Gary.  Hank says the team will get an ass chewing for their kill first logic.  Charlie gets into John’s cell, where she tells him that he screwed up the timeline.  Zari is changed back to human form, and she tells him that Sara dies in Woodstock, and that John needs to go back to New Orleans and set the timeline right.  She decides to overrule Charlie and John, and John turns her back into a cat.  Then, they’re off to put things right. 

As John and Charlie make their escape, they run into Mona, who wants to help out.  Charlie bumps into Gary AS Gary.  She tells him she’s from the future.  Gary goes off to hold the Guardians off.  Charlie and Mona arrive in Ava’s office, who’s grieving over Sara’s death.  Charlie and John explain that this timeline is wrong and that Sara is alive.  They go to fix time, but bump into the Guardians and Hank and Gary.  A battle ensues, and Ava, John, Charlie and Zari make their escape to Woodstock to prevent Sara’s death.  They managed to destroy the unicorn from the jump ship, but it doesn’t restore the timeline.  They head back to the Time Bureau, and Charlie says things aren’t fixed, as we see memorial plaques for Ray, Mick, and Nate.

Turns out, in this new reality, Ava, Sara, and Gideon are the “Sirens of Space-Time”.  A Charlie Angels type team, where Hank plays the Bosley of the group.  Charlie decides to disguise herself as Amaya and join the group.  Zari, even as a cat, is trying to reason with John, who refuses to set the timeline right.  Back with the S.O.S., Charlie tries to blend in with the team, who say that the boys were murdered by the Fairy Godmother.  Soon, Charlie is discovered, and they give chase after her.  Charlie makes it to the jump ship, and they head back to Salem to stop the Fairy Godmother.  Charlie disguises herself as the Godmother, who ends up getting her bond relinquished from Prudence, thus stopping the real Godmother.  As the guys are saved, Charlie and John take off, hoping they’ve put things right.  Zari is able to speak normally again, but they soon realize she’s a muppet!

Back on the Waverider, John discovers Ray, Sara, and Nate as the Puppets of Tomorrow.  When John asks how they became puppets, they said that Mick told them they were a bunch of puppets, and he took off with the Fairy Godmother as his new partner.  They set things right…so they think…and Zari is back to normal, Charlie still have their powers, but John is weak.  Zari still convinces John to set things right, and just because Desmond is not saved right now…but that doesn’t mean things have to be permanent.  Charlie tries to persuade John, John agrees with Zari.  Charlie says her powers are who she is, and she’ll fight to keep them.  Zari uses her powers and knock down and stop Charlie.  Charlie refuses to give up, and morphs into Ava, and she meets up with Sara and the group, saying they need to stop a threat in 2018 New Orleans.

Zari and John land in New Orleans in the recent past, and John goes to put things right.  Meanwhile on the Waverider, Sara and Charlie (as Ava) are looking at what’s going on, and Sara sends Mick and Ray down to get the monster.  They are just about ready to attack when Charlie reveals herself to Sara.  Charlie asks what it was that made them such killers, and that it doesn’t have to be this way.  Sara ends up breaking Charlie’s neck.  Constantine tells Desmond that he’s not a great guy, but Dez says he wants to give it a go.  Charlie says that she has been the common denominator in this time shift…if her and Sara never meet, Sara and the team never turn out to be killers.  Just as she’s about to battle Sara again, and Sara gives the signal to Ray and Mick to shoot the current Constantine, Dez and John from the past kiss, and time resets.  John holds up the medallion that Dez had, and apologizes to him.

As time seems reset, John, Zari, and Charlie return to the Waverider, where they see a captured Mike The Spike.  Time is reset, and everything seems well.  John goes off to tell Sara his tale, Charlie and Zari patching things up and Zari says that Charlie is hot looking like Amaya.  Mick and Ava make amends. 

Back on Earth, Hank is upset that the caveman escaped, and orders the Bureau to recapture him immediately.  As he prepares for his golf game, he says there was a slight delay, we then see Desmond, possessed by Neron, that he better be ready under his breath.  Episode ends.

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Okay....the only thing I can say---is I haven't the words.  

Honestly...I don't know how they got away with this episode...but they did.  "Campy" isn't even the word I would go with this episode.  "Outrageous" might even be pale in comparison.  This show has done a complete 180 from it's original premise 3 years ago.  I guess the brass at DC and the CW decided that of the 4 Arrowverse shows (and yes, this show STILL counts as a part of it), THIS show had to have the volume turned up to 11---as in the "out of this world" variety.  I don't know too many shows that can mix camp with sitcom variety humor, a hint of drama, a ton of action, and a BOATLOAD of slapstick, children's programming, and cheesy 80's primetime procedure/crime shows all into one 42 minute program...but somehow, they pulled it off.

Right off the bat, the fact that the team missed calls from Barry Allen, Oliver Queen, and Kara Zor-El is funny enough---the fact that Nate makes light of it being the "Annual Crossover" is tongue-in-cheek at the current Elseworld's storyline going on in the other three shows.  It paints it as "oh, they're teaming up...whatever!" in the Legends' eyes, but believe me...with all the time bopping and monster hunting they're doing---they have no room in their schedule to fight the Monitor.  Maybe down the road, perhaps...but they're pretty much caught up in their own peccadilloes to notice...or care.  

Zari as a cat...a nod to the Disney Cat From Outer Space movie, I believe.  At least she's still got her faculties about her.  Then Zari as a puppet---I swear, the woman has been through enough the last two episodes to last an entire season.  Poor girl.  But, at least her relationship with Charlie improved.  

As for Charlie---how about a thumbs up for a character with some growth.  Was nice to see her use her powers for the benefit of the mission---even though she hated losing them again at the end of the episode, and wanted to keep them....she learned that it's better to work WITH the team, than to be selfish and out for yourself---as evidenced by what John just put everyone through.

John himself is the only one providing the drama...because it was HIS own inner demons that got the best of him.  No matter how noble the intentions, there are just some things set in time that aren't malleable (got that, Nora West-Allen?!).  And while he DID set things right...we know that his battle with Neron is FAR from over.  And with Dez...who is now possessed by Neron, ready to strike, things are only going to get bumpier for the team down the road.

The cheesy use of 80's programs like The A-Team to promote the guys' version of The Guardians of Chronology was hilarity.  Was funny to have Mick give a wink to the camera while gazing at Gamira. Then, having Mona willing to be turned into a cat, wanting to help out the team, with a moody, emo Ava, listening to far too much Indigo Girls, mourning the loss of Sara...just funny as hell. Then, later on, we get the Charlie's Angels style Sirens of Space-Time, with the gals dressed up in leather outfits.  That was drool worthy of all of you out there drawn to the ladies.  And Hank Heywood as the Bosley character...funny.  The children's puppets...the Puppets of Tomorrow, was Sesame Street meets the Muppet Show.  The singing and dancing by Sara, Nate, and Ray...as puppets....you can't tell me the cast did NOT have fun with this episode.  And I dunno about any of YOU...but I'd be terrified of a gun toting Fairy Godmother with Mick Rory.

Overall, this show has gone to extreme lengths to NOT take itself seriously, while still trying to provide a decent story.  I get that they don't wanna hold themselves down with heavy exposition like they do on Arrow, and, at times, The Flash...and ESPEICALLY on this season of Supergirl.  I know it may turn off a good portion of you, and it often doesn't make sense...but I think, in A LOT of ways...that's part of the fun.  I know I had a great laugh at it...hopefully you did too.

Alrighty, kids---with this being the midseason finale, this show is the one that's taking the longest haitus.  Due to it's 14 episode season this year (unless the CW orders more), this one is taking the longest time off for whatever mid-season replacement show the CW has cooked up.  This show is sheduled to re-commence in April of 2019...so this blog is going into suspended animation until then.  But I DO appreciate you guys checking out the blog,subscribing, and I would LOVE to get comments from you all...I'd like to interact...get YOUR thoughts. 

Happy Holidays, Happy New Year... and be safe!

Until April 2019...see you next time!

ARROW - Season 7.9

REVIEW:  ARROW – SEASON 7, EP. 9:  “Elseworlds Part 2”

It is time for the annual DC Arrowverse Crossover.  And this year, we enter an alternate reality--- where things are not the same, and worlds will live or die thanks to the machinations of a being called The Monitor.  When last we left our intrepid clan of heroes, Barry and Ollie have switched minds or something of that sort.  In this current reality, Barry and Ollie have become each other, they battled the power copying robot, Amazo, and Cisco made contact with The Monitor, who apparently is hanging out in Gotham City.  Our story continues from there….

We open up Chapter 2 in Star City, as the red skies engulf the world, with various lighting strikes. ARGUS is being attacked by the Ravager.  Just as he cuts down the ARGUS agents, and has Diggle at his mercy, Ollie, Barry, and Kara show up to save the day.  Back at ARGUS, they try to figure out the connection between the red skies and the lightning strikes.  Felicity gets called in, but they decide to keep the ruse up, as to not confuse them anyone further.  Ollie then tells Barry that he shouldn’t go to Gotham, but he argues otherwise.  He figures if Batman can handle it, he can.  Ollie argues that Batman isn’t real.  All three head to Gotham, where they try to find out where The Monitor and Deegan are.  Ollie brings up a DJ named Vesper Fairchild, who he says knows everything.  Ollie’s sordid past comes out in the conversation, and Barry notices an object covered up with a sheet.  He unveils the Bat Signal, and reiterates that Batman is real, and Ollie still dismisses him.  They head out to get ahold of Vesper Fairchild, all the while, Batwoman is looking on.

Ollie, Barry, and Kara are in civvies looking for the radio station when they come across a gang looking to rob them.  The head of the crime gang shoots at Ollie, but Kara catches the bullet.  Barry takes out the gang, and then the cops arrive.  Ollie has Barry stand down.  Back at ARGUS, Cisco and Caitlin talk about the red sky incident in relation to Ollie and Barry.  They bring up the body swap, which Felicity was kept in the dark about.  In jail, Barry and Ollie bicker about how the situation was handled, and Kara sets them straight.  Bail was posted for the trio, and they’re taken to Wayne Enterprises.  They think Bruce Wayne bailed them out, but Ollie indicates that Bruce left Gotham 3 years ago.  There, they meet Kate Kane, and she says that Gotham doesn’t need the grief, so they better find what they’re looking for and leave quick.

Back at ARGUS, Diggle, Curtis, Caitlin and Cisco discuss the reason why Felicity was kept in the dark.  Felicity reminds them that they don’t have to tiptoe around her, and to be honest.  In Gotham, Kate gives info to Ollie and Kara, and Barry comes back, apparently Vesper wasn’t too kind to “Ollie”.  Ollie manages to get info from the GCPD. 

Caitlin and Felicity have a chat, and Caitlin explains things to Felicity.  Felicity still isn’t happy with Ollie, but she’s got work to occupy her.  Back in Gotham, Ollie manages to use his computer skills to discover the identity of the man they’re looking for:  John Deegan…who has a rap sheet a mile long, including experimenting on people’s minds.  Kara decides she’s going to do a sweep of the city with her x-ray vision, but instead, heads down to Bruce’s office and talks with Kate.  Kate informs Kara that Bruce is her cousin, and the talk about how the stress of Bruce’s “private life” led him to bail.  Kate wishes she knew.  Kara asks Kate if she knows who John Deegan is, and Kate says he’s a doctor at Arkham Asylum.  Kara thanks her, and goes to tell the guys.  As they’re off, Kate looks out the office window.

At ARGUS, Felicity and the team are on the roof, trying to tap into the lighting storm, trying to draw to them what’s attempting to get through.  A breach opens, and we see The Flash from Earth 90 trying to warn them.  But he disappears.

The Trio head to Arkham Asylum, where they’re looking for Deegan.  Then, Cisco, Caitlin, and Diggle appear, to inform them that a Flash, who they THINK is Jay Garrick, warned them that to fix the situation, they need to get the book.  They figure out from the drawing that Deegan was holding a book.  They figure out how to break into Arkham, when Kara has an idea.  Kara brings in Caitlin, and describes her condition to the nurse.  They managed to get in.  They find Deegan, and he explains that he changed reality.  They want him to change it back, but he refuses.  He then opens up all the cells to all the inmates, buying himself time to escape.

The inmates are about to overrun the asylum, Ollie runs off, telling Diggle to find the book, while they get the inmates rounded up. Ollie drops Barry outside, he takes off in search of Deegan.  Caitlin comes upon an inmate trying to hook a hose up to a gauntlet, and asks if she needs help.  The woman warns her off, and fires a blast of cold energy at Caitlin, who goes Killer Frost on her and blasts back.  On the streets, Barry and Cisco try to stop the inmates, but get hit by the masked one.  As they prepare to bail, Batwoman shows up and handles them both.  She tells them that Kate Kane sent her, and told them to leave Gotham.  Back at Arkham, Kara and the rest work through the inmates to catch Deegan.  Kara manages to catch him and get the book, but Deegan escapes.  Meanwhile, Barry and Ollie catch up to Caitlin as she battles Nora Fries.  Ollie tosses a lightning bolt at her to disable her, and in the process, knocks over and releases the Scarecrow’s fear gas.  Barry ends up seeing Merlyn, while Ollie sees Eobard.

Caitlin recovers to see Ollie and Barry fighting each other, thinking each other is their greatest enemy.  Caitlin calls in to request help.  Both instances, they’re experiencing their worst fears---“Eobard” playing on Barry’s good heart, and “Merlyn” playing on Ollie’s killer nature.  Batwoman comes in to save the day.  She let’s them know that they were exposed to a powerful hallucinogen.  They leave Arkham, they have to figure out how to open the book, because that’s the only way to fix the problem.  They start to head back to Star City, and Batwoman is glad—she feels they caused enough trouble.  As the crew leaves, Kara thanks Kate for her help, and thinks they would’ve made a good team.  Batwoman responds by saying “World’s finest”.  They shake hands, Kara wishes Kate good luck, and off she goes.

Returning to Star City and ARGUS, they try to figure out how to pop open the book.  Both Ollie and Barry have a chit chat, where they both realize the burdens they carry.  Ollie feels Barry had it so easy, and Barry admires Ollie for how he’s handled all the burdens.  Barry tells Ollie not to wait to settle things with Felicity.  Ollie and Felicity talk, and Ollie does his best to let Felicity know that people and things change, but that he will always love her.  They make up.

The Flash from Earth 90 finally arrives on Earth 1.  He tells the story of the Monitor, and how he’s been testing all these Earths to find champions to face a much bigger threat.  So far, he’s unimpressed.  Flash of Earth 90 attacks, but he’s whisked away by the Monitor.  He gets the book back, and gives it to Deegan again, and once again, has him think bigger.  The book opens, and it flashes out energy.  Soon, we see Barry and Ollie in Central City, where they’re biker criminals.  They are caught by the cops..one of which is Diaz.  He goes to arrest Ollie, but Ollie strikes back, and him and Barry escape.  They have no powers, and are on the run when they run into a black clad Superman.  He says there’s no escape.

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Man, the fun just keeps getting BETTER with these crossovers!  Again, more little easter eggs here and there, and this crossover actually gives a GREAT tie in to what's to come down the road for the Arrowverse.

First of all...the things going on in this crossover is going to have a HUGE impact on the future of the Arrowverse, as the Earth 90 Flash and the Monitor both make mention of the upcoming Crisis.  This would be the same Crisis that causes Barry to disappear, thus never returning home.  They have done an exceptional job of setting things in motion, starting with this crossover, to put the Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline into full motion.  

The Monitor's intentions come into full view this episode, and he makes no bones about putting the lives of BILLIONS at stake across the universe to find Champions "worthy" of being able to fight the war coming---against an opponent far more powerful than him---his polar opposite---the Anti-Monitor.  Thus having John Deegan, a man of questionable refute, be the one to put our heroes to the ultimate test to see if they survive.  

We get our first look at the Psycho-Pirate, who donned his golden mask as he broke out of Arkham with an accomplice.  He is Roger Hayden, who was quoted when The Flash disappeared in 2024 about the Crisis.  He was taken out by Batwoman, but he will reappear down the road it seems, so we KNOW we haven't seen the last of him.

Batwoman is every bit her cousin Bruce Wayne...dark, brooding, and not kind of having other capes roaming about Gotham City.  But at least we get the story clear on Bruce Wayne this episode---he just took off.  Not sure what caused Bats to bail, but hopefully, it's something we get to hear about down the road.  As it is, I'd love to see more of THIS Gotham, and wonder if we'll see A Harvey Bullock here, a Renee Montoya...and what about Commissioner Gordon?  Is HE even still around?  And as much as Ollie likes to fancy himself the OG of the vilgilante persuasion, we find out that Bruce has been at it about as long as Ollie....or at least, he WAS.  Either way, Batwoman's story is intriguing, and I want to spend more time in THIS Gotham City.  Maybe some Birds of Prey stuff as well?  I'm open to ANY ideas to expand the Arrowverse even more.

It's funny how it takes these crossovers for Barry and Ollie to learn something new...not just from everything going on, but from each other.  Barry having to wonder how Ollie has managed all the demons he's had to live with from his past, and keep up hope in the face of it all, and Ollie admiring Barry for being able to see the positive in everyone and everything, and not taking life TOO seriously...despite his own traumas.  This switch I feel will make Ollie lighten up more (as I said in last night's blog), and maybe we'll be seeing a more "light-hearted" Ollie in the future, more in line with the comics.  We KNOW Barry will ALWAYS be Barry...it's just who he is.  He eventually rubs off well on everyone.  Was also nice for Ollie and Felicity to find some common ground here.  Hopefully, they use this going ahead---to help solidify their marriage more, and stop the mopey crap that has brought them down as a couple.  Sure, Felicity's changed, but that doesn't mean it has to be for the worst---but we'll see what happens when the show picks up at the end of January.  

I WAS, however, NOT pleased at the short appearance of John Wesley Shipp as the Flash from Earth 90.  I HATE that we didn't get more of him---I feel VERY cheated!  BUT...I DID love how he pointed to Diggle and asked him about his missing ring---assuming he was John Stewart...who is Green Lantern (or ONE of them).

Seeing Supergirl and Batwoman reach an understanding is very reminiscent of how Clark and Bruce are---not best friends, but will no doubt have each other's backs when called upon.  The "World's Finest" comment from Batwoman is a nice nod to the comic of the same name that featured Batman & Superman back in the day, and was an episode title for Supergirl's 1st meeting with Barry back in Season 1 of her show.  

The mist that caused Barry and Ollie to hallucinate each other's arch enemies, making them fight each other can be credited to the Scarecrow...his fear toxin.  Also, the woman with the cold ray arm glove was Nora Fries---Victor Fries' wife.  Victor Fries, as you know, the the longtime Batman villain, Mr. Freeze.  So, it was cool they did an alternate take on that, and had her face off with Killer Frost.  Also, one of the first times I've heard Caitlin swear, by calling Nora a "bitch".  

All in all, this crossover has been really good, and the more they do them, the better the storytelling becomes.  It also helps they're not having to include The Legends, because that's just TOO much to write for.  This way, it keeps it to the core characters of Supergirl, Flash, and Green Arrow.  And THIS story is going to ripple out into the shows in the long run...especially The Flash.  

Okay, we get the finale of this crossover tomorrow from Supergirl.  We have reached the midseason finale at this point, so-to-speak, for our Emerald Archer.  This blog will reconnect back in late January, when we start up again.  Until tomorrow, I wish you guys Happy Holidays and a nice winter break, and look forward to picking up again.

Thanks for checking out the blog, and for those who have subscribed, a special thank you.  Please pass it along, and don't be afraid to comment!  

Until Late January...keep your sights on the bullseye!

THE FLASH - Season 5.9

REVIEW:  THE FLASH – SEASON 5, EP. 9:  “Elseworlds Part 1”

It is time for the annual DC Arrowverse Crossover.  And this year, we enter an alternate reality--- where things are not the same, and worlds will live or die thanks to the machinations of a being called The Monitor.

We open up with Earth-90, as The Flash crawls his way towards a book that was eventually picked up by the Monitor.  We see The Flash take off running towards us.

Dr. John Deegan is giving a lecture on Earth 1 on learning about superhuman.  People aren’t buying it, and they leave.  As he leaves the lecture frustrated, he’s approached by the Monitor, who gives him the book and tells Deegan that he will have the power to shape the world as he sees fit.  The Monitor tells Deegan to “think big”

We are in the Allen household where we see Ollie wake up in bed, as Iris is calling out to him to have breakfast.  Ollie is confused, because Iris sees him as Barry.  She thinks it’s because he has had a lack of sleep.  She suggests that he take a day off.  Ollie is still confused, as they get a call from STAR Labs.  Iris comes back and tosses Ollie the Flash ring, and Ollie puts it on, looking at himself in the Flash suit…wondering what Barry has done this time.

Ollie heads to the scene of the crime, where he meets up with a hostage.  Ollie obviously has trouble using Barry’s powers to stop the criminal…but ends up racing in circles and tosses a lightning bolt.  Cisco feels it’s overkill, but the job gets done.  He heads back to STAR Labs.  After he leaves, we see a robot rise from a container.

Back at STAR, Ollie gets looked over, and Caitlin gives him the a-ok.   He apologizes for being weird to everyone, and they wish to talk with him about it, but he says he’s going to head to Star City to talk to Oliver Queen….someone who understands what he’s going through. 

In Star City, we see Barry and Diggle sparring with each other, with Barry not having a clue as to what’s going on.  Diggle tells him to get with it, and Barry proceeds to take down Diggle.  Barry then realizes that he’s Ollie.  And is confused as how he ended up this way.

Back at ARGUS, Barry is looking at all the scars he has (because he’s Ollie).  Diggle then gets a call about a break in regarding the Bertinelli Family and Diaz’s weapons cache.  Barry starts kicking butt, and Ollie then helps out.  They are back at the Arrow Lair, they’re trying to figure out just how this happened.  Back at STAR Labs, Barry and Ollie are trying to explain to Team Flash that they are not who they say they are.  Ollie and Barry are working out ways to straighten things out, and Barry convinces Ollie that he must convince Iris to be on board.  Iris talks about how Ollie betrayed Felicity, and that his life is ruled by anger, while Ollie is trying to convince her reality is out of whack.  She ends up drugging Ollie, saying that whomever he is, they need to figure it out.  Just as Barry is about to leave, Ralph comes in and punches him out, apologizing along the way.

Ollie and Barry wake up in the Pipeline.  Barry suggests that they find an extrapolator to get to Earth 38, and have Kara help her.  Cisco and Caitlin try to figure out why there’s this strange red anomaly in the atmosphere.  Cisco hears a voice much like Monitor, and wonders what it is.  Barry and Ollie use each other’s abilities to escape the cell.  They run into Iris, who’s there to stop them.  Barry recalls the story about when he first came to live with her and Joe.  She gives the extrapolator to Barry, and they take off for Earth 38.

On Earth 38, we visit the Kent farm, where Clark and Lois are working on a truck.  They playfully bicker about her visiting Argo City.  She tries to pull Kara into her argument, but Kara tries to avoid it.  Lois heads to the barn.  Clark and Kara talk about Argo City, her leaving the DEO, and Clark was about to reveal something to Kara when Barry and Oliver arrive, and surprise Lois.  Kara calms everyone down, and Ollie and Barry finally meet Clark.  Kara also recognizes Barry and Oliver as themselves, and explain that they’ve been switched around.  Kara sees the complication. 

On Earth 1, Killer Frost and Cisco are battling the robot who left the warehouse from earlier and attacks them, but then they are defeated because he uses their powers, as Frost points out.  It’s Amazo!

Back on Earth 38, Barry and Ollie practice, but their practice gets heated.  Back on Earth 1, Cisco and Caitlin discover that a man named Professor Ivo created Amazo for ARGUS to help identify metahumans.  That means they can’t get help from Barry or Ollie.  Sherloque reveals to the team that Iris let Barry and Ollie go, because she felt something when she talked to Barry (as Ollie).  Cisco then reveals that the red skies, the presence of the Monitor, Barry and Ollie mind swapped, and Amazo are all connected.  They get a call that Amazo is on the loose in the city. 

Back on Earth 38, Barry and Ollie have a pow- wow, and realize that they have to act like each other, play the part, in order to get through this ordeal.  Kara, who overheard, agreed.  Just as they’re talking about it, Cisco breaches onto Kara’s Earth, letting Barry and Ollie know that he believes them.  He let’s them know Amazo is on the loose, and they need help back home.  Kara, Clark, and Lois agree to tag along.

Back on Earth 1, Amazo is creating havoc, and then the crew shows up to keep Amazo off balance and not be able to copy their abilities.  They manage to stop him temporarily.  But soon, he copies all their powers.  Back at STAR, they’re trying to figure out how to stop him, and Sherloque simply states that since he’s a computer, just turn him off.  Meanwhile, Barry has an idea to stop him, and has Ollie race to bring him back towards him.  Iris realizes that if Amazo has all their powers, he has their weaknesses as well.  They manufacture a chip that will stop Amazo’s operating system.  Superman, Supergirl, and Ollie manage to hold onto him, as Barry fires the chip into Amazo, and hits the mark, thus destroying him.

Back at STAR Labs, they know they need to figure out how to get Ollie and Barry back to normal.  Clark decides to head back Earth 38, but not before Sherloque asks Clark to deliver an alimony check to his 3^rd ex-wife, who just happens to live on Earth 38.  In a private moment, Iris and Barry talk, and she heard Barry sound like Ollie.  And she hopes that when they figure everything out, he’ll come back to her, and not become Ollie.

Back in the lab---Cisco explains the Monitor to them.  He vibes, and he meets the Monitor, who tells them that nothing they can do can stop things from transpiring.  Cisco’s vibe gets drawn by Ollie, who reveals the Monitor to everyone, and then knows where they have to go to find him….Gotham City!

We then see Gotham City…and at the top of one of the buildings, we see Batwoman. 

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Oh boy!  What a FUN episode that was!  I felt like I was reading a Justice League comic!  It's a fun premise that doesn't throw too much at you, but definitely wets your appetite BIG TIME as far as the expansion of the Arrowverse.  We got a little of EVERYTHING in this episode:  LOTS of humor, some drama, and a good dose of ass-kicking hero action!

Admittedly, they did have to draw on plot points from each show, to keep things fairly consistent and hold continuity, but it works out well.  I did notice the lack of appearance from Nora in this episode (must be hanging out with Papa Joe and Mama Cecile...or, if we wanna go deeper, she's still having her little "chat" with Eobard in 2049).  Either way, her presence isn't missed TOO much in this episode, not with a full Justice League type roster to handle the bad guy of the episode.  

For those new to the DC Universe....Amazo is a robot created by a man named Professor Ivo, but the robot got it's own ideas about being sentient, so it has the abilities to copy the powers of whatever hero it comes into contact with.  A worthy villain, and I enjoyed how it took the teamwork of everyone involved to destroy him.  Also...I think that's another  thing Diggle is going to have to explain to both Team Flash AND Team Arrow at some point....ARGUS and their shady dealings are NOT going to sit well down the road.  Lyla has much to answer for.  

We get our first look at The Monitor---who was always a shady character himself in the comics.  He had dealings a lot with the supervillains, often supplying them with tech and whatnot.  But he also did business on the side with heroes as well.  Not sure what his motivations are here, other than to create problems for the universe at large, and using Professor Deegan as his guinea pig is just the thing he needed.  A Psycho Pirate, if you will (those of you who get the reference...congratulations!).  I'm curious about HIS story as this crossover goes on.

Who here didn't geek out about having Barry and Oliver FINALLY meet Clark?  And to have Superman team up with them to stop Amazo?  Yep...like I said---comic book feels, nostalgia, and Justice League goodness all around.  And I LOVE how, when visiting Earth 38 to recruit Kara...we get the Smallville theme as we visit the Kent Farm.  Elizabeth Tulloch is a TERRIFIC Lois Lane---she nails the part perfectly.  I've been a fan of her work.  Hopefully, we get MORE Lois in this crossover.  

The other fun aspect, even though there's some heavy drama with it, is watching Barry and Oliver having to adjust to being EACH OTHER.  It's difficult for Barry to be dark and brooding, and Ollie isn't used to being so cheery and optimistic.  I think that, in the long run, this will actually help these two understand each other better, and might even allow Ollie to lighten up.  Barry knows he's only playing a role...but as much as Iris worries, I seriously doubt Barry will ever go that route.  It's just not HIM.  But as serious as Ollie's been..I think him being like Barry will actually have him grow more into the Green Arrow we know and love from the comics....the lovable jerk.  

The Monitor is spot on...and the actor portraying him is excellent.  He comes off as menacing, but in a very Darkseid kind of way...collected, rational (at least for him), and in control at all times.  Our heroes have their hands full.

And what of Barry Allen of Earth 90?  How did his world get so destroyed?  Why does the Monitor blame him?  Hopefully, answers will come when he makes his appearance.  

Anyone else besides me A LITTLE bummed that there was no Felicity sighting?  I kinda wanted to see how SHE reacted to Barry as Oliver.  Holding out hope on that one...if only for the humorous aspect of it.  

Either way, it was a VERY fan-geek feel of an episode that his hitting me in all my childhood feels.  And just to help all of you follow and get the significance of our Earths:  

We know Earth 1 & 2...and even Earth 3---where Jay Garrick resides.

Earth 38 is named after the year Superman first appeared, which was  in Action Comics #1 in June of 1938.

Earth 90 is named for the original series of The Flash which aired in 1990.  

Okay...rambling like a true comic geek here.  That does it for The Flash until mid January, so I won't be blogging on this show until then,.  But I DO hope you subscribe to the blog anyway, and share with your friends.  I'd appreciate it!  I thank all of you for checking it out, and PLEASE leave comments!  I'd love to hear from ya!

Alrighty kids---until Part 2 tomorrow...and until mid-January, when we will reconvene with our Scarlet Speedster, that does it for me for now.

Until mid January---keep on running!

IMPACT! WRESTLING - December 6, 2018

REVIEW:  IMPACT! WRESTLING – DECEMBER 6, 2018:  The Road to Homecoming continues, The Ultimate X match qualifiers begin, and Dark Allie makes her debut

We had quite a bit of action going down at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas as IMPACT! Continues to build towards HOMECOMING on January 6^th.  The Ultimate X qualifying matches begin, Dark Allie makes her debut as a disciple of Su Yung, and our main event pairs Moose with Knockouts Champ Tessa Blanchard against the husband and wife team of IMPACT Champ Johnny Impact, and Taya Valkyrie.

We begin another show from Sin City with an Ultimate X Match qualifying match.  Jake Crist makes his way to the ring with oVe.  Willie Mack is his opponent.  Dave Crist and Sami Callahan are at ringside to lend support to Jake.  Mack shows his amazing agility early with a flip splash pin attempt following a samoan drop.  Crist out of the ring, and the distraction from the rest of oVe put Mack on the defense.  Jake goes to work on Mack.  Mack eventually works his way back into the match.  Mack nails Crist with a forearm he throws up midair after he tosses Crist up in the air.  He lands a codebreaker, but Crist kicks out.  Mack on the top rope, Crist goes for a superplex, but Mack beats him down and lands a brutal flipping sitting power slam.  Crist kicks out, though, and lands a couple of kicks to Mack.  He can’t pin Mack. Mack sets Crist up for a Coast to Coast, but his brother interferes along with distraction from Callahan.  Mack takes care of Callahan, but Jake Crist gets up, lands the Cutter from the top rope to get the upset pin.  Jake Crist is heading to Ultimate X.  Interference pretty much ruined a good match between Crist and Mack…who, for a big guy, is AWFULLY agile!

Tessa is backstage, mouthing off about how she’s better than Taya because SHE is the Knockouts Champion, and that all she’ll ever be is Johnny Impact’s wife.  She brings in Moose, who says he’s the real Mr. Impact Wrestling, and that he’s out to prove that Johnny and his “skeevy” wife will learn why he’s called Moose.

Heather Monroe got the play the unfortunate victim yet again, as she had to face the new Dark Allie.  She must be a glutton for punishment, after taking abuse at the hands of Su Yung about a couple of weeks ago.  Heather wastes no time in taking it to Allie early with chops, forearm smashes, and a backflip into the corner.  Allie retaliates with a backstabber, and begins to pummel her.  You see the twitching reactions from Allie.  Monroe mounts one last bit of offense, but it seems as if Allie is only toying with her, as she slaps herself, then lands a kick in the midsection to Monroe, but Monroe kicks out of the pin.  Allie finally hits her with a codebreaker and scores the pinfall.  After the match, Allie gets the bloody glove from Su Yung, and preparing to deliver the mandible claw to Monroe, which she does. Kiera Hogan comes to the aid of Heather Monroe by sending Su Yung into the stairs, and Kiera tries to get through to Allie, but Allie drops her.  Su and Allie continue their attack on Hogan.  Allie delivers a codebreaker to Kiera, and she’s out.  Su and Allie stand tall over the fallen Hogan.  Rosemary can’t return fast enough.  I wanna see this feud kick into high gear.  ESPECIALLY if it gives us a match between the Demon Assassin and the Dark Bunny.

Willie Mack is backstage with Rich Swann, griping about how he lost, and why wasn't Swann there to back him up.  Swann said not to sweat it, and he’ll have his back next time.  Swann walks away as Mack replies that he’d feel better if he belted Swann upside the head.

The new Desi Hit Squad come out to face Damian Hyde and Manny Lemons…who…ate lemons before the match.  Raj and Rohit work well together to dominate the jobbers and prove their unity.  Lemons decided to mack on a few more lemons, which Callis calls an “idiot”.  The Hit Squad scores the pinfall in a squash.  They look to work their way up the ranks in the tag team division.  Good showing of the new team in a squash. 

Ethan Page and Matt Sydal are backstage, and they’re talking about using their “third eye” to attain success, and they have a chance with this match to get one of them to Ultimate X.  Page tells Sydal that he should get ready for his match.

Katerina is being interviewed by McKenzie Mitchell about her issues with Jordynne Grace.  Katerina says that she’s going to be more conniving.  She pushes McKenzie out of the way to introduce her new friend, Ruby Raze, who’s about the same size as Jordynne Grace, and Katerina says she’ll now be Jordynne’s nightmare.  So, the former Knockouts Champ is in no way, shape or form, good enough to take on Grace, so she had to hire a hitgirl to do the job.  Figures.

Back with McKenzie Mitchell, and she’s outside the IMPACT offices, where Eli Drake comes out, holding a paper with an invitation to a Monster’s Ball from Abyss.  IMPACT has made an official match between Eli Drake and Abyss at HOMECOMING.  Eli promises to end Abyss at the PPV.  Looks like all of Eli’s wheeling and dealing and his empty threats have now come home to roost.

We get another cheap “That 70’s Show” stoner table bit again…only THIS time, Scarlett Bordeaux makes and appearance, saying she’s impressed with the Razcals, and reminds them she’s holding a talent search.  She then disappears.  Another lame segment by a team that should be cutting better promos than this crap.

Back to action, we get another Ultimate X qualifying match, as Matt Sydal faces Ethan Page.  It’s the teacher vs. the student.  Both competitors begin a series of chain wrestling moves for the first few minutes of the match.  Sydal tries to get inside the mind of Page.  And takes advantage of it.  But it lasts briefly as Page delivers a solid slap to the chest in the corner. Sydal gets the advantage again, and lands a reverse DDT with a legdrop on top of it.  Page kicks out at 2.  Sydal begins to work on Page’s leg.  Sydal keeps Page in the corner, and delivers a vicious knee to the face, followed up by a foot to the face. Sydal tries to go for a hurricanrada, but Page lands a nasty backbreaker to counteract it.  Tosses Sydal into the corner and levels Sydal with an awesome elbow.  Sydal tries to nail Page, but Page counters.  Sydal then kicks Page’s leg, taking it out from under him.  Page in the corner, and gets nailed by Sydal.  Another leg blow by Sydal land both men out of the ring.  Both guys are giving their best, but the match is slow, and the crowd is just dead. 

Back from the break, both men still outside (there’s a surprise).  Both men back in the ring, and some back and forth.  Page gets taken off the top rope, Sydal with a pin, Page kicks out.  Fans REEEAALLLY not into this match.  Both men on the top rope, Page kicks off Sydal, Page lands a swanton bomb, but Sydal kicks out…Page covers again and gets the pin.  Page is the 2^nd man heading to Ulitmate X!  After the match, Sydal and Page point to their third eyes and shake hands.  The student has learned well from the teacher.

We’re back at Shady Acres, where Eddie Edwards is playing chess with…RAVEN?!!  Eddie is restless and says he can’t be there anymore.  Eddie is freaking out and everyone has told him he took it too far.  Raven says that he’s not taken it far enough.  Raven calls over the orderly, and distracts him enough to get his keycard.  He gives the keycard to Eddie, who can now escape. 

LAX and the Lucha Bros are backstage, being chummy.  Konnan is reminding BOTH teams to keep it cool and have no issues, because of what he’s seen done in the past.  When Pentagon does the “Cero Meido” into the face of LAX, it’s a diss LAX doesn’t like, and things start getting chippy.  Konnan does what he can to calm things down.  This is going to be an amazing match at HOMECOMING.

The Mayor and Mrs. Of Slamtown are backstage with McKenzie when they discuss the match with Moose and Tessa.  Johnny says his path with Moose has crossed before, and he owes him a few.  Taya then reminds everyone how Tessa has taken several shortcuts to hold onto the Knockouts Title, and riding on her family name.  Taya says she’s going to give Tessa a taste of what to expect at HOMECOMING.  Johnny says that Taya is going to kick Tessa so hard, Tully will feel it.

It’s finally time for our Main Event as Taya and Johnny face off against Moose and Tessa.  The ladies face off first, and Taya gets the advantage after a bit of chain wrestling, and tosses Tessa into the corner, delivers an elbow, and then kicks Tessa in the back of the head, and Tessa’s out of the ring.  Taya’s on the ring apron about ready to spring on Tessa when Moose heads to the ring to run interference and knock Taya down, but Taya swerves to miss, and Johnny comes in and delivers a kick to Moose, and out the ring HE goes.  Johnny then delivers a splash onto Moose.  Soon, Moose gets the upper hand on Johnny, and the heels take control of the match. 

Back from the break, Tessa is putting the boots to Taya, and is really working her over.  A serious of kicks, a toss into the ropes, a leg smash on Taya’s head on the ropes, then slows down the match with  a neckhold.  Tessa goes for a DDT, but Taya defends against it.  Tessa tosses Taya into the ropes, and charges, but Taya evades, and Tessa’s shoulder hits the post.  Taya tags in her husband, and Moose comes in, and Johnny works on Moose.  Gets a 2 count on Moose.  Goes for Starship Pain, but Moose moves out of the way, Johnny lands on his feet and charges, but Moose meets him with a boot.  Johnny with a hurricanrada, but Moose kicks out of the pin attempt.  Moose lands a move, but Johnny kicks out.  Johnny lands a vicious neckbreaker and goes for the pin, but Moose tags Tessa.  Taya back in and she’s all over Tessa.  Tessa lands a neckbreaker of her own, but can’t score the pin.  Tessa tries for a DDT again, but Taya blocks.  Taya reverses in to a german suplex.  Moose and Johnny go at it outside.  Taya gets Tessa into her new submission move, but she reaches the ring rope.  Johnny enters the ring and holds off Moose while Taya drags Tessa back to the middle of the ring, reapplies the hold, and Tessa taps out.  After the match, Moose lands a spear.  Moose is now face to face with Taya, and distracted her enough for Tessa to sneak attack her.  Tessa goes for the kill with a chair, and all of the sudden, Killer Kross shows up.  As Tessa is ready to deliver the blow, Kross grabs the chair.  Tess and Moose are shocked.  Brian Cage hits the ring, and clears it of EVERYONE, while Taya is down on the mat.  Kross hops back up in the ring and faces Cage.  He then leaves the ring, smiling the whole way.  Cage helps Taya up, and the two friends look face to face as they’re ready for their title match at HOMECOMING.  Show ends.

________________________________________________________________________

This show was not a BAD show...it was actually pretty okay, except for a couple of places where I felt the show died---mostly in the middle.  The Page/Sydal match was slow, and just had NO audience involvement in it.  They were dead the whole match.  NEITHER guy generates any heat or cheers from the crowd, and they just seemed like they were going in slow motion.  It really killed the momentum of the show until the Main Event.  

Can we PLEASE do away with the stupidly cheesy and unnecessary Razcals promos?  They're poorly thought out, and the fake smoke is too obvious.  And it shows a lack of creative writing when you have to rip off the basement stoner scenes from "That 70's Show" to promote these guys.  What they hell are they supposed to be...stoner wrestlers?  After last week's debut, we know they're not.  So, what kind of story are well trying to tell the audience with these guys?  It SHOULDN'T be THIS one.  Think of something better. Scarlett Bordeaux's appearance in this skit didn't help matters, either.

Do enjoy the rivalry building up between LAX and the Lucha Brothers.  These are the two best teams in the division, and their match at the PPV is going to be pretty damn good match.  It's about time LAX had someone OTHER than the OGz to wrestle.  If it's one thing I'll say for IMPACT!...they sure as hell treat their tag team division MUCH better than both RAW and Smackdown!  LAX, the Luchas, Desi HIt Squad, KM & Fallah Bahh, oVe, now the Razcals...that's some pretty solid talent for this division.  And they're NOT just being thrown out there haphazardly, or meant to just be idiot goofballs in the ring.  All of these teams bring something to the table, and as long as the creative staff continues to tell quality stories, and build these teams up...you've got the makings of one of the best divisions in the company.

Leave it to outside interference to ruin a good match....that's what we got with the first Ultimate X qualifying match between Jake Crist and Willie Mack.  They were giving us a good match, and, while yes I get it's the heel thing to do, and it generates heat, I still hate the fact that a match was decided by outside interference...especially when BOTH men were giving us a quality match by themselves.  The interference just seemed to cheapen it for me.  Now, had Jake Crist HIMSELF did something illegal and dastardly, I'd have been okay with that.  But it ruined a good performance from Mack, whom I gotta say, for a big guy...he's pretty damn agile.  Didn't expect some of the moves the man pulled off in the ring, but I'm just getting used to him, and haven't seen him before.  But I liked what I saw.

If it is one thing I will say about the talent on this roster---they ALL play their roles exceptionally.  They are committed to not only doing their best with the in ring product, but staying true to the characters they portray on screen.  Allie, Su Yung, and Kiera Hogan have been doing a PHENOMENAL job with this "Dark Realm" storyline.  Sure...it's cheesy and over the top...but didn't we love that about the Undertaker back in the day...or some of the Attitude Era stuff in the late 90's?  These ladies have developed such intriguing and rich characters, that, no matter HOW impossible it seems, we're INVESTED in the story, nonetheless.  Dark Allie's new theme is just KILLER!  I DIG it!  And the titantron with the old Allie logo and rotating bunny now all black...just adds to the persona.  Her face paint, the look....she's committed 100%  Now she's the soulless heel working with Su, and now Kiera has her hands full.  This is ONLY going to get better once Rosemary makes their return.  The Demon Assassin has talked about a "Dark War" coming on her Twitter.  I'm hoping we get to see a match between Rosemary and Dark Allie...it's coming.  

I tip my cap to Raven for making a guest appearance tonight for Eddie Edwards' sanitarium visit.  I'm glad it wasn't long---he's got a score to settle with Moose.  Raven is always great for something like this.  It's totally logical and within character for him to be there.  And to fuel Eddie's rage only makes it better.  

Tessa and Taya's rivalry is at a fever pitch right before the PPV.  Taya making Tessa tap out with her new submission hold adds a new added factor into the match.  I expect their match at HOMECOMING to be really good.  Tessa's great at being the chicken heel, who will cut ANY corner and do what she has to in order to stay the champion---and be arrogant enough to believe she's the greatest ever, even if she gets her ass handed to her.  She has certainly taken the lessons from her Dad Tully, and utilized them to the fullest.  Taya is just an incredible talent who's done everything from Lucha Underground, Shimmer, and many other promotions before coming to IMPACT.  She inserted herself right into the title picture, and their story is the story in the Knockouts Division next to Allie's.  

Killer Kross' insertion into this week's main event gave an interesting little wrinkle into what could happen at HOMECOMING in regards to the IMPACT Championship.  While he save Taya from a chair beating, he took a shot from challenger Brian Cage, and we already know that Johnny the Champ has spurned him twice, despite Kross' warnings.  I have a strong feeling that he will have A LOT to do with that main event come January 6th.

And don't think I forgot about Eli Drake.  Yeah...I think we all knew that Abyss was NOT done with him.  And this "Monster's Ball" match at HOMECOMING...have NO IDEA what it is...but I've no doubt it'll be brutal.

So...at looking at the PPV, here's the matches we have as the card is starting to take final shape:

IMPACT CHAMPIONSHIP:  Brian Cage v. Johnny Impact (C)

KNOCKOUTS CHAMPIONSHIP:  Taya Valkyrie v. Tessa Blanchard (C)

IMPACT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:  Lucha Bros. v. LAX (C)

ULTIMATE X MATCH (X-Division Title Match):  Jake Crist v. Ethan Page v. TBD v. TBD

MONSTER'S BALL MATCH:  Eli Drake v. Abyss

And that's what we got so far.  I feel that Allie and Kiera will face off, with Su Yung lurking about, and Eddie Edwards and Moose will have a rematch as well.  We'll get more next week.

That's going to do it for this week.  PLEASE subscribe and pass the word along, don't be afraid to comment as well.  I'd greatly appreciate it.  

Until next week...