"Supergirl" was dumped by CBS: a blessing for its fans. After the Flash appearance on "World's Finest", it was obvious that Kal-El's cousin deserved a better, more appreciative locale. Heck, the crossover's stellar ratings didn't do a thing to impress CBS execs, but CBS' loss is CW's gain, and the line-up is gonna be a wonder to behold, with all these stellar heroes soaring through one connecting stretch.
"Flash" and "Legends" certainly stirred the pot with their parallel-universe/time-travel escapades: the impact of which will undoubtedly influence "Arrow" and "Supergirl", but to what extent is yet to be seen. There's much mystery surrounding what might develop, including of all things, a musical team-up, but the speculation only adds to the excitement.
For example, back-up characters like the Martian Manhunter or Jay Garrick (preferably John Wesley Shipp's version) could dart beyond their evident, fixed bases. I mean, gee whiz, thanks to CW, we're even going to see Superman make visible appearances in the form of Tyler Hoechlin. Wow!!! Let's face it, if "Supergirl" had remained on CBS, Superman would have at best and most remained in the impractical shadows.
Say, wouldn't it be cool if Brandon Routh were to meet the new, television Superman? How 'bout, for that matter, the Atom and Supergirl crossing paths, or perhaps Dean Cain meeting Hoechlin and/or Routh, and well, you get the idea.
This is truly a golden age for superheroic television, and let's not forget all those cool Marvel entries on Netflix, as well as ABC's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."; too bad, though, "Agent Carter" didn't prevail. Big loss there. Nonetheless, CW's staff should be proud of the way it's covering the DC end of it.
Sure, Spielberg might be right when he says that the current superhero craze will go the way of the western (i.e., eventually wear out its welcome), but for now, let's rejoice in what we have. This is one genre that deserved to go big--and I mean, really big--long ago and would have been so in the late '70s (with offshoots for the likes of "The Incredible Hulk", "Spider-man"..."Wonder Woman"), if not for Nielson-rating interference. Better late than never, though, that the bonanza has finally come and with so many fruitful avenues yet to explore.
Wonderful start to "Supergirl" and so very much Superman driven. I can't praise CW enough. Rumor has it that the Man of Steel's appearance might even lead to another television series for him. We'll see...
ReplyDeleteFascinated by how the parallel twists are forming, becoming more complex with "Flash", as evidenced in the episode "Paradox". John Wesley Shipp always elevates any episode, but having him in such a profound context is all the better. Things are headed in a fine direction...
ReplyDelete"Out of Time" may very well be the best episode of "Legends" yet: a superb way to kick off Season 2, anyway. I like how there was more time travelinvolved, which I assume is the way other episodes will also run. I appreciated the "Arrow" crossover component, of course, and was most pleased with the Einstein insertion. Wow--two surprises in the end, to boot. On the whole, a first-class job from beginning to end.
ReplyDeleteCaught the "Legends" Civil War/zombie episode "Abominations". Appreciated the Trenton, NJ reference. What can I say? I still get a thrill at hearing my backyard locales mentioned in the Mercury Theatre "War of the Worlds", as well as my hometown being name-dropped in the likes of "Man from U.N.C.L.E.", "Doctor Who" and "Sleepy Hollow". Anyway, beside the Trenton reference, "Abominations" was a pretty cool episode in its own right. I like the direction Season 2 is going.
ReplyDeletePS: Not so keen on Palmer not being the Atom at this point. Assuming they'll fix this soon enough, but even a short stretch as such is way too long.
DeleteNice to see Lance Henriksen in the "Legend'"s episode, "Compromised". I'm partial to Henriksen, having met him at a Fangoria convention in the early '90s. Real nice fellow.
ReplyDeleteWould have liked, though, a President Reagan walk-on at least. Perhaps Bruce Campbell could have resumed his role from "Fargo: Season 2", I was thinking. Now, that would have been cool.
Hi Michael,
ReplyDeleteI just started watching my last recording of Flash and noticed it was a continuous episode on Arrow and DC Legends of Tomorrow. I used to record Arrow because I was fascinated with Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Richards) but the show seemed to be getting too depressing so I only watched the Flash. I was glad I watched the recording now I could see what happens on the other shows. I was impressed with it so far especially with the Supergirl. Earlier attempts where not so good. I may start watching all of these shows if they are as good as these. The quality of these shows have overshadowed the earlier attempts except for the Flash with John Wesley Shipp, who also played the latest Flash's father, which I liked because of his dog that would hide from him since when first became the Flash.
It seems you like these shows too. I remember the Green Arrow from the DC comics and this iteration seems a lot more serious than I remember.
I saw you posted that you saw Dr. Strange which is one of my favorite comics. I remember seeing the one made in 1978 which I liked because Jessica Walter was in it, I was a fan of the comic and took a lot of acid in those days. I remember it favorably though I also remember it had noticeable TV movie phoniness. All super hero movie seemed a little forced and stilted.
Haven't heard from you in a while hope your doing okay and had a nice Thanksgiving. I went to urgent care when I was in the VA clinic and they sent me to John Muir hospital. I had problem with my heart. I had a good Thanksgiving, I cooked and a couple of friends over plus my puppy.
Astral Blessings,
Skullator aka Arthur
Hey, Arthur--So nice to hear from you. I've been thinking about you, actually, wondering how you've been reacting to some of the superhero shows. Sorry I haven't been in touch sooner, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI think "Flash" has a lighter, more upbeat tone to it than the other shows, especially "Arrow". (Well, "Supergirl" is generally upbeat, but has gone a tinge dark on recent occasion.) Of course, the time-travel consequences of "Flash" do seem to give Barry Allen and friends a tough time of it, allowing some darkness to creep into their world(s).
I've always fancied the John Wesley Ship series, by the way, and I'm so glad he's figuring into the new show. I also really dig Felicity. She's pretty and smart: such a fine package, if I may be so bold. (Her mom, Donna, is pretty darn attractive, as well.)
The crossover of "Arrow", "Flash", "Legends" and "Supergirl" was really neat, almost theatrical in its scope at times. Would be cool to watch all four installments back-to-back (and without commercial interruption).
As for Dr. Strange, yeah, I'm also a big fan. I do like the new movie, but I also like the '78 television pilot. Too bad it didn't spawn a series. It had the right feel to it, I believe. It would have worked in weekly-episode form. Maybe Strange could have even crossed over into "Incredible Hulk" territory on occasion.
BTW: Sorry to hear about your heart condition, Arthur.I truly hope you're doing okay. Please, do hang in there and stay strong. Glad, though, you did have a good Thanksgiving with your friends and puppy. Sounds like a mighty fine combination to me.
PS: I quite enjoyed "The Flash" Christmas episode, "The Present". Very touching with a lovely ending. It was great to see John Wesley Shipp in a large portion of the story. I also thought it was neat how Mark Hamill's alternate Trickster looked like Fredric March's Mr. Hyde. Now that was sure a fun twist for those in the know.
DeleteHi Michael,
ReplyDeleteThe 'Heart' report wasn't to make you concerned, though thank you for your remark, I made the statement to explain my absence. They, yes the nefarious 'They', really doctors and nurses, said I had a heart problem. I stayed from 10-27 to 10-31 and complained everyday. I felt a little dizzy on the 27th and went to Urgent Care after my appointment with dermatology and should have never told anyone. First time in my life I didn't want someone to help me. If it wasn't for the tests it would have been a complete waste of time. I never felt bad at all.
Yes, Felicity's mom, Donna, is quite attractive, and you'd have to also say that all the women are good looking, right? But, Felicity really is all that, for lack of a more original statement.
Did you see the '78 Dr. Strange when it came out? I did not think you were that old. I was 33 when it aired which in my mind was over the hill, you know 'Almost Dead.' But enjoyed seeing Jessica Walter in those tight Astral Plains outfits. It was so well done I thought it was going to be a series. The only good series was Wonder Woman with Linda Carter. I liked the Hulk but just because Lou Ferrigno was in it. I had followed his and Arnold Schwarzenegger body building career since a couple other guys and myself were hitting the gym and thought you could just exercise to big muscles. No way and it doesn't help drinking alcohol, drugs and chasing ladies, we were strong but with little or no definition. My wife and I in the '70s went to Columbus, OH to see them in the Mr. Universe contest. But, Hulk on TV was not as good as it could have been. After the accident David Banner, Bill Bixby, sort of led a soap opera type existence until Lou who was smaller than the comic book Hulk burst out and reminded me why I was watching the show.
The reason I am writing is because I went on line to see if people disliked Last Man on Earth character Will Forte plays. I thought a post apocalyptic disaster comedy would be great, you know like 'Shaun of the Dead.' But alas Will Forte's character is a horrible, retarded and irritating mess of a man. Everyone on that including the creators are talented professionals. Since I don't know if you're interested in that show I'll wait to hear from you. What I ran across was articles about the superhero movies and TV shows in Zergnet, Grunge, Looper and Blastr. None of them flattering and had valid points especially concerning Arrow. The continual back story which falls short of becoming an outright tearjerker and the infighting amongst all the Team Arrow members makes it a depressing show and I don't like depression. All depression is sad, and sad is not fun. I like fun I wish I could still hang out in the bars. Well, I read a lot about how DC comics is not as good Marvel, except according to one article on Agents of SHIELD which stated it had followed the agonizing formula of a continual back story. So did you come across those articles or possibly you don't care for criticism. Some of the amounts of money lost on some of the DC movies doesn't seem right so I am going to check that out.
Well I am so amped from today's mind travels through the internet I missed watching the TV that was on and stayed up way past my and others bedtime.
Astral Blessings,
Skullator aka Arthur
PS: Did I tell you I have my own Batman costume, the gray and black not the bordering on SMBD all black rubber one. Though if I had had $400-600 I would have bought the sexy one. At my age one really needs the illusion.
After PS: I'll write later... 😎
Did you see the Donnie Darko(2001)
Illustrated Explanation...On YouTube?
Merry Christmas - Happy New Year Mike,
ReplyDeleteHoney my puppy and I are watching 'It's a Wonderful Life' and decided to send season salutations. Have a good time.
Astral Blessings,
Skullator - Arthur - ?
Really liked the "Attack on Gorilla City" episode of "Flash". Gosh, it was rather like getting a taste of "War of the Planet of the Apes" months in advance of the film's release!
ReplyDeleteWas shocked and appalled by the song-and-dance "Flash"/"Supergirl" crossover. What the hell were they thinking?
ReplyDeleteI can understand wanting to promote the performers' other talents/abilities if such were contained in a non-related, television movie-of-the-week, but I tuned in for something other than what I got, and I feel cheated.
It's like if I paid to see "White Heat" and Jimmy Cagney all of a sudden slipped into a song-and-dance number. Sure, the great Cagney would have the talent to pull it off, but "White Heat" ain't "Yankee Doodle". Get my point?
Liked "Flash'"s "Abra Kadabra": a nice comeback from the gosh-awful "Duet", with a great villain entrance and a return of an old favorite in the end.
ReplyDeleteWish I could say the same for the latest "Supergirl"; not pleased with Kevin Sorbo's early exit, for one thing. The series really needs a serious overhaul. I was wrong to think the switch to CW from CBS would prove beneficial. It hasn't. Damn major shame.