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Reviews
Batwoman: We're All Mad Here (2022)
Best episode of the show, let me explain why...
Batwoman had a very rocky start. It may seem like too little too late that its final season is when it finally finds its footing, but boy does it pull it off. The absolute poetry of this episode in particular is astounding. Two heroes and two villains were born on the same day, reconnecting the inciting incident of the series to the finale in such a harmonic way that recontextualizes how we've viewed these characters from the very beginning. It makes Ryan feel like she was truly fated to be the Bat, and gives purpose to Kate even though her time as a vigilante was short-lived. The overall theme of Batwoman Season 3B is destiny. It's no coincidence that Batwoman's Joker is her brother; fate has a way of pulling events together. It's so comic-loyal in the way that it explains Ryan's character, and it keeps you on your toes the whole way through. Plus, seeing the actual joker in a flashback and the returning characters were also a treat. A shame that this show got so good in its final run, but at least it went out on a sweet note.
Superman & Lois: What Kills You Only Makes You Stronger (2023)
Holy crap! DC, what are you doing?!
I needed to step away from my tv after this episode. I took a hot shower, drank a little, came back to it, and I was still dumbfounded. This is the DC media we should be getting across the board! This is a prime example of how amazing these characters are, especially when they're used correctly. Maybe it's because of the sour taste Flash S9 left in my mouth, but I was not expecting to be as shocked as I was with this episode. No spoilers, but I absolutely love the unconventional ending to this episode. It's something I think previous DC shows like Arrow and Batwoman did very well, and this just took that to 11. The plot twists, the dark themes, and that sick heavy metal biker style Lex Luthor is so creative. I am in love. See you next season!
The Flash: A New World, Part 4: Finale (2023)
Why The Flash failed - a mini essay.
I've left a rating on every episode of this season except 11 & 12. The reason why was because I had legitimately nothing good or even interesting to say about those episodes, and I was holding out to see if they properly tied into this one (I usually hold more forgiveness when it comes to the pacing of multi-part episodes). Let me preface this rating by stating that I am taking into account not just this episode, but the season as a whole. This whole season felt lazy, uninspired, and spiteful. I can only imagine what was happening behind the scenes. I've heard time and time again that the interlude "filler" episodes were only there to save on budget for the finale. Where did it go? The CGI was extremely lackluster (Zoom didn't even have his "sparks", wtf was that about?), the cinematography was veery bland, and overall thee actors seemed very worn out and ready to be done with it. The story was a complete rip from the last 2 seasons. We've had the "forces storm" plot device used several times already. Hell, we've already seen all of this earlier this season, with the fight between Barry and Red Death. The red lightning storm, the speed force constructs... do y'all not get tired of reusing the same story over and over and over again?
The Flash: A New World, Part 1: Reunions (2023)
Okay Eric, I'll bite.
The seamless transitions between old and new footage, full circle moments, and finally a story that made my stomach churn. This is what we were missing all season. Episode 4 was good, but 9 & 10 really knocked it out of the park. I think so far this might be one of the best episodes of The Flash, period. Or maybe I'm just so used to being disappointed in recent seasons that anything resembling previous seasons makes me ecstatic. Either way, one thing is for sure: this is shaping up to be an actually amazing ending to what started off as potentially the best superhero show in history, and frankly, until tonight, I didn't think Eric Wallace had it in him. I'm happy to be proven wrong, though. Three episodes left. Wow me.
The Flash: It's My Party and I'll Die If I Want To (2023)
Finally, the final season has begun.
The only reason I'm not super satisfied is because of all the time we have wasted to get this far. As a standalone episode, this is one of the best in the entire series. I cried a good number of times throughout it. The multiverse aspect was dope (totally missed the opportunity for a Titans cameo, though), and I thought the acting was great. I should knock it down a few stars for Khione's involvement, but I'ma let it slide for the sole fact that I got to see Ollie again. Had this been episode 9x01, I'd be so excited and hyped to watch the rest of the season. But with all the useless filler that came before it, I am once again left with a bitter taste in my mouth when it comes to the final season of The Flash.
Gotham Knights: Of Butchers and Betrayals (2023)
Wow! Best episode so far.
First of all, Duella in the Alice wig was so fitting. A lot of humor and mystery here. The whole retirement home segment had me laughing and gave me chills at the same time. This show is very good. I think the problem was with the advertising for this show. It's not what it seems. This show isn't about the murder of Bruce Wayne. This show is about the Court of Owls, and what they're doing to ensure their control in Gotham City. Bruce Wayne/Batman represented the best of Gotham, and in taking him down, they showed that they can get to anyone. So I'm obviously anticipating the episode where they throw all that away for a group of teens to bust them, but who knows, maybe I'll be surprised. I've been wrong about my initial thoughts of this show thus far!
Gotham Knights: Under Pressure (2023)
I am impressed!
The bat-gadgets, the action, the suspense, that ending... we're definitely on the right track here. Sure, the whole "rich people locked in a room with a bomb" cliche has been done before, but it really works when you realize just how embedded the Court of Owls is in Gotham City. The acting was great, but there were still just a couple of moments where the unnecessary drama bled through, such as the scene between Harper and Stephanie. This was definitely the best episode so far (even though it's only the third) and I am very excited to see where this goes. The only thing I'm worried about is the longevity of this show. The concept is about four of the Knights being wanted fugitives, but that will most likely be resolved by the end of season one, I assume. I just don't know what the show will become in the long-term when the main selling point seems so short-termed. Then again, with the way James Gunn has been sloppily handling DC properties, who knows if this show will even see a second season.
Gotham Knights: Scene of the Crime (2023)
Interesting, but not exciting
I enjoyed this episode a bit more than the first, mostly because there were more action sequences. The line launcher was so cool to see, and that fight with the Talon was impressive. Shying away from the mystery until the last few scenes, this episode did center a bit around the high-school drama, which isn't inherently a bad thing, but for hardcore comic book fans it probably won't be your cup of tea. So far I've been comparing this show to the Arrowverse shows, which might not be fair in terms of its unique merits, but I do have to say that I was a lot more interested in shows like Arrow and Batwoman because of how integrated the action was within the stories. The vibe of this show is still a bit off. The word that comes to mind is "dull". The color grading, the costumes, the characters... I'm just not invested in any of it yet. I'm cutting it some slack though, as it is only the second episode.
The Flash: The Good, the Bad and the Lucky (2023)
Pack it up, Eric.
This episode was disrespectful to the character of the Flash and the seasons that came before Eric's control. This is your last season. This is your shortest season. Why, why, why, why, WHY are we still doing "interlude" a.k.a. Filler episodes? What is the purpose? Ever since Eric came onto the series as its show-runner, the quality has dropped exponentially. Nobody cares about these side characters! And it's like you knew that, but decided to shove them in our faces anyway just to spite us for being critical of your work. It disgraces the previous seasons of the show and is tarnishing its legacy as what was one of the best superhero TV shows ever. All I have left to say to you, Eric, is good luck finding another company dumb enough to let you run a television series after the way you destroyed this one.
Gotham Knights: Pilot (2023)
Not as bad as I was expecting
Besides some mild high school drama and the occasional corny dialogue, I'm pleasantly surprised with this episode. Not saying it's amazing, but this series definitely has potential. There are a couple of important questions I have that are unanswered, but I'm giving the show a chance. For example, how did they truly know Bruce was Batman aside from him having a party store mask on his face? I really liked the set design of the Batcave, and I thought the cinematography was decent, but there are still some things a CW budget leaves to be desired. I much preferred the Wayne Tower set on Batwoman, as this one felt like a small office compared to the huge skyscraper suite that Ryan Wilder had in the previous Gotham-based show. All-in-all, if you like Batman or Court of Owls related stories with mystery and detective elements, then by all means give it a shot. But if you're expecting an action-packed Batman show like Arrow or Batwoman, then unfortunately you will be disappointed.
Batwoman: Trust Destiny (2022)
Great direction for the show
Albeit with less action than previous episodes, this episode provides great twists and uncovers many stories to be further explored in the future of this season. I have to give it 10 stars because of the humor present throughout this episode. The balance of seriousness and comedy is a great direction for Batwoman, and I hope they maintain said balance to win back the audience that was turned off by the Season 1 trailer.