The Flash: Legends of Today (Part 1)
December 2, 2015 4:51 AM - Season 2, Episode 8 - Subscribe
In the first episode of a two-part crossover that will conclude in the next episode of Arrow, Vandal Savage arrives in Central City and sets his sights on Kendra Saunders.
After Vandal attacks Kendra and Cisco, they turn to Barry for help. Realizing how dangerous Vandal is, Barry takes Kendra to Star City and asks Oliver and team to hide her until he can figure out how to stop Vandal. However, things quickly go from bad to worse when a man with wings (AKA Hawkman) shows up and flies off with Kendra. Meanwhile, Harrison develops a serum to make Barry run faster and asks Jay to test it out.
After Vandal attacks Kendra and Cisco, they turn to Barry for help. Realizing how dangerous Vandal is, Barry takes Kendra to Star City and asks Oliver and team to hide her until he can figure out how to stop Vandal. However, things quickly go from bad to worse when a man with wings (AKA Hawkman) shows up and flies off with Kendra. Meanwhile, Harrison develops a serum to make Barry run faster and asks Jay to test it out.
This crossover stuff. It is destroying this show. It was so fun to watch until now. So glad it's almost over.
posted by the webmistress at 7:37 AM on December 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by the webmistress at 7:37 AM on December 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
I really wanted an Egypt flashback (pun not intended) but... this was actually not a bad episode, considering how exposition-heavy it was.
Jay Garrick in this episode is exactly what Captain America could've been if Chris Evans hadn't been cast in the role -- a charisma-free goody-goody with blonde hair.
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 8:23 AM on December 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
Jay Garrick in this episode is exactly what Captain America could've been if Chris Evans hadn't been cast in the role -- a charisma-free goody-goody with blonde hair.
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 8:23 AM on December 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'm amused by how Jay has turned into the stodgy, unlikable foil for Harrison Wells, but I hope we'll get to see him actually be a superhero at some point. Seeing him mentor Jesse Quick (now that a speed serum is in play, you know that nickname was more than just a tease) would be very fun.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 8:56 AM on December 2, 2015
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 8:56 AM on December 2, 2015
Best part of the episode is that Grodd and King Shark are in the opening intro monologue.
While Arrow and Flash come from the same place, they do not go well together. Each has such a huge supporting cast that there are just way too many people on screen - and that's before the infestation of Exposition Ninjas reveals itself. Ungh.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 9:44 AM on December 2, 2015
While Arrow and Flash come from the same place, they do not go well together. Each has such a huge supporting cast that there are just way too many people on screen - and that's before the infestation of Exposition Ninjas reveals itself. Ungh.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 9:44 AM on December 2, 2015
Huh. I enjoyed the episode and didn't really have any trouble with it. And I don't watch Arrow. Also, I totally agree with briank about Felicity.
posted by Ivan Fyodorovich at 9:54 AM on December 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Ivan Fyodorovich at 9:54 AM on December 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
I also had fun with the crossover bits but don't watch Arrow. Possibly it helps for the Team Arrow characters not to have any plot baggage I'm aware of when they show up - they're just Speedy Who I Guess Is A Lady Now and Captain Jack, Lord Of The Exposition Ninjas.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 10:17 AM on December 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 10:17 AM on December 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
Yeah, I don't get all the negativity. It was a fun episode!
posted by Pendragon at 11:43 AM on December 2, 2015
posted by Pendragon at 11:43 AM on December 2, 2015
I enjoyed this one a lot, with a few minor quibbles.
* I am amused by how casual everyone is about secret IDs on the Flash, except where the season's designated love interest is concerned. Cisco outing Barry to Kendra right in the coffee shop, followed by "... dude?" was hilarious. I like that they brought that same disregard for security right to Team Arrow's doorstep. Even the Exposition Ninjas didn't mind being seen by Kendra, although I guess Head Exposition Ninja might've assured them that she was a goner anyway.
* Joe is terrible. I think maybe after Patty actually encountered and shot Harrison Wells, she should have been brought into the loop. It would've taken less time than getting rid of her. If I were Patty, my reaction to learning everything at this point would be pretty negative. (On the order of, "I'm getting a transfer. Don't call, don't write.")
* Jay needs his speed back, stat, to counterbalance pretty much everything else about him right now. His objections to Velocity 6 felt particularly forced - I feel like the show was trying to make his debate with Wells have two sides, but it didn't do a very good job of selling his perspective. The chemical worked, the technobabble made it sound pretty harmless, and apart from some physical discomfort, it didn't seem to hurt him or breed dependency. They should've made it obviously hurt him, or have him like it too much, or... you know, something, anything.
* Barry breaking time by running at Mach 2 never fails to cracks me up.
posted by mordax at 1:05 PM on December 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
* I am amused by how casual everyone is about secret IDs on the Flash, except where the season's designated love interest is concerned. Cisco outing Barry to Kendra right in the coffee shop, followed by "... dude?" was hilarious. I like that they brought that same disregard for security right to Team Arrow's doorstep. Even the Exposition Ninjas didn't mind being seen by Kendra, although I guess Head Exposition Ninja might've assured them that she was a goner anyway.
* Joe is terrible. I think maybe after Patty actually encountered and shot Harrison Wells, she should have been brought into the loop. It would've taken less time than getting rid of her. If I were Patty, my reaction to learning everything at this point would be pretty negative. (On the order of, "I'm getting a transfer. Don't call, don't write.")
* Jay needs his speed back, stat, to counterbalance pretty much everything else about him right now. His objections to Velocity 6 felt particularly forced - I feel like the show was trying to make his debate with Wells have two sides, but it didn't do a very good job of selling his perspective. The chemical worked, the technobabble made it sound pretty harmless, and apart from some physical discomfort, it didn't seem to hurt him or breed dependency. They should've made it obviously hurt him, or have him like it too much, or... you know, something, anything.
* Barry breaking time by running at Mach 2 never fails to cracks me up.
posted by mordax at 1:05 PM on December 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
I thought it was reasonably clear that Velocity 6 was not doing its job well - Teddy Sears seemed to be at least trying to emote pain, and it took a bunch of focus to get his hand to do what he wanted to.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 1:10 PM on December 2, 2015
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 1:10 PM on December 2, 2015
Well, I ate it up with a spoon, but I tend to do that. And I liked the crossover, but I usually do. I like the contrast of Green "Make the tough decisions" Arrow and The "Yup, saved the kitten too!" Flash.
Also, never too much Felicity. Couldn't happen.
Also agreeing Joe TOTALLY mishandled Patty if he wants her to stay quiet. Sooner or later, she's going to have to join Team Flash I am afraid.
Also, Barry going Mach 2 isn't what breaks time. It's Barry's will + the Speed Force breaking time. Otherwise, we are going to have a REAL issue when he inevitably uses Velocity 6.
posted by Samizdata at 1:12 PM on December 2, 2015
Also, never too much Felicity. Couldn't happen.
Also agreeing Joe TOTALLY mishandled Patty if he wants her to stay quiet. Sooner or later, she's going to have to join Team Flash I am afraid.
Also, Barry going Mach 2 isn't what breaks time. It's Barry's will + the Speed Force breaking time. Otherwise, we are going to have a REAL issue when he inevitably uses Velocity 6.
posted by Samizdata at 1:12 PM on December 2, 2015
Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish: "I thought it was reasonably clear that Velocity 6 was not doing its job well - Teddy Sears seemed to be at least trying to emote pain, and it took a bunch of focus to get his hand to do what he wanted to."
But he is a previous, not current, Speed Force user.
posted by Samizdata at 1:13 PM on December 2, 2015
But he is a previous, not current, Speed Force user.
posted by Samizdata at 1:13 PM on December 2, 2015
But he is a previous, not current, Speed Force user.
Yeah, that was my take on that as well. There's no way to separate how much of that is, "It's like he got his legs back after months in a wheelchair, and he's had no physical therapy" versus "Ohmygosh the chemicals, they burn!"
Scene wanted a little more, there. More exposition, better acting, something. Even accepting that was all Velocity 6, we're to a choice between "Ow, my bloodstream" versus "Ow, Zoom is murdering me in bullet-time."
Also, Barry going Mach 2 isn't what breaks time. It's Barry's will + the Speed Force breaking time. Otherwise, we are going to have a REAL issue when he inevitably uses Velocity 6.
I am a little annoyed that they keep talking about the Speed Force when there's been nothing inworld to indicate what they do or do not know about it too, actually. (I didn't mind when Thawne!Wells did that - he was from the future, and presumably knew the rules.)
But mostly, Mach 2 is just so slow, and it'll never not be funny. (It's the modern '88 miles per hour!')
posted by mordax at 1:34 PM on December 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
Yeah, that was my take on that as well. There's no way to separate how much of that is, "It's like he got his legs back after months in a wheelchair, and he's had no physical therapy" versus "Ohmygosh the chemicals, they burn!"
Scene wanted a little more, there. More exposition, better acting, something. Even accepting that was all Velocity 6, we're to a choice between "Ow, my bloodstream" versus "Ow, Zoom is murdering me in bullet-time."
Also, Barry going Mach 2 isn't what breaks time. It's Barry's will + the Speed Force breaking time. Otherwise, we are going to have a REAL issue when he inevitably uses Velocity 6.
I am a little annoyed that they keep talking about the Speed Force when there's been nothing inworld to indicate what they do or do not know about it too, actually. (I didn't mind when Thawne!Wells did that - he was from the future, and presumably knew the rules.)
But mostly, Mach 2 is just so slow, and it'll never not be funny. (It's the modern '88 miles per hour!')
posted by mordax at 1:34 PM on December 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
I did laugh at the ludicrous army of exposition ninjas (seriously, is Nanda Parbat like, a suburb of Star City, or what? The commute seems to be far easier than the also-trivial Star City-Central City trip), but this episode still delivered both entertaining action and some nice character beats. For everybody except Caitlin anyways, who got stuck babysitting the B-plot and is IMO really entitled to complain about that to everyone else when they get back. I mean, I get that she serves many of the same narrative functions as Felicity, usually, but...that's exactly why they instantly bonded as BFFs the first time they meant!
That being said, yeah, both shows are struggling with massive overcrowding as it is. The sooner they get Legends of Tomorrow up and running so all those people will be off doing their own thing and Flash and Arrow can both get down to reasonable cast sizes and semi-reasonable numbers of sub-plots, the better.
I totally agree with mordax re: Patty, though. I have to assume at this point she's only staying because of Barry, or because she's secretly investigating Joe for corruption, or a combination of both.
posted by mstokes650 at 3:41 PM on December 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
That being said, yeah, both shows are struggling with massive overcrowding as it is. The sooner they get Legends of Tomorrow up and running so all those people will be off doing their own thing and Flash and Arrow can both get down to reasonable cast sizes and semi-reasonable numbers of sub-plots, the better.
I totally agree with mordax re: Patty, though. I have to assume at this point she's only staying because of Barry, or because she's secretly investigating Joe for corruption, or a combination of both.
posted by mstokes650 at 3:41 PM on December 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
seriously, is Nanda Parbat like, a suburb of Star City, or what
I think it's like New Jersey is to New York City. It's just over the river, but the locals act like it's on the moon.
It's probably halfway between Star City and Central City, right next to that train line that Barry and Oliver keep derailing.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 5:06 PM on December 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
I think it's like New Jersey is to New York City. It's just over the river, but the locals act like it's on the moon.
It's probably halfway between Star City and Central City, right next to that train line that Barry and Oliver keep derailing.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 5:06 PM on December 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
IMO the most ridiculous thing in this episode (and there were many) was that Oliver didn't ask Barry to go knock out and tie up Damien Dark when he first showed up.
- and that's before the infestation of Exposition Ninjas reveals itself.
I love "Exposition Ninjas."
posted by homunculus at 5:29 PM on December 2, 2015
- and that's before the infestation of Exposition Ninjas reveals itself.
I love "Exposition Ninjas."
posted by homunculus at 5:29 PM on December 2, 2015
If I were Patty, my reaction to learning everything at this point would be pretty negative. (On the order of, "I'm getting a transfer. Don't call, don't write.")
Would that be before or after she goes to Internal Affairs with the information that her partner is kidnapping people and putting them in torture cubes without bathrooms?
Honestly, the problem isn't the romantic stuff- it's that at this punt they're either going to have to have her completely on board with the illegal prison, or set up a cube for her as well.
posted by happyroach at 5:34 PM on December 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
Would that be before or after she goes to Internal Affairs with the information that her partner is kidnapping people and putting them in torture cubes without bathrooms?
Honestly, the problem isn't the romantic stuff- it's that at this punt they're either going to have to have her completely on board with the illegal prison, or set up a cube for her as well.
posted by happyroach at 5:34 PM on December 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
I freely admit to being the odd one out. I think I'm allergic to Arrow and crossovers to boot.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 5:46 PM on December 2, 2015
posted by robocop is bleeding at 5:46 PM on December 2, 2015
Plusses to the episode:
* Team Arrow and Team Flash hanging out together adorably. How far they've all come.
* Look how PLEASANT Oliver is!!111!!!!
Minusses:
* Hawkboy and Hawkgirl have (a) a ridiculous origin, (b) ridiculous way of finding their wings, (c) ugh, permastalker? and (d) ZERO chemistry. Soulmates for millions of years? I do not buy it, because she's known Cisco for two episodes and they have more charm together, for fuck's sake.
posted by jenfullmoon at 5:55 PM on December 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
* Team Arrow and Team Flash hanging out together adorably. How far they've all come.
* Look how PLEASANT Oliver is!!111!!!!
Minusses:
* Hawkboy and Hawkgirl have (a) a ridiculous origin, (b) ridiculous way of finding their wings, (c) ugh, permastalker? and (d) ZERO chemistry. Soulmates for millions of years? I do not buy it, because she's known Cisco for two episodes and they have more charm together, for fuck's sake.
posted by jenfullmoon at 5:55 PM on December 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
Worst part is, this is the LEAST ridiculous Hawkperson origin, and there are many to choose from.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 6:11 PM on December 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 6:11 PM on December 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish: "Worst part is, this is the LEAST ridiculous Hawkperson origin, and there are many to choose from."
I am pretty much the conductor of the "Hawkwhatever is mostly ridiculous" train, so yeah.
Poor freaking Cisco too. Not only is he dealing with being empowered, but now the only girl he can get anywhere near lucky with happens to be half of a centuries old love affair.
(Also not real impressed with the casting of Falk Hentschel. His looks is just not saying hero to me. More like generic jock/thug, but my research shows I have to suck it up, as he is in LoT.)
Also, please quit breaking my quoting script.
posted by Samizdata at 6:44 PM on December 2, 2015
I am pretty much the conductor of the "Hawkwhatever is mostly ridiculous" train, so yeah.
Poor freaking Cisco too. Not only is he dealing with being empowered, but now the only girl he can get anywhere near lucky with happens to be half of a centuries old love affair.
(Also not real impressed with the casting of Falk Hentschel. His looks is just not saying hero to me. More like generic jock/thug, but my research shows I have to suck it up, as he is in LoT.)
Also, please quit breaking my quoting script.
posted by Samizdata at 6:44 PM on December 2, 2015
With regards to the hawk people, it bugs the crap out of me that their wings coming out don't ruin their jackets.
posted by the webmistress at 10:59 PM on December 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by the webmistress at 10:59 PM on December 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
the webmistress: "With regards to the hawk people, it bugs the crap out of me that their wings coming out don't ruin their jackets."
But, but, it is SUPERNATURAL!
posted by Samizdata at 2:20 AM on December 3, 2015
But, but, it is SUPERNATURAL!
posted by Samizdata at 2:20 AM on December 3, 2015
With regards to the hawk people, it bugs the crap out of me that their wings coming out don't ruin their jackets.
They get them from The Hulk's tailor.
posted by briank at 7:43 AM on December 3, 2015
They get them from The Hulk's tailor.
posted by briank at 7:43 AM on December 3, 2015
I watched this and the Arrow conclusion back to back last night. Enjoyed them both, though to be fair I'm mainly into these shows as eye and brain candy anyway. (It was certainly preferable to watching the news.)
posted by dnash at 8:20 AM on December 3, 2015
posted by dnash at 8:20 AM on December 3, 2015
Not only is he dealing with being empowered,
The thing that got me when I watched it last night was Cisco referring to coming to terms with his "Superpowers" when near as I can tell he's only got one, which randomly tells him things he doesn't actually understand. It's like his superpower is Tarot cards.
posted by Sparx at 5:45 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
The thing that got me when I watched it last night was Cisco referring to coming to terms with his "Superpowers" when near as I can tell he's only got one, which randomly tells him things he doesn't actually understand. It's like his superpower is Tarot cards.
posted by Sparx at 5:45 PM on December 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Put me down for really enjoying this as well, though to my surprise I ended up enjoying the Arrow conclusion more.
posted by phearlez at 7:29 PM on December 3, 2015
posted by phearlez at 7:29 PM on December 3, 2015
Cisco's superpower is that the writers don't need to figure out an expository agent ever again.
posted by shakespeherian at 7:52 PM on December 3, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by shakespeherian at 7:52 PM on December 3, 2015 [4 favorites]
Does that mean he has to join the League of Exposition Ninjas? I smell spinoff!
posted by briank at 10:10 AM on December 4, 2015
posted by briank at 10:10 AM on December 4, 2015
I've been one of the people whining about the heavy exposition stuff for the whole season and I was surprised how much I enjoyed these two episodes. But I'm going to be glad once it's over and we can get down to the regular overloaded cast of Flash. Also, I continue to love the new, improved, Steve Jobs version of Harrison Wells.
posted by immlass at 2:14 PM on December 4, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by immlass at 2:14 PM on December 4, 2015 [1 favorite]
Also, I continue to love the new, improved, Steve Jobs version of Harrison Wells.
Yeah. Harrison Wells has always been the best thing about The Flash, and so I am consistently delighted to see the Earth-2 version actually be more fun than the original.
posted by mordax at 4:18 PM on December 4, 2015
Yeah. Harrison Wells has always been the best thing about The Flash, and so I am consistently delighted to see the Earth-2 version actually be more fun than the original.
posted by mordax at 4:18 PM on December 4, 2015
The sooner they get Legends of Tomorrow up and running so all those people will be off doing their own thing and Flash and Arrow can both get down to reasonable cast sizes and semi-reasonable numbers of sub-plots, the better.
It's the CW network - I don't think "reasonable" is really in their vocabulary. Best case is special guest appearances that don't require watching three shows to tell what the heck is going on.
posted by soundguy99 at 1:04 PM on December 12, 2015
It's the CW network - I don't think "reasonable" is really in their vocabulary. Best case is special guest appearances that don't require watching three shows to tell what the heck is going on.
posted by soundguy99 at 1:04 PM on December 12, 2015
You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments
Also, I would trade every single female character on "The Flash" for Felicity Smoak. That is all.
posted by briank at 5:33 AM on December 2, 2015