When the CW launched Arrow back in 2012, no one would have guessed that an entire comic book universe was being launched. I didn't actually start watching Arrow until it was in its third season, as my wife and I started watching the show on Netflix. We were instantly hooked, and quickly caught up with the show as it was airing. The first two seasons of Arrow were excellent; some of the best TV I've seen in years. It weakened around season three, picked back up at four, then floundered for much of the rest of its duration. We stuck with it through thick and thin, because we cared about the characters. Now the show that started a franchise has ended its run, with a somewhat satisfying conclusion.
The CW's second DC show was The Flash, which, again, had two great seasons, then became too silly for its own good. I dropped the show during the fourth season. Legends of Tomorrow started out with promise, and yet was overcome with the same silliness problems facing The Flash. Done after season two. Made it through several episodes of Supergirl, but it couldn't keep interest. Black Lightning had a strong pilot but I just couldn't add another show to my schedule. Haven't seen one episode of Batwoman other than the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossovers. I'm not dumping on the CW Arrowverse, but there has been a definite fluctuation in quality.
This season's big crossover event (it's an annual tradition now on the CW DC/Arrowverse shows) was broadcast in December of last year and January of this year. It was the biggest, most ambitious crossover yet, based on one of the most impactful comic book stories of all time. I won't go into detail as to the story itself due to the length of time it would take to describe it. For me, it was the perfect way to bow out of viewing the CW shows. It could also be a great jumping-on point for new viewers.
One of the highlights of the crossover is the inclusion of so many actors and actresses who have portrayed DC characters in TV shows and movies over the years. Connecting all of them through different realities is a fun way to provide fan-service of the highest caliber. Among the cameos were Burt Ward (Robin from the 1960's Batman), Tom Welling (Smallville) and John Wesley Shipp (the 90's Flash, who has appeared before but this one is a can't-miss). Another highlight is a delightful appearance by veteran comics creator and Crisis on Infinite Earths writer Marv Wolfman, who plays a fan of Flash and Supergirl.
Comparisons to Marvel's Avengers films Infinity War and Endgame are inevitable, but with this being a TV event, those comparisons are unfair. Still, this TV event is big, with lots of special effects, action, drama, and humor that mostly hits the mark. I had a blast watching this crossover, not just because of the fan-service, but because it was fun. The most fun I've had watching anything from the CW. What made this possible were the actors giving their all and having an obvious blast working together. Each character was given a chance to shine, and while the stakes were usually high, the tone never became dour or depressing.
I'm hoping this event gets released on Blu-ray so I can enjoy it again, without having to stream it with commercials. Crisis is one of the best DC stories put on film anywhere, and will hopefully inspire Warner Bros to inject a little more fun into their feature films.
One of the highlights of the crossover is the inclusion of so many actors and actresses who have portrayed DC characters in TV shows and movies over the years. Connecting all of them through different realities is a fun way to provide fan-service of the highest caliber. Among the cameos were Burt Ward (Robin from the 1960's Batman), Tom Welling (Smallville) and John Wesley Shipp (the 90's Flash, who has appeared before but this one is a can't-miss). Another highlight is a delightful appearance by veteran comics creator and Crisis on Infinite Earths writer Marv Wolfman, who plays a fan of Flash and Supergirl.
Comparisons to Marvel's Avengers films Infinity War and Endgame are inevitable, but with this being a TV event, those comparisons are unfair. Still, this TV event is big, with lots of special effects, action, drama, and humor that mostly hits the mark. I had a blast watching this crossover, not just because of the fan-service, but because it was fun. The most fun I've had watching anything from the CW. What made this possible were the actors giving their all and having an obvious blast working together. Each character was given a chance to shine, and while the stakes were usually high, the tone never became dour or depressing.
I'm hoping this event gets released on Blu-ray so I can enjoy it again, without having to stream it with commercials. Crisis is one of the best DC stories put on film anywhere, and will hopefully inspire Warner Bros to inject a little more fun into their feature films.
