Photo Credit: The CW
This week’s Hero Report was a mixed bag with episodes ranging from disappointing to outstanding.
With Arrow taking a break due to NCAA coverage, the CW had a better than usual week. FOX saw improvements with Gotham (which was allegedly renewed today) but Lucifer had another disappointing episode.
However, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. continues to be the most consistent of the comic book shows on television, even if ABC doesn’t want to admit it.
Legends of Tomorrow
Legends of Tomorrow breaks its good episode streak this week with “Amazing Grace.” It was bound to happen and hopefully, this is the only subpar hour of the season. Sent back in time to deal with Elvis Presley’s haunted guitar, the team discover the sixth totem attached to it. It’s a sillier than usual plot for the series which makes it hard to try and take the deeper themes seriously.
The show tries to make a comment about facing the death of a loved one head-on but it falls flat. Elvis talks to the ghost of his dead brother but the actor is unable to elevate the work given to him. All of this is tied into Mick dealing with the loss of his beloved pet rat, Axl.
Legends of Tomorrow seems to think they have formed this complex and deep relationship with Axl — when in reality most viewers have probably forgotten about him. Has he even been in more than one episode? Either way, it’s a big hit and a miss this week for Legends. The only good news is that Wally is fitting in well with the team as the goofy little brother who dabs during a dance scene.
Hero Report Grade: C
Photo Credit: FOX
Lucifer
Both of FOX’s superhero shows have stood out among the pack due to the extreme campiness. While Gotham has finally found its groove in season four, Lucifer is struggling to do the same. The former series realized that having problems be totally motivated by romance tends to annoy the audience more than anything else.
“Let Pinheads Sing” really highlights how the latter has been struggling to come up with compelling problems outside of the Chloe/Lucifer dynamic.
It’s been three seasons and the show is still doing a “will-they-or-won’t-they” routine between the two leads. What’s the point of having Pierce ask out Chloe other than to get under Lucifer’s skin? It feels incredibly contrived and isn’t a development to get that invested in. The highlight of “Let Pinheads Sing” is guest star Skye Townsend playing Axara — who ends up being a lot of fun.
Sadly, she mainly exists to be a person for Lucifer to focus on more-so than Chloe so his partner can get jealous of the lack of attention. It’s time for the show to get those two crazy kids together so the series can focus on other issues outside of their relationship.
Hero Report Grade: C
Photo Credit: The CW
Flash
Candice Patton has always been a better actress than the material written for her. “Run Iris, Run” is just another example of how unsure the writers are with her character. Iris is unsurprisingly excited about her new powers and her excitement can be felt throughout every scene.
However, Patton’s performance is the only major success for the episode, with the rest bogged down by typical side plots.
Thankfully, the ending sets Iris back on the journalism path. Her stint as the team leader has dragged down storylines that really didn’t need her. Technically, she’s still in charge but there’s hope the writers will finally give her some of her own storylines. The Arrowverse (minus Supergirl) have all had difficulties creating female characters.
Once they become love interests, it’s like their only job is to cause drama or pull focus on the main relationship. It’s something that ruined Arrow, and hopefully, The Flash realizes they can have Iris be her own person and love Barry.
Hero Report Grade: B-
Photo Credit: The CW
Black Lightning
“Revelations,” has quite a few secrets bubble to the surface in this week’s Black Lightning. While the other Arrowverse shows have focused on one mysterious evil, this show has a whole handful. “Revelations” unveils the government experiment that destroyed the town, the mysticism at play, and the old-fashioned gang violence. If aliens are introduced next then Black Lightning will be a combination of every series in the Arrowverse.
This week, Anissa and Jefferson continue their training with an interesting twist. He’s trying to teach his daughter not to be reactive and to only focus on threats. This is easier said than done, with Anissa lashing out at a white supremacist hologram during practice.
As much as she disagrees with the man’s beliefs, Jefferson explains she can’t just hurt someone if they aren’t a hazard. He points out that she could get hurt if she allows her focus to waver when fighting crime. However, the big part of “Revelations” is the secrets that finally break free.
Jennifer’s powers have surfaced (Thunder!) and she comes clean to her sister by the end of the episode. Gambi isn’t getting off so easily though when it’s revealed he was part of the ASA. When Gambi told Jefferson’s father, the ASA had him murdered. Ultimately, the relationship between him and Jefferson will probably never be the same throughout the series.
Hero Report Grade: A-
Photo Credit: The CW
Riverdale
With every passing episode, it becomes harder to root for both Veronica and Archie. “There Will Be Blood,” continues to highlight the problem with their decision to loyally back Hiram. It makes sense for Veronica to trust her parents, but she’s aware of the destruction their causing and still siding with them.
As for Archie, maybe he’s blinded by his girlfriend or Riverdale is really committing to the ginger-haired hero being unbelievably dumb. What’s even more ridiculous is Jughead’s and Betty’s decision to forgive the two of them. Yes, based on teasers the two couples are going to clash but that dissent should already have begun.
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On the Blossom side of things, it’s revealed that Clifford had a twin cousin named Claudius. There’s a strong possibility he’s actually Clifford and the latter was the one who “committed suicide” in the finale. No matter who he is, the Blossoms and the Coopers might actually need to team up to take down the Lodges.
Also, Polly returned to try and point out just how disturbing Chic is and finally forcing Betty to investigate the creepy kid. It’s a shame that Polly has decided to move to San Francisco because it would be more interesting to see all the Cooper kids under one roof. With the way things are going, it looks like it’s just going to be Chic and Alice together once the latter inevitably chooses him over Betty.
Hero Report Grade: B-
Photo Credit: FOX
Gotham
Gotham takes a step in the right direction by reuniting Bruce and Alfred. Yes, other alliances are also formed but that relationship was the one fans wanted to see fixed. Realizing that he’s been a selfish brat, Bruce sets out to find his former butler. However, Alfred isn’t dumb enough to accept the apology at face value without seeing some real change.
This means pressuring the young man to embrace his identity as the Batman which is both awesome and irresponsible. But, it doesn’t matter because at least the two are back to fighting crime together.
The adult storylines in “A Dark Knight: Reunion” end on a shockingly violent note. Nygma tries to commit suicide to avoid becoming the Riddler but his evil persona wins in the end. He heads to Arkham and teams back up with the Penguin, leaving Lee defenseless against Sofia.
While it would be a shame to send Lee spiraling back down to Jim’s love interest, her scenes with Sofia are amazing. It’s fascinating to watch the politics of Gotham’s underground play out, and a reminder that Lee is too good of a person at heart to terrify a Falcone. The episode ends with her in the hospital, and Sofia taking control of the Narrows in only a few minutes.
Hero Report Grade: B+
Photo Credit: ABC
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
“Principia,” feels like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is beginning to get back a bit of its light-hearted tone. A large part is due to Jeff Ward’s portrayal of Deke, who easily picks up the slack as the comic relief. His scenes this week are incredibly funny now that he’s aware Fitz and Simmons are his grandparents.
As someone who grew up in space and under the constant threat of death, he reverts to an excited child. The two scientists are completely unaware of their relationship, but the secret is bound to come out with Deke calling Fitz “Grandpa” under his breath.
The main storyline reintroduces Wolfgang von Strucker, who now goes by Alex. He’s no longer a wealthy brat in HYDRA, but a deeply traumatized young man. He’s recruited by Ruby to stick around, and the two began to plan their takedown of her mother.
Ultimately, this is an outcome almost every S.H.I.E.L.D. viewer has guessed based on Hale’s treatment of her daughter. It might be the writing, but Dove Cameron has yet to drum up the excitement the show promised from her character. Hopefully, the series gives her a bit more focus on the upcoming episodes.
Hero Report Grade: B+
Next: DC and Marvel Television score multiple Saturn Awards nominations
A lot of storylines in this week’s Hero Report dealt with secrets becoming unearthed. It will be interesting to see how each show tackles the ramifications of their character’s decisions. Will SHIELD give Deke a proper family reunion?
Can Jefferson ever forgive Gambi on Black Lightning? They’re likely questions that won’t be answered until the end of the season but definitely gives fans something to look forward to in the coming weeks.