Post — Aaron Ngo

Major Spoilers are included in this episode review. Please read with caution.

My review on Elseworlds, Part 1 is here.

Welcome to Part 2 of the Elseworlds crossover! I’m excited to write and discuss this with all of you. The Trinity of the Arrowverse is going strong with their banter and visit to Gotham City.

Yes, we have finally arrived to the Ghost Town. After Batman and Bruce Wayne disappeared (coincidence?), Gotham went to literal Hell. Barry believes in the Batman, Oliver thinks he’s a myth, but only Kara Danvers knows the truth. I can read between the lines… especially her quickly formed bond with Kate Kane (Ruby Rose) aka Batwoman.

Ruby Rose naturally fits the role of Kate Kane, cousin of Bruce Wayne. It’s similar to how Ryan Reynolds portrays anti-hero Deadpool. These actors don’t have to stray too far from their actual personalities, which enhances their performances to greater heights, giving their characters a natural feel without it feeling forced or awkward. I felt like I was watching a backdoor pilot to her own series.

That’s a good thing because we want more! Give us the spin-off!

Although, I wish the Arrowverse put Batwoman on Earth-38 rather than Earth-1. The chemistry between Kara and Kate works really well. I hope they get more opportunities to work together in the future.

The bonds between Kara, Oliver, and Barry are explored throughout their adventure in Gotham City. These three heroes are our Trinity and make the crossovers worthwhile. I enjoyed Kara and Barry roasting Oliver on his sleaziness with women and lack of control when it comes to his super speed. I can never look at Oliver Queen the same way again after this crossover.

I think we need to rework Kara’s role in the Trinity… so far she’s been the middle person trying to solve these guys’ problems. It is not her job to solve their yearly issues, but for some reason, it keeps falling to her. Otherwise, the women’s role in Part 2 have been quite refreshing.

Caitlin Snow and Felicity Smoak shared a scene together about her failing marriage to Oliver and how she couldn’t recognize the switch. Felicity is jealous that Iris figured it out faster and that Oliver hid something from her again. These two characters didn’t have a real conversation since season 1 of The Flash. I remember they were pretty close, and I’m glad the show(s) are circling back to it.

The same with Caitlin and Kara infiltrating Arkham Asylum. It was brief scene, but it was nice seeing the women of the Arrowverse getting bigger recognition for the roles they play. But I have to say, Iris West-Allen did not figure it out that fast. The relationship drama cringes me at this point, or at least Olicity does.

Where is Lois Lane? I thought I was promised she would appear in all three parts. I’m quite disappointed the crossover promotions have lied. I may have misunderstood because the ending had Black Suit Superman. We were promised him in all three parts. I think I’d rather have Lois Lane trying to save the day.

The hallucinations of Reverse Flash and Malcolm Merlyn helped enhance the story arc of Oliver and Barry understanding each other. While the taunts didn’t affect the heroes personally, it gave them an insight on each other’s tragedies. The fight scene was also a good callback to their first battle from the very first crossover.

Diggle’s reactions to the reality-altering and body swapping was spot-on. Never change. Also, Barry Allen (E-90) calling him out for not having “the ring”. YES! On another Earth, Diggle is a Green Lantern! We’ve wanted that since season one, maybe two? I still think his middle name is Stewart.

Curtis was the only member of the Outsiders to appear in the crossover. I think he needs to move to another series like The Flash or Legends of Tomorrow. He fitted well in Part 2 mostly because of the craziness going on with Oliver and Barry being different people.

Overall, Part 2 ramped up the pacing, added onto the fun, but kind of bloated on the “why?” of it all. The reasoning for all of this is still not clear, Barry Allen (E-90) disappeared too early, and the body swapping has ended. Damn I’m sad Oliver is Oliver and Barry is Barry again. Sort of.

Part 3 is tonight. Kara Danvers’ turn to learn something. I’ll see you then.

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