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afrisco
I'm in the business of wonder and imagination.
I'm a filmmaker and writer currently located in the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania area, and currently serve as the Assistant Director of Multimedia Content at Gettysburg College.
Story is my drive for everything. Whether it be a creative project, mentorship towards others, or just everyday living, storytelling is my lens for everything.
My passion is everything sci-fi and fantasy. As a writer and director that believes fiction to be a way to explore the pressing questions of life, my work tends to lean toward the existential and esoteric, but I do enjoy tinkering in the humorously bizarre as well. Can't be too serious all the time.
I have a love for all things superhero and comic book, and if there's magic involved, that's an extra plus.
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
X-Men: Evolution (2000)
From a 2023 perspective, it's still a fun and fresh take
I'm reviewing this in 2023, after watching this series at two points in my life - the first time in college and the second this year as a just about 30 year old.
I love X-Men. They were the first comics I read back when I was in high school in the early 2010's. I know a ton of the classic storylines and the versions of the characters most know and love from the comics or the XTAS from the 90's (a gateway for many X-Men fans). With all of that in mind, I love this series.
Yes, it reimagines the X-Men as high-schoolers (not so far off for comic origins for some like Kitty and the New Mutants!) with Prof. X, Storm, Wolverine, and Beast as the adult members of the team here. Personally, I really enjoy this concept and iteration as many of the mutant powers manifest around puberty and its nice to see these classic X-Men characters try to understand themselves both as mutant and teenager, really focusing in on the chaos and turmoil of that point in life while honestly leveraging that well to the heart and soul of the X-Men mythos and story.
The X-Men have always been about those that feel like outsiders, an allegory for those that are oppressed and judged just for being themselves in a world that doesn't understand them. Racial injustice, LGBTQ+, civil rights... X-Men is a superpowered stand-in for all of these real life issues and is why they continue to be so popular and mean so much to so many people. This interpretation being an introduction to the power of those stories and these characters to a younger audience is honestly a - excuse the pun - natural evolution for X-Men, especially coming off of a grittier version in XTAS when this was created.
This series does start slow, I will admit that. The first season is tame compared to the rest, using most episodes to introduce one of the main group of X-Men, in this case Nightcrawler, Shadowcat, Jean Grey, Cyclops, Rogue, and a character created just for this show, Spyke. From various interviews from crew, the creators were very limited by the studio and it shows. But what also shows is the reigns being loosened as the series goes on and more complex storylines and serial arcs be introduced. It balances dark and light fairly well for a show geared toward a younger audience, with some episodes being fairly light-hearted and others diving into some pretty emotional and grim plots. I mean, this show does one of my favorite renditions of Apocalypse. Apocalypse! In a Saturday morning children's cartoon!
Character development is pretty solid for the most part, with unfortunately a few characters getting less screen time and story as the series goes on as the roster grows (Kitty, I will avenge you for not getting more focused stories).
The animation is sleek, even watching this in 2023. It does have a 4:3 format for those interested in watching, don't want you to have a jump scare when you press play. Yeah, the violence is lowered because (children's cartoon) but the fight scenes (and the dance scenes!) are well choreographed. I honestly quite enjoy the character design in this show, and if you ever get to see him at a con, Steven Gordon, the character designer usually has a lot of prints of the Evo characters with him, and I'm waiting for the day I can afford a few commissions from him! The designs match personality pretty well and match the time period. This was made in the early 2000's and feels like it's set in the early 2000's, which doesn't bother me. Voice acting is pretty solid as well, outside of the poor excuse for a German accent for Kurt.
It's not perfect, there are definitely episodes and choices I don't love, but overall I really enjoy it. My biggest disappoint is that it got cancelled right when it was firing on all cylinders! The finale gives a glimpse of what the creators would have done for a fifth season and beyond, and I'm just upset they never got to tell more stories.
If Evo ever somehow got rebooted, even if it was in all its early 2000's glory, I would be seated. (Because dang, I really wanted to see them adapt some the comic stories. Dark Phoenix? Wolverine and Kitty Pryde?! Robbed! I was robbed!)
I would give it a shot if you are an X-Men fan or an X-Men virigin. It may not be the version of the X-Men you are used to, but it's the chance to fall in love with a new and fresh version of them, one that may just become a favorite.
iCarly: iHit Something (2022)
Not the Best One
The best part about this episode was seeing Jamie Lynn Beatty from Starkid in it, despite it being a small part. There could have been more potential from doing a spoof on Fight Club, especially since the original iCarly did a boxing/fight episode already, but it didn't really go anywhere.
(And you can't do a proper fight in iCarly without Sam! Not mad about Jeanette not being here, I totally understand her decision, but an episode with a fight club? Without Sam?)
Anway, subpar episode. It's been fun to have the show back, and I like how easily the returning cast have slipped back into their characters. Miranda Cosgrove is still a great Carly, almost better now that she's older! The show just hasn't completely found it's unique humor and balance of story yet.
Nancy Drew: The Burning of the Sorrows (2021)
Civil Wars, and More Than One
I'm not sure why this one has the lowest rating of the season so far because this was one of my favorites!
Aside from the Nick stuff, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time watching the sequence in Icarus Hall. The way they did the VFX with the memories was very intriguing to watch, getting a tie-in to Park's backstory within this was a nice layer, and I loved seeing the historical tie-ins, even if it was with fictional characters.
As easy as it was to tell that Temperance was being manipulative, this drives her plan forward and connects a lots of dots that have been set-up in the season.
Ace and Ryan teaming up was another pair I didn't know I needed but love. And I love that they are expanding on the phantom knocker/Historical Knocker ghost.
Absolutely loved the history with the Battle of Gettysburg in this one. I'm probably biased since that location is my neck of the woods, but it was really fun to watch it play out and have a personal connection there.
Can't wait to see where the rest of the season goes!
Nancy Drew: The Gambit of the Tangled Souls (2021)
Best One of the Season So Far!
Nancy Drew is one of those shows that just knows how to balance outrageous humor and the delicate depths of emotion.
This episode is one such that does both in spades.
The joy and humor that Scott Wolf and Riley Smith exude in their performances this week is palpable, and watching them in this elixir-induced situation was such a treat.
And then, on the other side of the episode, Bess & Nancy have some of the most emotional and heartfelt scenes of the season. This writers of this show know how to handle grief and loss and I couldn't be more thankful for their real and poignant handling of such issues. It's frankly healing and cathartic to watch within a show filled with the supernatural working as an allegory for what haunts us as human beings.
Great performances all around, and great writing.
Nancy Drew: The Demon of Piper Beach (2021)
Bess Finally Getting to Shine
Not my favorite but a very fun episode! Bess & Ryan is the duo I didn't know I needed, and they were both fantastic!
Bess finally getting some respect and the chance to be the hero of the episode!
An interesting look into everyone's fears and psyches, and where they are at so far in the season. We get some more dreamscape Nace action, George deciding she needs to face her father, and Ace fearing that he's gone too deep with Mr. B.
Some great cinematography and effects in this one!
Nancy Drew: The Testimony of the Executed Man (2021)
Un-Convention-al Hauntings & Love Stories
I have no complaints nor anything that would keep this rating below a 10.
Such a fun, meta, yet also emotionally-driven episode. Jesse Stern once again delivers on an emotional twist in the writing, while at the same time making us laugh and see ourselves as fans on the screen.
A haunting and possession that leads to an untold story of a wrongly executed man, played out wonderfully by Alex Saxon, Candus Churchill, and David Epstein.
DetectiveCon - what a fun time! Super meta, it felt like it was calling out all the fans, but that made it so much fun. Podcasting, fan fiction, fan clubs, a murderer in attendance - it had it all!
So many wonderful subtle moments between all of the characters - George, Nancy, and Ace especially. Love watching the growing tension of Nace.
Bess' story in this episode was also a nice surprise, as I was not expecting who I thought to just be a guest in a one-off scene in the season premiere returns. This added a really nice layer to Bess' story and potential for Bess to grow throughout this season (alongside the magic.) And it was really nice to see a land acknowledgment on TV!
Nancy Drew: The Journey of the Dangerous Mind (2021)
This Episode Dropped a Bomb
Another excellent addition to Season 3 so far.
Connor the Coroner is back and in his element. Bess is discovering more about her family's history, Ace has a string of bad luck following him, and Nancy gets into a bit of a tricky situation.
Loving Ryan & Carson's dynamic and feelings toward fatherhood. Ryan's arc has been one of my favorites and I can't wait to see him step more into his role as a father.
I also really enjoyed seeing more of the Fan sisters, and it looks like the three younger ones are going to have more of a presence this season.
I feel like Nancy is learning that she can't operate and investigate the same way she's been used to. Not only because she's not the Community Liaison, but also because she's working on a different emotional level. Before she was able to be laser-focused on the task ahead of her, more observant because she was using her investigations as coping methods, distracting herself from her emotions and feelings. Now that she is taking those with her and working through them, her field skills will have to be used differently. And that misstep really was a misstep here.
Add this to the list of times Nancy has almost died. But it was really interesting seeing her and Agent Park react once she is out of the house. Nancy is so used to getting blamed and ridiculed for her drive and gumption that Park was a welcome surprise with how he admired her instead, and cared about her well-being after a traumatic event.
Looking forward to more!
Nancy Drew: The Warning of the Frozen Heart (2021)
Frozen Solid Premiere!
A very 'frozen' solid Season 3 premiere!
I have been waiting patiently for this show to be back and it was so great to see the Drew Crew back! The cinematography and lighting seemed lighter than before; Nancy's house was very warm, the sun was out - I feel like they were trying to match the tone of the characters in dealing with their traumas instead of being so closed off.
There are still supernatural (and now magic!) goings-on in town, but it doesn't feel as dark.
Loved the carnival and subsequent murder in a corn maze, Nick & George are precious, Nace is angsty and on the rise!
Agent Park will be an interesting addition. Temperance is already causing trouble and I am very interested to see how this all plays out!
Love love love the differences in Nancy you can see since her experience with the wraith. She's opening up more, showing her emotions and compassion for her friends, showing her heart more - it's so good and Kennedy McMann continues to prove she was born to play Nancy!
Nancy Drew (2019)
Please Watch Past the Pilot. Fleshed Out and Modern Drew Crew Works!
Reading through some of these reviews of the series it's obvious that most of these viewers only watched the pilot or the first handful of episodes. Yes, it does start out a bit stereotypical CW and teen drama, but after a few episodes it solidly grows into its own and stands out!
Aging and maturing up the classic Nancy Drew characters works incredibly well and this is targeting for a new audience that isn't necessarily familiar with the original books. And that's okay. It still respects the material, there are plenty of Easter eggs; but this series allows the characters to step into adulthood and become fleshed out, real human beings. Nancy is closed off, a bit morally grey while still trying to go good while seeking the truth, and deals with trauma and anxiety. Carson is dealing with the loss of his wife and a daughter he feels he can't protect. Nick has a complicated past but wears too much on his sleeve. George is feeling the shadow of her own family history while trying to understand how to love herself. The list goes on!
The show deals with the supernatural incredibly well also. They use the supernatural aspects thematically and not just for the plot. Hauntings and ghosts are both real within the show, but are also used as metaphors within the storytelling for the trauma and anxieties the characters are carrying. It's a way to explore what haunts us as humans and how to let go and bring those traumas with us to heal. Especially watch into Season 2 for one of the most impactful Season finales I have seen in terms of fantasy and reality weaving together seamlessly to deliver a (good) gut-punch for those of us who deal with mental health issues.
The town of Horseshoe Bay (renamed from River Heights to align with the actual town they film in outside Vancouver) is a very charming backdrop, the small town festivities give a wonderful characterization to the town itself, the cinematography is gorgeous, and the writers are as whip-smart as Nancy herself.
Please give this series a try. At the time of writing this, it is a few episodes into Season 3. This is one of the series that feels like 'the little show that could' with so many doubters behind it. The initial marketing did this show such a disservice comparing it to Riverdale. It is nothing like Riverdale. The writers here actually know what they are doing. Also this is a CBS production and not a WB production like a majority of the CW.
The acting is incredible and I have to give Kennedy McMann, our Nancy, huge kudos. She does such a wonderful job playing Nancy with nuance and gumption, brining her whole self into the role. Scott Wolf, Riley Smith, Alex Saxon, Tunji Kasim, Leah Lewis, Maddison Jaizani - everyone on this show knocks it out of the park week after week!
And if you are active on Twitter or Instagram, the actors and writers love interacting with the fans! It's such a fun community to be a part of! There's a connection there in being a bit of a smaller, niche show, that the bigger ones just can't match.
Please give this show a chance! It is well worth it!
Nine Perfect Strangers: Ever After (2021)
A Predictable and Safe Ending
This ending exactly as I was expecting it too, which is profoundly disappointing.
Everything is tied up in an extremely neat little bow, all of the somewhat interesting storylines disappear, the characters (save maybe the Marconi's and Tony) don't actually go through real, earned change.
What happened to Lars' story? Did Ben ever move past a 2D character? No repercussions for Marsha? Or anyone (Carmel??) for that matter?
8 days of psychedelics does not equal healing or moving past trauma. The only good area they did with the healing was the Marconi's.
The show was already slow, and in this case that wasn't good. All stakes were gone. Compressing time in a story can do wonders for it. This had a possible chance of being better and more engaging in a movie format.
Super flat storytelling. Pointless ending.
Legends of Tomorrow: The Fungus Amongus (2021)
I Want Beebo Back After This
I've seen a good bit of people on the Internet and across socials really loving this episode and this whole seasons, and good for them, like what you like, but I wholly did not.
Overall this season has been an unfocused mess. What started with a pretty strong premise and premiere that naturally lended itself to individual character exploration and storylines (hello, you had the perfect opportunity to give Sara a solo storyline with actual depth), and emotional fallout and tension (teammate abducted!) quickly turned into episodes filled with nothing but gags and surface level relationship drama.
Sure, I doubt Covid helped, but an abduction storyline turned silly with most of the characters seeming to not care or be affected outside of the first episode? And the villain responsible for said abduction being one of the most annoying characters in the entire Arrowverse? A recipe for disaster. Until the mid season finale (Back to the Finale Pt. II) where the writers managed a very emotional episode, had stakes, callbacks, and a really solid time travel premise, all while the goof and fun added to the story and was enjoyable.
Keep in mind for this review that I absolutely hated the killing/cloning of Sara and after Stressed Western it had absolutely no implications or meaning, just a few cherry mentions and a few regeneration scenes. It had no further meaning, never amounted to anything towards the end - zero reason for that disrespect to the character!!
Anyway, after an extremely strong penultimate episode that brought heart and depth, and lovely timey-Wimey and science fiction elements to it, this finale was not only a letdown, but choppy and played all those stakes safe (seriously the 2 (3!) characters that appeared dead or left for dead last episode basically just do the equivalent of popping out from behind a bush yelling "just kidding!"
More bad drug jokes. Having a "What Would Sara Lance Never Do Day" seems to be a bad idea and reminds us why we love what Sara Lance does. Bishop was back to being an annoying villain after showing off his menace for the past two episodes. Deu ex machinas that come out of nowhere save the day with no build up from the rest of the season. (Let's be honest, nothing really was a natural buildup this season, the way a good story should.)
Remember the good ol days of Seasons 2 & 3? When there was foreshadowing and buildup for the final act of the season? Maybe not Beebo, but I'll let that slide because I would far sooner go watch Beebo taking down Mallus again over a not-very-clearly-explained-resurrection of a love mushroom magic saving the day.
The only saving grace of this episode is the Avalance vows and the fact they are married and Nate officiated. And one sweet scene between Gary and Ava. The scene between Sara and Constantine was supposed to be nice but the fact it's Sara tripping out on a shroom that had John's voice telling her to "eat him," - all euphemisms aside - and talking to an angelic Johnny (and him not actually being dead?!) puts a weird taste in my mouth... and it's not mushroom.
I only spend so much time writing a negative review because I know for a fact this show can be better. And can treat its characters better. Half of my faves are on this show now that Arrow has ended. Sara especially. And I just want shows on a network to be held to higher standards. Yes, even if that network is the CW.
Legends of Tomorrow: There Will Be Brood (2021)
Surprisingly Emotional, Very Strong Performances
Taken down a point for the continuing strange Mick pregnancy storyline, and because half of the cast were sidelined and didn't get any big moments.
But otherwise, this episode was a fantastic addition to an otherwise mess of a season. Surprisingly emotional, super tight storytelling, timey-wimey twists, character depths.
There's a death and it's up to you to decide if it was well done and fitting for the character, but the scene and performances were stellar for it.
The effects were all looking really good in this. There was a fairy tale element to this episode that also happened to be around a giant, magic, alien mushroom. Surprisingly it fit really well here and didn't feel stupid like some Legends ideas can come across.
Really enjoyed this episode. It's right there with the premiere and mid-season finale for best episodes this season. And I've been harsh on a lot of episodes this season, so this is saying something. But I do really love Legends, so it's why I'm harsh.
Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Morgue (2019)
Not My Favorite, But a Good Second Installment
While not my favorite installment, it is a solid second episode for the series.
I'm very glad to have gotten rid of the voice over and the Ryan/George thing - blah!
Really enjoyed seeing one of Horseshoe Bay's small town festivals, and we see a few more as the series goes on. I had forgotten that both the blood bucket and platanchors came this early!
I love seeing Nancy and George's relationship start to grow and development here, they're friendship is one of my favorites in this show.
I also absolutely love the music! There have been some great music choices throughout this show.
Nancy Drew: The Curse of the Dark Storm (2019)
A Real Life Riddle
This is a pretty fun episode, with Nancy and Nick trying to solve a real-life riddle and puzzle left by the late Tiffany.
Loved the Easter egg with the old clock in this episode, and Nancy and Nick's unusual memories and literary references work together to find what Tiffany left for Nick.
A great look into both of these characters, especially Nick's past. We also get the first team-up of Ryan and Carson, who, later on in the series, turn out to be one of the best duos!
Some great practical effects and jump scares, a few strange occurrences with Rita that don't make sense now, but were planted here for later in the series.
Nancy Drew: The Haunted Ring (2019)
Gushers and Ghouls
This episode introduces Laura Tandy, Tiffany's sister, and she was a real treat for a few episodes. This episode also introduces George's mom, Victoria Fan! And I so hope she comes back in Season 3.
Bess is being haunted by Tiffany after she stole (on accident) her engagement ring, and they enlist the help of Victoria Fan to help them solve her haunting. We get to understand George a bit more in this episode, as well as Ace.
The ritual doesn't go exactly as planned, neither does Tiffany's funeral, and Carson finally starts to come around to Nancy's side.
One of the best scenes this episode is toward the end when Nancy is talking to her mother's grave and the heartbreaking conversation she has about believing in ghosts.
This is one of the best of the early season episodes in my opinion. A lot of shifts start to happen here.
Nancy Drew: Pilot (2019)
Solid Start for a New Take on Nancy Drew
Now, when a lot of people think of, or see the name 'Nancy Drew,' the picture that automatically pops into their head is of the young, clean-cut, innocent girl detective. If you are looking for that, this show may not be for you. This is a reinvented, thrust into the 21st century Nancy and crew, but still laced with respect and homage to the original books.
This is meant for a younger audience - in terms of those who didn't necessarily grow up with the Nancy Drew books - but also an older audience in the terms of the maturity and issues dealt with throughout the show.
With all of that being said, I have really enjoyed this show (I am reviewing this in retrospect in a rewatch prior to Season 3). The characters are well fleshed out and are all three-dimensional, each has their own story and arc while not detracting from the fact that Nancy is the main protagonist.
Right off the bat this episode introduces the season long mystery, all of the important players in the town of Horseshoe Bay, the supernatural elements of the show, and the show's really stellar cinematography and aesthetics.
This is a pilot, so there is a lot of wiggle room for improvement, and the season starts a bit slow (definitely could have done without the voice over). But improve this show does, and it's completely worth the watch! The writing is so tight, especially in Season 2.
So, if you are reading this, please give this show a shot. If you like good writing, character development, supernatural scares, yet realistic drama, this show is for you. I think the fact this is on the CW and it was advertised as "Made by the People that Brought You Riverdale" really, really hurt the initial performance of this show. This show is NOTHING like Riverdale.
Give it a shot, get into the characters; they will all have your heart by mid-season.
Legends of Tomorrow: Bored on Board Onboard (2021)
A Spin on a Classic Game = Classic Legends
This premise for this season has a lot of promise and potential, but ended up being extremely hit or miss and unfocused. There has been too much goof, the pain of a poorly executed villain, and the current lineup on the Waverider just doesn't have the chemistry and dynamics like they used to.
That being said, this episode, despite being mostly a bottle episode (but not exactly filler) delivered and felt like a good, classic Legends episode! The way I know the writers can do!
A fun premise in Jon using his magic to bring a board game to life, great character dynamics and growth (especially in Behrad and Zari!), and some movement on the overall storyline again.
Yes a few over the top things, like with the tentacle, and the appearance of another bad CW wig, but this one was a great balance of humor and drama.
The costume design was excellent, really nice cinematography and editing, the stakes were there, a somewhat predictable but nicely done plot twist, and some really nice conversations and character moments.
Come on Legends, an episode like this is the reason I loved this show, I want more like this! (And a more worthy villain!)
Legends of Tomorrow: Back to the Finale: Part II (2021)
Best Episode of the Season
The best episode of the season along with the premiere. The emotion was there. The stakes were there. Clever time travel writing. Some great scenes for almost everyone. Mick & Sara scenes were fantastic. Action scenes were good. Some wonderful little details included.
Two of the best Avalanche scenes ever as well!! This was a high note of the season for sure. Made Sara's somewhat lukewarm storyline worth it. Just wish her solo story had been better.
Legends of Tomorrow: Stressed Western (2021)
Not the Best Western
Average. Messy story. The climax to the anger and the Legends waiting out the standoff felt contrived instead of meaningful. Astra felt like old Astra.
Didn't actually mind Gary in this episode. John's about to have a solo mission.
David Ramsey did a great job directing, especially coordinating the square dancing scene, but his character, Bass Reeves, was sorely underused. Felt like a featured extra instead of a featured player.
Glossed over all the important conversations between Sara and the rest of the team. They teased Zari 1.0, so hoping she comes back for a bit!
Superman & Lois: O Mother, Where Art Thou? (2021)
A Great Addition and Then a Letdown
Having Lana volunteer at the risk of her own life for her family was fantastic, such a great moment for her character. And then having Clark have the opportunity to speak to his Kryptonian mother Lara, was so great! I am so glad this iteration of Superman is giving so much emphasis to the maternal influences and relationships for Clark and not just the paternal.
But the letdown was how they dealt with the Kryptonian army. So much buildup. So much at stake with Kyle and Emily, and so much potential paranoia with not knowing who in the town has changed, but they end that plot element so abruptly and so anticlimactically. Such a letdown unless this paves the way for something else. And no John Irons in this episode.
By far my least favorite of the season so far because the above. But loved the Lana/Lara stuff, and Jon calling out General Lane on his secret keeping.
Legends of Tomorrow: The Satanist's Apprentice (2021)
Felt Like 3 Different Episodes
A lot of Legends episodes have become wild rides, but this one was a WILD ride. It felt like 3 (2 1/2) different episodes.
I liked Astra's story way better than Sara's this week, and that's surprising because Sara is my favorite and I thought Astra should have left start S5. Her stuff was funny, especially the Legends going Beauty and the Beast. And the animation was great!! I loved that. Should've had a longer animated sequence.
But Sara's story... her solo space expedition/abduction could have had so much potential and this is what we got? A poorly executed mashup between The Grandmaster of Sakaar from Thor: Ragnarok and the scientist from Ex Machina, except this time without the gladiatorial battles or smart commentary and creep factor.
So disappointed on that end. And the episode formatted suffered with the need to switch back and forth between the two vastly different plots (though themes had similar tones.) Should have focused on one or the other.
But I will save Caity did a great job directing, especially the Astra stuff. It also must be pretty tough to act that much while directing, especially when you're playing off yourself at times.
Legends of Tomorrow: Bay of Squids (2021)
This is More Like It!
This is more like it after the last two episodes! This felt like a more old-school Legends mission, what with being smack in the middle of a historic event and having to find a way to fix it. Mick being "Professor Mick" was so funny, and it definitely didn't go as planned, but he had good heart just trying to find Sara.
Some good laughs, Nate steeled up and got to be a historian again! The typing with thumbs gag with Zari was hilarious, and I quite enjoyed the football metaphor gone a little too far.
Some overacting and caricatured portrayals for sure, but that's pretty par for the course for Legends.
It was missing Sara, so that brought it down, and most of the Behrad/Castro stuff wasn't funny to me.
But I love the direction they are going with Mick's solo mission!
This was a step up from the last two, Legends! Premiere is still strongest to me, but this was a close second.
Legends of Tomorrow: The Ex-Factor (2021)
Some Good Stuff But Average
There was some fun stuff in this one; I liked going to the future again, the robot alien was funny, and Zari got some really good moments. The Hellstar stuff started to become typical CW soap opera drama, but it actually had a good resolution.
Sara's storyline is still the most intriguing and it looks like next week we may get some answers, but it's moving a bit slow.
I still think they are lacking momentum - I know it's only the 3rd episode - but last episode and this one feel a bit disjointed. I find it a bit strange that only Ava and Mick seem to really care about Sara's disappearance and it feels like everyone else is just along for the plot ride. I want to see some consequence and emotion, not just the silly. I know Covid has made some shooting/scheduling things weird but it feels disjointed. Maybe I'm missing the Sara and team dynamic, and they just haven't explored the teams dynamic without her enough, or everyone's personal reactions aside from Ava and Mick's. Like, I'd love to see a Nate-centric one with him dealing with his losses!
Legends of Tomorrow: Meat: The Legends (2021)
Something About the 2nd Episode of the Season...
There always seems to be something about the second episode of each season for Legends that just delivers a very lackluster episode. Sure, there were some good jokes here and there, and I liked getting more from Spooner and seeing the Zari/Behrad relationship explored a bit more, but there wasn't much substance to this episode. But there was a substance.
The story didn't move forward much. Sara crash landed on the planet they were originally taking her to, her and Gary had a strange interaction with a... local? (This has some explaining to do!) And the A-story with the rest of the Legends only gave us a dead alien and no momentum with the storyline. We didn't learn anything new.
50's aesthetic was fun and I loved the Big Belly origin story here, but kind of a stagnant episode that didn't carry the same momentum as the premiere.
Still interested to see where Sara's story is going, but man, I wish Gary wasn't her companion. I wish she would meet up with other aliens/displaced people and get her own story without having to share it with Gary, though I guess he makes a good sounding board for learning about other aliens and planets.
Legends of Tomorrow: Ground Control to Sara Lance (2021)
Great Start to the Season!
I've missed Legends so much! I didn't realize just how much I love this show and the characters until they were gone for almost a year.
Loved the opening with Mick cleaning up the mess the drunken Legends had made after the Season 5 finale, and loved Ava's reactions! (Especially to Constantine and Zari!) I haven't decided where I stand on their relationship yet.
It was cool to see how they found out Sara was abducted and who they found out from. Also the Legends writers released the whole song on their Twitter. Check it out if you haven't.
Gary being an alien was honestly not surprising but a bit of a retcon. Loved the glasses nod though - Legends has veered off considerably from trying to use things from actual DC lore, but that was a fun Clark Kent nod.
And speaking of supers, kudos for the DEO reference!
Loved seeing Sara still kicking ass and taking names, and there's a hilarious, somewhat/somewhat not subtle dig at Marvel with one of her lines. And oh my gosh, the reveal of Sara wanting to propose to Ava and then the way Ava gets to speak to Sara and motivate her to escape from the cryofreeze made my heart melt! Those were such great scenes!
So Legends is back and wacky and I love it. Even when sometimes things get a little too weird, the writers are always good at writing character. They can do drama and emotion just as well as the goofball, which is a breath of fresh air, even though I love my straight up serious dramas (Arrow) too. And the writers are so clever as well! I love space and aliens so I can't wait to see where this season goes! Very much looking forward to seeing Sara's journey this season!