Episode 912 - Absolute Justice, part two: Legends Review




"Absolute Justice, part two: Legends" Review

Written by Scarlett

DISCLAIMER - Please remember that this review does not represent the opinions/viewpoints of everyone; it is the personal opinions of the reviewer only. Thank you.

The overview posted for the Absolute Justice, part one: Society Review also applies for the review of part two: Legends.

Tom's Performance: Tom Welling was once described as " lightning in a jar" and it certainly seems to be an accurate description. For this two-hour event, Tom was acting, directing, and was also a Co-Executive Producer. His professionalism is obvious, and it's apparent that he works hard on this show. For "Legends", Tom displayed the quiet strength and compassion that is so inherent in a young Superman.

Tom as Director: Tom has a natural talent for directing, and this episode was no exception. He maintained the comics feel to the episode, and was adept at using slow motion to highlight the final battle scene with Icicle, Clark Kent, and the JSA guest stars. He also used close-ups to emphasize key points made by various characters. Tom highlighted Dr. Fate in the shadows behind Lois at exactly the right time. And, he zoomed in on aspects of the storyline that were relevant, such as the Checkmate symbol on the floor. In addition, "Society" and "Legends" flowed together well, which reflects the talent of both Welling and Glen Winter.

The Good:

Clark Kent: Although Clark was underutilized in the entire two-hour event, Clark did play a role in the storyline. He was the one who proactively investigated the Justice Society members, confronted Tess Mercer about her role, and tried to protect Lois by finding out what she knew about the JSA and the Icicle murders.

Clark and the JSA Painting: This scene was done very well, with the flashbacks of the earlier black-and-white scenes, along with the reveal of the JSA member's identities. Tom did a great job of expressing understanding and respect, once he realized the true identities of the people sitting at the table in that painting.

Superman References: There were several Superman references and anvils about Clark's future role in both "Society" and Legends". Here are some of the references from part two: A mention of Lex Luthor as Clark's ultimate adversary and that Clark will triumph over him; Lois' comment to Clark about how good Dr. Fate's cape looked; the reference to Apololips and the possible hint about the appearance of Darkseid; and the speeches by both Dr. Fate and by Hawkman about Clark's future as the ultimate superhero and leader of his generation.

Dr. Fate's Speech to Clark: The biggest anvil about Clark's future came from Dr. Fate: "The hope for tomorrow that your alien friend spoke of; you are that hope! I have seen it. You will lead this generation, as Hawkman once led ours. And when you show yourself to the world, it will be a different age than ours Clark, a Silver Age of heroism. That will start when they will look up into the sky at you with hope for tomorrow, and you will help everyone to embrace it. Dr. Fate also referred to Clark as the "Savior" and as the "Sentient power" when talking to Lois.

Hawkman's Speech to Clark: Hawkman also reaffirmed Clark's future role: "You're not like the others, are you Clark? There are kids who are in it for the thrills, or because they have a chip on their shoulder. You don't do this for glory or vengeance. You have the capacity to break the chains that are holding you down Clark. And when you do, Dr. Fate's vision will come to pass. You will soar higher than any of us".

Other Comics References: There were also several non-Superman comics references in both "Society" and "Legends". Here are some of the references in part two: again there was Flash's helmet; Green Lantern's ring; (Shiera Sanders Hall) Hawkgirl's helmet and her relationship with Hawkman; Star Girl mentioning Stripesy; Martian Manhunter(MM) wore purple with a green shirt and red suspenders, and he glowed "green", both when he regained his powers, and while fighting Icicle. MM also talked about his love of cookies (a nod to his love of Oreos in the comics?); and there was also a shout-out to the Golden and Silver Age of comics, in reference to Clark's leadership.

Checkmate, Amanda Waller, and Suicide Squad: This episode effectively set up this forthcoming storyline. Waller's line to Icicle as she killed him was chilling: "Welcome to the Suicide Squad".

Tess Mercer and Checkmate: This was a cool twist, and helped to explain why Tess (Cassidy Freeman) was involved in recruiting members for her Injustice League last season. It also helps to explain Tess' motivations and why she thinks she's helping to save the world.

Love Vs. Duty: Part of Clark's journey will involve his love life, and his romantic relationship with Lois Lane. This episode mentioned love and its role in several heroes' lives, including: Clark and Lois; Carter and Shiera; Dr. Fate and his family; Martian Manhunter and his family; and Oliver and Dinah. Hopefully, the writers will include Clark's love life as part of his ongoing story, but not sacrifice his heroic actions or his relationships with other people in his life too.

Lois Getting Package from Waller: This was a good way to make Lois part of the storyline, while not knowing Clark's secret and to introduce viewers to the Government Task Force known as Checkmate. But the scene with Lois and Dr. Fate was unnecessary, and was mostly a shout-out to shipper groups since Lois had no idea what Fate was talking about in that scene.

Outdated JSA Computer: It was a funny moment to see the outdated computer at the JSA Museum, but why didn't Chloe just bring her laptop with her?

Mixed Reactions

Apokolips And Possible Hint About Darkseid: Was the word Apocalypse used to indicate Apokolips instead? Could this have been a reference to the future appearance of Darkseid? Apokolips is the planet ruled by Darkseid in some comics versions. This is definitely a cause for concern, since the Smallville writers did such a lousy job with Doomsday.

The Final Battle With Icicle: Although the direction, the slow motion, and the special effects were good, it was difficult to believe that Clark needed anyone's help to defeat Icicle. Clark should have been the one to defeat Icicle. This battle basically reflected the same disappointment as previous "team-based" episodes like Justice and Legion. While it's fine to have these random team-based episodes, ultimately Clark should shine as both the main hero and as the leader, and also be the one who defeats the current villain.

Reporter Clark Kent: While it was fine for Lois to get a byline for a front page news story, when is the same going to happen for Clark? Clark should also get stories published, with only his name credited for them too. After all, Clark is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist in the future.

The Bad:

MM, Chloe and Oliver Going out to Dinner Without Clark: After all the speeches about Clark as their leader and the team being family, this scene really defeated the message of the entire two-hour event. Why wasn't Clark included in this scene, as their leader, and as both MM and Chloe's best friend?

Fake Clark in Daily Planet (DP): Even though the fake Clark may have been a shout-out to George Reeves or to Christopher Reeve, it just seemed awkward, and took me out of the storyline.

Chloe and Star Girl: While this was a good scene, it seemed to drag and lasted too long.

Stalling Clark's Journey: Although the references to Clark's future were very nice, it's time to show us why Clark will be the leader and not just tell us about it.

Clark in Reactive Mode: There were too many wasted opportunities that could have showcased Clark's leadership skills, but instead put him in a reactive mode. Clark just stood there and barely said anything, when the JSA and the future JLA members first met at the round table. Clark should have been the one to give some type of motivational speech, about the two teams working together. Clark should have calmed down Hawkman and GA when they fought on the table like spoiled children. And, Clark should have been the one to ultimately defeat Icicle.

Hawkman and Green Arrow Dialogue: Some of the dialogue between these two characters sounded like something that prepubescent boys would say in a sports locker room. Conversely, some other "serious" dialogue was unintentionally funny, as when Hawkman referred to Oliver as a "jackass".

My rating? I give "Legends" a 3.5 out of 5 stars.

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