DC TV Weekly #42

Legends of Tomorrow 'I, Ava' Review
The advantages of a show like this with a big ensemble means that they can do these kind of stories, where the team splits off into several groups and goes on their own adventures, some dramatic, some funny, all character based. The A-Plot sees Sara learn about Ava's mysterious backstory - oh, and Ray is there because he needed something to do - Nate & Amaya try to redeem her granddaughter and fight of Damien Darhk & Nora - oh, and Wally's there because he needed something to do - and finally Zari has to teach Mick how to use his totem. This final one is probably my favourite of the three, mostly because every character has is used, each scene has a purpose, and the relationship between the two is finally developed. Mick & Zari definitely make a great combo, they're both stubborn, relaxed and independent individuals and both are now Totem Bearers. This episode just got to see their personalities bounce off of each other and by the end of it they have a better understanding of one another, it's a simple yet effective story. Nate & Amaya's story is also engaging because it further addresses the issue that the two simply can't stay together as Amaya has a pre-written destiny, and now she seems dedicated to fixing it. Strangly the main plot of the episode was the one I was least invested in, I'm not sure if it's because I'm not too invested in Sara & Ava's relationship or I can't tell if Gary is funny or annoying, or even just small nitpicks like Ray hacking a government computer even though he's a physicist not a computer science wiz. Most likely a mixture of all three, which thankfully means no major complaint to be had about the episode, just a bunch of small ones. I'll give it a 7/10.

Black Lightning 'Sins of the Father: The Book of Redemption' Review
Is it me or has the show someone completely switched plots? Or at the very least lost focus on one seemed like the main story. A month ago I was complimenting Tobias Whale for being the best thing about the show, and now it feels like he's barely in it. The only plotline that was established from the beginning that has maintained momentum is Gambi's secret, which I will give it credit for being a very well told story. The initial mystery was engaging, Jefferson's reaction was understandable, and now the rebuilding of their relationship from Gambi's sacrifice was dramatic and well done. However when it comes to the villains, it seems as though Tobias has been dropped for this plot of Lala coming back to life, and I'm sure they'll tie together in the end eventually, but considering the last time we saw Tobias was his sister - the one person he loved - dying in front of him, that should have been the peak of his fury, and now he's just dropped off the face of the Earth. Furthermore there's this government conspiracy of kids with superpowers being kept in stasis for 30 years, and this does not feel like it goes along with this season at all. The show started off being about Black Lightning trying to keep his city safe from crime and gangs, this has taken a huge jump and doesn't seem connected to the main plot at all, I'd argue it should have been saved for season two. Overall this is the first time I've felt the show has been inconsistent with it's pacing and story, which are the main things I've been praising it for. Each story is still good on their own, but they don't go together at all. 7/10.

Arrow 'The Thanatos Guild' Review
"Conflicting" is the word of the day kids. Not one thing in this episode did I like or dislike without a "but" being attached to it. The main plot of this episode very much felt like a return to form for season three but no one likes season three, it was the worst season and the League of Assassins is boring but it was character driven and the main plot of this season isn't exactly engaging but I am still glad they developed it in the B-Plot with Curtis & Dinah but I still think Dinah & Curtis aren't that interesting on their own. Honestly the most interesting thing about the B-Plot of the episode was Curtis asking out that police officer, because that was entirely a character growth moment and that's always the best thing to focus on. It also made me realise that they really have kept Malcolm Merlyn dead for nearly the entire season. I still don't think he'll ever be really dead because superhero show ya'know, but still, props for upholding his death for near an entire season. Finally the main motivation behind this episode is to give Thea & Roy a proper send off. A big part of me wishes that they could have just given them the happy ending, driving off into the sunset. But (Last one) at least this means that they can come back at some point after having their own adventure which we can only hope that'll lead to something good. Oh, and Roy was wearing a trucker hat, nice touch. 7/10.