DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: "Doomworld" Review – IGN

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Warning: Full spoilers for the episode below.

The Flashs third season has been aggravating for a number of reasons, but high on the list is the fact that the Flashpoint reality turned out to be such a dud. Rather than present a drastically different alternate universe where all the rules have changed, Flashpoint was content to merely ruffle a few feathers before returning the show to a more familiar status quo. Once again, it falls on Legends of Tomorrow to do what other Arrow-verse shows seem unwilling or unable. Doomworld offered the fun yet dramatic alternate universe story we didnt get all those months ago.

Doomworld offered viewers a taste of what happens when the bad guys win and gain the power to bend reality to their whim. And what better way to kick things off than a scene where a costumed Felicity Smoak is being hunted down by Sara Lance and Amaya Jiwe? It really seemed like the writers were trying to cater to both the pro- and anti-Felicity camps there. The former got to see her masquerading as a costumed vigilante for a minute or two, and the latter got to watch as Damien Darhk snapped her neck. Its a shame we didnt see more familiar faces from The Flash and Arrow (especially with the mention of Tommy Merlyn being alive), but clearly the Legion of Doom have been keeping busy since altering reality.

And to be fair, it was enough simply seeing how the Legends have changed to fit this new reality. Each team member was given a demeaning, thankless role in Thawnes new world order. Sara and Amaya were reduced to giggling, ditzy henchwomen. Professor Stein became Jaxs workplace punching bag. Rip and the Waverider were shrunk down into a glorified office decoration. Most amusingly of all, Nate went from accomplished historian and superhero to long-haired loser living in his mothers basement.

All of this served as yet another reminder that Legends really knows how to have fun with its characters even in its darker moments. There were plenty of fun little touches throughout the episode. The old Legion of Doom headquarters from Super Friends put in an appearance. Darhk made a great crack about Sara never staying dead. There was the hilarious recurring gag where each characters first action after having their memories restored was to punch Mick in the face. Just in terms of pure entertainment value, this episode never let up.

That was especially true in the final showdown between the Legends and the Legion. Even with the former group lacking their super-powers, that battle managed to be pretty darned epic. Its not every week you get to see Reverse-Flash smacked across a room like a teeball.

None of this is to say the writers shied away from the darkness of this new reality. In between all the alternate universe tomfoolery, he show did get veer about as dark as weve seen all season. It was especially nice to see Mick placed at the center of the conflict. Last week, he was forced to choose between his loyalty to the Legends and to his old partner-in-crime. This week, Mick came to realize that he chose poorly and did his best to atone for that mistake. Once again, we got to see Dominic Purcell explore a subtle, more tumultuous side of his character, and once again he rose to the challenge admirably.

You really have to feel for Mick. He betrayed his new friends for the sake of his old partner, and that partner repaid him by murdering one of the few people Mick truly cares for. As much as Mick claims to value solitude, he doesnt seem too thrilled by the fact that hes more alone now than he ever has been. Im looking forward to seeing how his season-long character arc wraps up next week.

If theres a complaint to be lodged against this episode, its that the uncertain nature of this new reality undercut some of the drama during the climax. Its hard to know how to react to the death of Amaya when theres a very real possibility that shell be back in action soon enough. There needs to be lasting consequences to this confrontation between the Legion and Legends, whether that involves permanent character deaths or simply character relationships that are irrevocably altered. As is always the case with these Arrow-verse shows, a lot is riding on the finale and its ability to wrap up the season on a proper note.

The Verdict

With "Doomworld," Legends of Tomorrow managed to deliver the fun yet dramatic alternate universe episode that The Flash didn't last fall. This episode was never short on entertainment value as it explored how the team's lives have changed in Eobard Thawne's new utopia. At the same time, this episode wasn't afraid to go dark and explore the inner turmoil plaguing Mick Rory. The only thing holding this episode back is the uncertainty over how many of the dramatic plot twists will actually remain in effect.

Editors' Choice

Great

This week's Legends of Tomorrow offered an entertaining look at a world where the Legion of Doom reign supreme.

28 Mar 2017

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DC's Legends of Tomorrow: "Doomworld" Review - IGN