The Flash (TV Series) Crisis on Earth-X, Part 3 (2017) User Reviews

A great crossover is always great (You need to watch all crossover episodes)

[HoneyFloating · 10/10 · 12 May 2020]

As with Invasion from last season, you need to watch the corresponding episodes in Supergirl, Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow for this to make sense. While I saw a bunch of reviews by people frustrated with having to watch other shows, this is complaining on a very high level. With streaming at your fingertips, you don't need to watch six seasons of Arrow, instead you can just jump to the connected episode and it all makes sense. They do a nice way of explaining plot points, relationships and characters, that you would know, if you watched all the other shows, but it makes sense without it. I only watch Flash (though I did watch half of the first season of Arrow) but if you made it through three and a half seasons of Flash, you already know all the characters from previous crossovers. It's not overly complicated. I actually love crossovers because they logically connect characters in the Arrowverse that should know each other. I find it actually more confusing, if you watch other shows that have a connection and characters never meet when they visit the respective cities. It's also in line with the comic book universe these shows were born in, where the connection of the characters and the multiverse is well established. When you watch the show and pay attention to the themes and philosophy it uses, it makes most sense to put the West-Allen wedding into such a crisis episode because love and family gives the hero the whole reason and purpose to fight in the first place.

I would prefer though, if there was a disclaimer before this episode in Flash to tell you which episodes to watch, so I wouldn't have to google it. So here is the info for you:

This is the third part of a four-part crossover event, it begun in Supergirl episode 3x8 "Crisis on Earth-X, Part 1," then Arrow episode 6x8 "Crisis on Earth-X, Part 2," and continued after this episode and concluded in DCs Legends of Tomorrow episode 3x8 "Crisis on Earth-X, Part 4."

The Escape

[ThomasDrufke · 9/10 · 28 November 2017]

Part 3 of the crossover was a little bit slower and more plotting, but that doesn't mean it wasn't kickass. In fact, it just provided for some different storytelling. Pretty much everyone is captured, and unlikely heroes in Felicity and Iris are forced to step up their game and prevent Kara from being cut open by none other than heart surgeon himself, Reverse Flash.

Complementing that with the appearance of a Nazi version of Lance, a powerful General version of Winn Schott leading Earth-X's resistance, a good natured version of Captain Cold or Leo as he goes by, and a brand new character in Ray Terrill aka The Ray. In some ways, this was the messiest episode with most of our heroes imprisoned for the episode and the rest of the Legends still nowhere to be found. Even still, there was so much to be thrilled about.

Most of the conflict came from Winn's unwillingness to let the team leave and go through the breach area because he didn't want Nazi Kara and Nazi Oliver to return to Earth-X ever. Who blames him? I sure don't. However, the conflict never really got to a point where I felt the weight of the situation, and I figured it would come down to The Ray and Leo pulling some strings. This once again provided some heart to heart moments in a desperate time, including another great 1v1 with Sara and Alex. Does anyone else want a spin off show with these two?

The other big moment came from Stein's sacrifice. More on this particular situation in part 4's review, but it was a bold move having Stein do what he did for the team, and if I may say a worthy move. Before moving on to part 4, it's worth mentioning just how awesome it was to hear Reverse Flash fought Superman in the future, that's how you plant an easter egg.

9.3/10

Pretty awesome! Except for the political and social agendas

[jaccer11 · 8/10 · 11 January 2019]

Enjoyed this cross over and the story line. The political and social agendas were a bit farce though. I dislike "certain" prominent political folk, don't get me wrong, but, I watch this stuff to escape those things. Also, the hay agenda was a bit excessive and over played here. It's as if the show had these characters make out/kiss and get sensual anywhere and as much as they could. There weren't any other heto characters making out or getting it on as much as these characters were.

Crisis? What Crisis?

[d.rust · 29 November 2017]

Are you sitting comfortably? Do you have your milk and cookies ready? Good!

Once upon a time, there was a television network that was put together from other failed networks, like that Paramount network that brought us Trekkish fantasy and Enterprises with Captain Quantum and his crack-whore vulcan first ossifer. Julie Schwartz looked down from Comic Book Heaven and said, let there be a Comic World network, but we'll hide that name from everyone and call it the CW. Some people, like me, were confused. They thought it meant Country and Western and didn't watch.

And then the Mighty Berlanti proposed a show to the Mucky Mucks in charge of the nickels and dimes at the CW. He said, if you do this show in Vancouver, you can make money EVEN if it fails, because the Canadian Guvmint is anxious to look good and gave tax breaks to companies producing entertainment in the Great White North (CuuuRuuCuuCuuuuu!). And so "ARROW" was born. And everyone was happy that a moose-head quarter could be used in a payphone anywhere.

Arrow brought in lots of quarters, so the Mucky Mucks in charge of the nickels and dimes let Mighty Berlanti try "THE FLASH", which everyone loved. And they made every nerd happy with culture references.

And then the guys on the Coast at CBS (part owners of, and the C in CW) said, "Hey! We're the TIFFANY Network! We need a Superhero, too". And Mighty Berlanti gave them "SUPERGIRL". CBS showered gold everywhere and Warner allowed references to "her cousin". A first season was pretty "meh", but passable "meh", especially when they did a Flash crossover. Everyone saw how WUNNERFUL, WUNNERFUL the girl was, and realized, "We could make money with this show if we could get the costs down." And the Mighty Berlanti saved their Bacon by swapping in some Canadian Bacon and moved the show to Vancouver. And Berlanti said, "I want to make another show..." and the Mucky Mucks cried out in completion, "that makes more money! You shall have it!" and "LEGENDS" was born.

The Canadian Guvmint was happy. Fans were happy. The production teams were happy. Even Grant Gustin was happy. So they did a happy musical number with the Girl and the Flash and everyone smiled and clapped. The Mucky Mucks said, "this one made quite a few moose-head quarters."

And they begged Mighty Berlanti to do it again.

So he did. He made a 160 minute special crossover, a two-and-a-half hour movie for the price of some TV episodes, laced it with political commentary, charged it with super-duper special effects, brought in every hero that could be used, and even got some villains. He gave us the Greatest American Hero (William Katt) unexpectedly blasted away by an EVIL version of our sweetheart, Kara Danvers as the screen erupts into a fight between goose-stepping troops and our heroes.

There was none of that cringe factor with cross overs that you see on Dick Wolf productions. Seriously, some unknown cop gets killed and the entire Chicago PD hangs out in the emergency department on Chicago MED? WTF?

Okay, so Berlanti killed off Dr Stein. Did you really think that an academic could possibly survive for ever? One point that I personally didn't like was Jax' interminable mourning. Holey Underwear, it's a TV show! It's just another Death-of-the-Week!

EVIL Flash! The Harrison Wells Flash from season 1 glides into the medical bay in his wheelchair ready to slice our favourite Supergirl into pieces. I thought for a while, why not Matt Letscher? I'm a fan, but Tom Cavanagh does EVIL Reverse Flash soooo eeeevil.

Citizen Cold! A little less tonsil hockey would have been preferable, but I didn't care. We got to see Wentworth Miller in full SNEER. And in those slotty glasses.

Heat Wave! Dominic Purcell. UUURP! Sorry, I just finished a beer. Classic.

Now you Flash fans are saying, what about the THINKER? What about Ralph? What about Wally? Don't sweat it! Ralph would have got himself killed. The Thinker was too busy having Kraft Dinner. And Wally was keeping Joe and Cecille out of the plot. He was lucky to have an appearance in the first part.

I really have to see more episodes of LEGENDS.

And if my heart's had wings, I'd be the bird that sings, I'd fly where love isn't shy And everyone is willing to try.

Easy does it.

The Build Up

[hawkins_saints_rock · 10/10 · 29 November 2017]

This part of the crossover was somewhat different to part 1 & 2, but that doesn't mean that it still wasn't pure awesome. This part focused on the build up to the final showdown to be done in part 4. As a result there was less action in this episode but more drama and emotion. And it worked very well.

We start off with the imprisoned heroes on Earth X being sent off to be executed by none other than the evil Earth X version of Quintin Lance, for them to be saved by the Earth X version of Leonard Snart! Seeing these two actors portray such different versions of the characters we've come to know and love was a highlight of this episode for me. Who knew that Lance could be so dark while Snart could be so caring?!

On earth 1 the Earth X trinity put their plan in motion to transfer Kara's heart into her evil doppelgänger's. While Iris and Felicity try to save Kara and free the rest of the heroes stuck in the pipeline. Throughout this part of the storyline we see a lot of interactions between Kara and evil Kara, and I've gotta say I was very impressed with Melissa Benoist's acting. Never did I think she had what it takes to play the bad guy, but I was very wrong, she's done a great job portraying both roles.

The final 15 minutes of the episode is where the real fun is had. The heroes on Earth X learn that the breach to their earth is heavily guarded by the Nazi's, which leads to an elaborate plan to get through the guarded area. It starts with Oliver dressing up as his evil doppelgänger and getting into the facility, where eventually his cover is blown and he kicks some Nazi a*s. We also get a great scene with Barry and an Earth X hero (who is he meant to be? Doctor fate?) attempting to take down Red Tornado who is there to blow up the facility which would destroy the breach. There was some great CGI action in the sequence.

But the big moment of the episode comes right at the end. Firestorm is tearing their way through the facility when they split up so they can each do a job to open the breach. Jax completes his portion of the job, but before Stein can complete his, he is shot and seemingly killed by a Nazi, and the episode ends there. This felt incredibly emotional especially with the father-son dialogue we've had between Stein and Jax across the crossover. Now for a lot of people this "death" may seem insignificant because part 4 of the crossover came on straight after, so they're able to find out what happens and if Stein did in fact die straight away. However for me, I wasn't able to watch part 4 live. So this death of Stein has taken a real emotional toll on me, and I really hope it's not the end of Stein. Shall find out very soon.

10/10

Ranking/Reviewing every Flash episode: Crisis On Earth X

[lbramson · 9/10 · 12 June 2023]

My favorite crossover so far!!! Heroes fight I don't know if I can say that from alternate universes. Seeing our favorite characters fight...uh...German soldiers is an insane, but awesome idea! This wasn't as good as the Arrow episode, but I loved all the parts so that says nothing. This also has the iconic Supergirl surgery scene, which is one of the Reverse Flash's best moments in the series. With plenty of epic crossover sequences and even the death of Martin Stein, Crisis On Earth X is the best CW crossover thus far! Even better than the last episode, going above Therefore I Am!

9.5/10-Great!👍👍

Barry and Iris's wedding ... in another show ...

[apd8 · 1/10 · 1 March 2018]

Isn't that kind of betrayal to The Flash series itself when such an important event is written to be in another series? I know that you guys want to do the crossover, but still can't you just put the important event of the characters in their respective series? Come on, the center of the story that happened in Supergirl is not even focused on Supergirl, the Part 1 could easily be put in The Flash.

Middle ep is middling.

[imakk2001 · 7/10 · 28 November 2017]

43 minutes and not 1 second of Mick to be had. There were a few fun bits:

+ interactions of the captured heroes locked up in StarLabs

+ everything with Leo

+ Flash and The Ray stopping Red Tornado, though I don't think we should be happy that they succeeded? Hope it was just a temporary set back for Earth-X good guys.

+ Martin's heroic sacrifice

And that was it.

This and the Arrow's ep exposed the problem of a 4 hour crossover: there's not enough plot to warrant 4 hours and not everyone is needed. So it ends up with a lot of fillers. And unlike part 1, these were just a rehash of those fillers.

Score: 7

Totally out of the plot

[jodi-44528 · 1/10 · 9 January 2019]

I was very disappointed in this episode. Couldn't get past the first few minutes, and then I realized it was the third part of four, which were all crossover episodes over four different shows. I don't watch the other three and don't plan to. I feel cheated that they did the wedding on one of the other shows. The least they could have done is include all four parts so that viewers weren't vaulted out of the story line. Crummy way to do such an anticipated event between Barry and Iris.

Freedom! Freedom! FREEDOM!!

[lassegalsgaard-45284 · 7/10 · 28 January 2018]

As a continuation from the two episodes that aired on "Supergirl" and "Arrow," I think that this episode (once again) did a great job of keeping the tone and characters consistent with what we have seen so far. The writers of the individual shows have done a great job of keeping the feeling of all the shows intact and combining them with the right amount of elements from each one. There are some great character interactions and some very emotional moments between characters. And the writer did a great job of not making it seem overly sentimental; something that the writers on the "Arrow" episode didn't manage to do. So, in those terms, I think that episode had better writing, even though that wasn't the episodes strongest suit.

I love that this episode is set mainly on Earth-X. It's a dark and gritty world that we have not seen yet, because the main Earth is not like that. So they had a lot to do in terms of making Earth-X feel different, and they definitely managed to do that. There was a lot of Holocaust-like imagery in the episode, which makes sense given that the Nazis have full control of Earth-X. The exploration of some the characters on this Earth was also cool, and to see a Nazi version of Quentin Lance was almost too good to be true.

We were also introduced to the Freedom Fighters in this episode, led by none other than Winn Schott. That was a fun and cool twist that I did not see coming, as well as the fact that Leonard Snart was going to return in this episode, which was such a pleasant surprise. His presence on these shows are sorely missed, so these small chances to see him again are always cherished. In general, I thought the Freedom Fighters were very well-developed, and it made me excited to see the new animated series that they are making centering around these characters.

As usual, the final battle sequence is pretty impressive and very big in scope. The thing this battle has that is different to the others is a very emotional ending, with Dr. Stein getting shot by a Nazi. This could lead to speculations that the writers never meant to give Stein a normal life, but instead kill him of completely. I think that is a bold move, and even though I would have preferred for him to just go off and live with his family, I think that this decision is going to be the more emotional decision.

The episode had some weak points. And all of that goes back to the writing, because I don't think the writing was that strong on this episode. There were some very cringeworthy dialogue pieces that I thought belonged in a Disney Channel show. The episode also did their villains a huge disservice. The villains did nothing interesting in this episode, and I start to think their motivations for doing what they do is a bit weak. I believe there was a deeper solution that could have been decided, but if this is the way the showrunners went, then maybe it was the best.

The episode also tries too hard to make unecessary characters necessary. To the point where they almost give Felicity and Iris superpowers. They are able to overpower four highly-trained Nazi soldiers, without even receiving a scratch themselves. I think the episode would have been improved if they had gotten rid of Felicity and Iris completely.

Crisis in DC/CW

[drkknt-23149 · 3/10 · 4 December 2017]

The Scarlet Speedster. The Crimson Comet. The Flash. I was giving this until the Crisis story-line to determine whether I'd stick around any longer or not. This was another poop-on-a-stick episode.

Insults to viewers/fans of The Flash: The Flash can speed 2.2 kilometers away (if I remember the stated distance) and recon a site in less than a second (from inside a familiar building, through virgin territory, recon a new building, and return). So if A=B, and B=C, then A=C right? Not in the case of Flash speed. He only runs that fast as a plot device, otherwise he'll get caught flat footed.

Two humans take on Professor Zoom, an evil Supergirl, an evil Arrow, and other armed minions. Insert insulting steam valve plot device. With hands in the air, confined space, one can look at a valve and turn it enough (are you sure you know what that valve does?) so it sprays on the two guards pointing weapons at them. Again, perfect placement and idiot reaction time. And all the killing, what is this rated again??

By the end of the episode, I realized the Flash target audience isn't 20+ age individuals, not even late teens, it is 7-10 range. And they should be insulted by the dialogue and behavior of adults. Leo speaks like he's trying to impress children he's nasty.

This could be a great show with a bit of grit and seriousness, instead we are served up a platter of political correctness inside juvenile adult interactions.

Thank you.

If you only watch Flash - you will be fairly lost

[stdrahcir · 2/10 · 14 December 2017]

From the other reviews I'm reading this episode is a crossover of other shows. I have not really watched Legends of Tomorrow or Supergirl. Not really interested either (not saying they are bad... just not interested).

I have watched some of Arrow (maybe 2 seasons), but couldn't really get into it.

The Flash I have always enjoyed watching and seen every Season and Episode. In the previous episode of The Flash they gave no hints or insinuations of this episode being like this. You basically leave off with them talking about their marriage and Barry Allen finally getting his confirmation of that Devoe guy being the new villain "The Thinker".

As soon as I start watching this episode, I am lost as heck. It starts with The Flash and various others stuck on this other "Earth".

I don't know what the writers were thinking, but this episode really confused their direction now with this Season. I guess I will have to continue watching to see how they tie it together... if they do.

Pathetic way to force fans to watch other shows

[perovic96 · 1/10 · 30 November 2017]

This is not the 1st time they are doing crossovers, but they went with 4 shows. Not everyone watch all of them, I couldn't care less for those "legends" of tomorrow, if they are so legendary why are they just a group of leftovers from other shows, or a Supergirl (who I find to be a feminist knockoff of Superman, I don't want the same thing twice).

They want to force people to watch other shows, but for me, the effect they got is making me give up the Flash and Arrow I watched so far. At least if it was with something cool like Constantine. Disappointed.

Apaling trick to make people watch Supergirl and Arrow

[mikebruyneel · 1/10 · 9 February 2018]

Unbelievable that the wedding ceremony between Barry and Iris is not shown in the series The Flash. How appalling to take such an important event out of the series and put them in a episode of Supergirl. Normally I do not mind the crossovers between series as there is no need to watch Supergirl or Arrow to move on to the next episode of The Flash. Episode S04 E07 there is mentioning that Barry and Iris is going to get married and in S04 E08 (Crisis on Earth-X part 3) they apparently are married or maybe not. If one moves on to S04 E09 to found out some clues, that is all we get. No showing of the wedding. One might never know for sure if you do not watch Supergirl nor Arrow, like me. I could not even concentrate on story of this episode (Crisis on Earth-X part 3)because I was so confused. I'm sure any one else how does not follow the other DC Comics universe will feel the same. Frustrating, that's all I can say about this episode.

PS, my reason for not watching the other DC series is because I do not watch that many tv series in general and not that I do not like Supergirl or Arrow.

Sooooo bad....

[vipula11 · 1/10 · 5 December 2017]

First - don't believe in paid for reviews here. This cross over is just so bad, it hurts to watch. I have watched Arrow to season 3 where the stupidity of the plot and writing just blew my brain away, two other shows where just unwatchable from the beginning. The only one that had some intelligence and fun was The Flash. And it seems DC is working really hard to bring it down too.

The Crisis on Earth-X crossover is worse then pathetic. Does anyone actually reads a script before shooting the episodes? My 10 years old daughter writes better dialogues. And the story??? Oh my God! "Hey, lets stand in the doorway facing hundred Nazis with automatic weapons! They will not shoot us since they have coordination and reaction time of a toddler!" And more and more and more... the whole 4 episodes are full of such crap.

This shows are not for people with ANY intelligence intact. Maybe some 10 years old can still enjoy this kind of story, but if you older then that, skip it for your own good.

I just hope that The Flash comes back to the way it was before this disaster. Otherwise I will stop watching it too. Pity that DC cannot afford writers with some intelligence for their shows and movies. I can hardly think of any movie or show made by them that actually was consistent and made sense. So much wasted potential.

What The Heck?

[ManicMovieMan · 4/10 · 16 November 2021]

I have enjoyed this show for the most part. Yet, I constantly am annoyed by the fact that The Flash just leaves bits of information out of the program. Then they expect us, I assume, to just guess and postulate what is supposed to be happening with plot lines, new characters, missing characters, etc, etc.

When some villains got freed in one episode there was a bad meta among them who could shoot lasers out of his eyes. Who was this character? I have absolutely no idea. In watching this show on Netflix, that character was never introduced to us on this show. Yet, there he was and I assume we were just supposed to guess for ourselves who the heck that was? So silly.

There have been other instances such as that which leads me to this episode and a shining example of what I'm referring to. The title of this episode is something akin to "Crisis on Earth X: Part 3." Uhhhh..... what the frig happened to part 1 and part 2?! They were never shown on The Flash.

The only thing I can figure is that they were shown on another DC superhero television show, possibly The Arrow, maybe? I don't know, I don't currently watch that show. But it doesn't matter where parts 1 & 2 were shown. Because I'm completely lost trying to watch this show with a part 3 where the previous parts are just left up to my imagination I guess. It's just madness I tell you, madness.

I like the this program but I quite often feel like the episodes are shown out of order on Netflix and entire plot lines are just never shown at all. It's ridiculous and kind of disrespectful to the viewers in my opinion.

I have no idea why we are being shown a part 3 when the first two don't exist within this show. But, to that creators, I ask you to please fix this crazy way of showing us, The Flash. My rating of 4 is for this episode alone. Up until now I would have given the overall show a 7 stars rating probably. Yet, I think I'm going to stop watching this program completely to be honest. It's too annoying to try and keep up with the plot I've found even entire episodes aren't even shown.

Again with the trying to force people to watch other shows!

[stejlhave · 3/10 · 15 February 2019]

I love to watch both Arrow and The Flash, but the two other shows are not for me (I have watched a few episodes of each, but it didn't bite on me), and I watch Arrow, but are not caught up because of Netflix in my country.

I live the actors, the writing is good and it seems like a thrilling story, så I am sad that I can't enjoy it fully..

So have to rate it low for that reason only..

NO Ways Like part 3???

[maylenekmay · 5/10 · 18 January 2018]

I love the flash but surely you could have added part 1 and 2 to flash??? I know the point is to get everyone to watch the other shows - which we will but what??? How can you start with part 3???

That's too bad

[kdxkeith · 3/10 · 10 November 2018]

I have been enjoying watching this series on video with my family. Some things are questionable to watch with our kids, but we can talk them through. Then comes season 4 and these crossover episodes. Were these underwritten by the lgb community? Do we want a show that is geared towards children to have this kind of violence and sex? I can accept gay relationships in the show, but to show make out scenes and bed scenes is way over the top and much more suited to soap operas or adult tv at least. It had nothing to do with the story either. My daughter covered her eyes and said "grose" without my prompting to some of it. How many people were killed in these episodes also? Get rid of the bad Nazis, ok, but to show that much killing is a little much for tv for kids. A few minor changes could have made this way better and watchable to the key audience. Leave social agendas out. Just let them be heros.

I abandoned The Flash less than 15 minutes in to this episode

[sleeping_tiger · 1/10 · 27 November 2018]

Personally, I never watched a full episode of the Arrow. I couldn't wrap my brain around the stupidity. I definitely did not go near Supergirl at all. I gave Legends of Tomorrow a try with the first two episodes, only to realize that DC's television series' were slowly devolving to asinine situations and zero character development. I stuck out with The Flash for 3 whole seasons and up to this episode in the fourth season. This particular episode starts off where one of the other DC television shows left off. Either Arrow or Supergirl or Legends of Tomorrow. I don't know which one because I don't watch those shows for personally reasons. But I decided to give it a try. Less than 15 minutes in, the part where Iris and Felicity are caught by Earth-X Nazis, whom are holding firearms pointed at the unarmed ladies, manage to get bested by Iris pulling on a pipe or tube nearby, point it at the Nazis, and temporarily blind them, giving the ladies enough time to punch heavily armored Nazis and knocked them out. I immediately thought, why did the idiot writers put them into such a situation? Why have them encounter Nazis at all? They were sneaking around and avoiding contact anyway. But the writers had to create an unrealistic and idiotic scenario just to show how strong and independent Iris and Felicity are. More forced feminism. Anyway. I'm done with this show. It's a sinking ship.