We've all been waiting for a Legion of Doom focused episode, and while this wasn't necessarily it, we saw the birth of a relationship in Reverse Flash and Damien Darhk. That ended up being enough for now.
In a Miami Vice inspired episode, tonight took place in the 80's as Darhk and Thawne planned to start a conflict between Russia and the United States quicker than it's supposed to happen. The Legends were forced to take the initiative and slow things down at the White House (because of course the episode takes place there) before things could escalate. Meanwhile, Vixen and Nate went off on their own and found Obsidian still alive over 40 years after the JLA disbanded.
I know it seems like they are positioning Vixen/Amaya and Steel/Nate as a future couple, but I just don't care to see a romance be tackled again this season. The writers have failed on numerous occasions in the past in this area, and the last thing I want is for this season to be ruined by a botched romance. And if the last scene with her, Obsidian, and Nate is any indication, we may be in for another unnecessary romance.
Legends usually succeeds when they focus less on the deep emotional drama, and more on the mindless action entertainment (with some heart mixed in). This episode along with countless other Legends episodes have character arcs that specifically involve a character wanting to change the timeline for their own personal benefit. Jax struggled last week with the slaves, and tonight Sara once again grappled with killing Darhk, in order to save Laurel in the future. If I'm being honest, I'm really sick of the show using this as a backbone for character specific arcs. I want the conflict to come from somewhere else, we've been down this road too many times.
With that said, the one thing Legends has done consistently well this season is pairing off the Legends to create interestingly unique dynamics within the group. Of course, I'm aware that sometimes these pairings can make for some unnecessary romances (as mentioned above), but more often than not, the pairs have made this season worth while. Ray and Mick's pairing is pure gold. I've always loved Mick in this show and Ray has improved since his bold decision to blow up his suit for the greater good a few weeks back. Slowly but surely, Legends is becoming more aware of the great characters they have, so that the amazing action sequences have more weight to them. I have to give them props for that. And come on, who doesn't love the 80's as a backdrop?
+Pairing off the Legends has been good
+80's backdrop
-Kind of tired of the same old "changing the timeline for personal reasons" arc
-The idea of another useless romance. *fingers crossed*
7.0/10
