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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
The heroes have met what may just be their darkest hour yet. Here is our review of The Flash’s eighth episode of its fourth season, titled Crisis on Earth-X, Part 3.
Warning: Spoilers ahead!
Plot Summary
Continuing from Arrow Season 6 Episode 8, Barry Allen, Oliver Queen, Alex Danvers, Sara Lance, and Firestorm awaken in an Earth-X concentration camp, where they encounter The Ray. Whilst there, they also confront the Fuhrer, who turns out to be the Earth-X version of Quentin Lance. They escape with the help of unexpected yet familiar faces: Winn Schott and Leonard Snart. (Oliver also briefly crosses paths with an Earth-X Felicity Smoak.) As they reach the breach back to Earth-1, one half of Firestorm is shot in cold blood.
Meanwhile, Eobard Thawne’s Harrison Wells/ Reverse Flash, Earth-X Oliver Queen, Overgirl and the Earth-X Nazis confined Cisco Ramon, Earth-2 Wells, Dinah Lance, and Caitlin Snow in STAR Labs’ anti-metahuman prisoner cells. Thawne and Overgirl make attempts to remove Supergirl’s heart to prevent Overgirl from dying. Iris West and Felicity Smoak try to free everyone and save the day, but not without facing Metallo.
Appearing as Earth-X rebels are Russell Tovey as The Ray, Wentworth Miller as Leonard “Leo” Snart/ Citizen Cold, and Jeremy Jordan as Winn Schott.
Discussion
In this episode, we learn that “Arbeit macht frei” in German translates to “Work sets you free.” This is exactly what our heroes aimed to do. In order to liberate themselves from the likes of the Earth-X Nazi villains, unexpected allies had worked together to become an unstoppable force. However, this means costing the lives of their loved ones and putting them at stake. Such is the case with Martin Stein, which marks the apparent exit of actor Victor Garber in the Arrowverse. We shall miss him dearly.
Supergirl teaches fans that being a hero means willing to do what is right in the eyes of others. By becoming someone that people look up to and admire, Kara Danvers tells her Earth-X doppelganger that powerful individuals need to be perceived as role models, inspirations, and motivations to do better in the world. As Supergirl says, “They shouldn’t fear us for what we can do. They should rely on us when they need us.”
Overall, this third installment of the Crisis on Earth-X crossover was an intense one to watch. With the death of one character and the introduction of another, we find that there will always be a glimmer of hope and salvation in any tenebrous situation. The LGBT representation (Leo and Ray; Sara and Alex) is laudable albeit these relationships are interdimensional. The events of this episode will surely drive each participating character forward in regards to development. For what occurred, Part III earns an 8.5 out of 10.
Easter Eggs, References, and Trivia Facts:
- Sara Lance’s Maggie –
- Halfway through the episode, Sara tells Alex Danvers that she has her own Maggie. This is a reference to Agent Sharpe.
- “Kingdom come” –
- Earth-X’s Winn Schott tells The Ray that if the Earth-1 group does not make it in time to the gate at the Nazi facility, he will “blow that place to kingdom come.” Although this is a figure of speech, DC comics connoisseurs take this as a reference to the 1996 comic book miniseries titled Kingdom Come, which features Superman, Batman, and the rest of the Justice League in a futuristic setting.
- Kara Danvers’s cousin –
- When Thawne performs the surgery on Supergirl, Kara says that her cousin Superman “will find Thawne [and will make him pay for his mistakes].” Thawne replies by telling her that he once faced Superman in the future, and his superspeed is what led to his victory.
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day reference –
- In a necessary end-of-the-world scenario such as this, Iris West and Felicity Smoak come rescue to Supergirl. The former tells Kara, “Come with me if you want to live.” This is, of course, a reference to the iconic line from the 1991 James Cameron-directed film.
- Red Tornado makes an appearance as the weapon sent by General Schott to blow up the Nazi facility.
Were you devastated by that tragic ending? Let us know! For more The Flash related news and reviews, follow Geek Motivation on Twitter (@GEEKMOTIVATION) and Instagram (@geekmotivation).
Written by: John Tangalin
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
