12/31/2023

Ed's Top 10 (plus) Films Of 2023


By Little Eddie O'Hare

Greetings Wicked Theory readers! My Buddy Bill has been gracious enough to once again let me post my
top ten movies list here this year. I saw 220 new films over the past 12 months. Below are my top ten
(16 if you count the honorable mentions).
 

Quick note up front: THESE ARE MY OPINIONS! There were many other movies that I enjoyed this year. The ones on this list hit me in the feels. So here it is. 

First, Honorable Mentions:

 
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (Paramount Pictures) dir. Christopher McQuarrie,
runtime 2h 43m – Available on Paramount+

John Wick: Chapter 4 (Lionsgate) dir. Chad Stahelski, runtime 2h 49m – Available on Starz
Creed III (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) dir. Michael B. Jordan, runtime 1h 56m – Available on Amazon Prime
Poor Things (Searchlight Pictures) dir. Yorgos Lanthimos, runtime 2h 21m – Available in Theaters
The Holdovers (Focus Features) dir. Alexander Payne, runtime 2h 13m – Available on Peacock
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (Nickelodeon Movies) dir. Jeff Rowe and Kyler Spears,
runtime 1h 39m – Available on Paramount+


And now the Top Ten:

#10 - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 (Marvel
Studios)
Dir. James Gunn, runtime 2h 30m – Available on Disney+
This year was widely considered a low point for superhero cinema. However, there were a few bright spots. James Gunn and Marvel not only made us care about a talking raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper); they made us cry a river of tears for the scruffy, little guy. The Guardians movies have always been about forming unconventional families. This installment takes that idea to a new level, challenging our heroes to stick together and be there for their grumpiest member when his horrific past comes back with a vengeance. This is a triumphant end to the strongest sci-fi trilogy of the 21 st century so far.

#9 - Anatomy of a Fall (Neon)
Dir. Justine Triet, runtime 2h 30m – Available on Video On-Demand
I abhor the phrase “they don’t make movies like this anymore.” Mainly because I feel like I hear
someone say that every week. However, it was quite refreshing to see a courtroom drama play out on a big screen for a change. This French import features an author (Sandra Hüller) on trial for the murder of her husband. We hear the story from every angle and the film strives to keep the truth unclear. Law & Order fans should note that the French judicial system is very different from America and it can be tricky figuring which side has the upper hand. I found myself wanting to scream at the prosecutor that “She is not a murderer! She’s just German!” There are some breathtaking landscapes of the snow and the Alps in this film. Plus, the writing and performances leaves one pondering heavily on the nature of love and
trust.

#8 - Maestro (Netflix)
Dir. Bradley Cooper, runtime 2h 9m – Available on Netflix
Maestro is a “Great Man” movie and Director/Star Bradley Cooper emphasizes that by making incredibly BOLD choices! Every millimeter of every frame is meticulously considered in an effort to knock the viewers’ shoulders to the back of their seats. Cooper wants watching the film to be just as awe-inspiring as listening to Leonard Bernstein’s music. Despite all the bombast, Cary Mulligan’s performance as Bernstein’s wife, Felicia, grounds the movie so it never feels over-the-top.


#7 - Killers of the Flower Moon (Paramount
Pictures)
Dir. Martin Scorsese, runtime 3h 26m – Available on Video On-Demand
I know. I know. 3 and a half hours. This is a mini-series and not a movie. Well, it was in theaters and I held my bladder long enough to sit through the whole thing (barely). More importantly, this film is
directed by Martin Scorsese and he has not lost a step. We see how a generation of Native women in Osage County, Oklahoma were systematically killed for their oil shares. At the outset, you may think the highlight of the film is the long-awaited team-up of Scorsese favorite leads DeNiro and DiCaprio. However, Lily Gladstone steals this film and really drives home the impact of the victims in a way that has gotten lost in the glitz of some of Marty’s previous works.

#6 - 10 Days of a Good Man (Netflix)
Dir. Uluç Bayraktar, runtime 2h 4m – Available on Netflix
I really tried to branch out and watch more independent and international movies this year and this Turkish mystery was a jewel I never would have seen in past years. Nejat Isler plays Sadik, a private eye who wishes he was Phillip Marlowe. After being hired to find a missing person, Sadik quickly finds himself in over his head with the wrong kind of people. This movie is a warm blanket I could curl up with any day. It has all the style and wit of classic noirs, the edge of ‘70s crime thrillers and sophistication of a modern romance. It is the first film in a trilogy and I am anxiously awaiting the final installment next year.

#5 Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
(Columbia Pictures)
Dir. Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers & Justin K. Thompson, runtime 2h 20m – Available on Netflix
Into the Spider-Verse felt like a revolution in animation and Across the Spider-Verse takes things to a whole new level. The mix of animation styles works even better. I feel as though an entire college course could be taught just on the use of color in this movie. That said, what really make movie gel is the characters. If you build heroes as strong as Miles and Gwen, the audience will stay with you, no matter how complex the story gets.

#4 - Godzilla Minus One (Toho International)
Dir. Takashi Yamazaki, runtime 2h 5m – Available in Theaters
I have a confession to make. For years, I thought the American versions of Godzilla were boring because they spent too much time with the human characters, when all we wanted to see was the big monsters fight. This film proved me wrong. It showed me that the American versions of Godzilla are boring because they find convoluted ways to make the Monster the hero, when instead the Green Guy should be treated like a horror villain. The simplicity of this story makes for the most emotional impact. Ryunosuke Kamiki plays Koichi Shikishima, a Kamikaze pilot who failed to complete his mission in the war and is helpless to stop Godzilla’s destruction. Do not scoff at the fact that this is a monster movie. This is about the real price of war and the struggle to overcome personal trauma.

#3 - Oppenheimer (Universal Pictures)
Dir. Christopher Nolan, runtime 3h – Available on Video On-Demand
Pretty much every established prestige filmmaker put out a movie in 2023. Christopher Nolan led the
charge with his take on the “Great Man” story. Nolan used his signature narrative structure to go back and forth in J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life to show how he helped create the first weapon of mass-destruction and dealt with the consequences of his creation. The film has a way of effortlessly moving from naturalistic moments to lyrical ones that makes the viewer feel the real weight of Oppenheimer’s genius, as well as the closed-mindedness of his rivals.

#2 - Sisu (Lionsgate)
Dir. Jalmari Helander, runtime 1h 31m – Available on Starz
Finland, 1944. An old man digs up a bunch of gold and the only thing standing between him and the
nearest bank is a whole army of Nazis. This year had a running theme of killing Nazis. I feel like I saw about dozen movies that all revolved around killing Nazis. Sisu was far and away the most intense and violent of the bunch. Watching this film was one of my most therapeutic cinematic experiences of the last decade. I can’t think of many things more inspiring than watching a man who has just set himself on fire swim underneath a row boat, tip it over, slice open the neck of the Nazi that falls out of the boat and suck in the air from that Nazi’s exposed windpipe so he can continue to swim underwater and kill more Nazis. Please seek this out.

#1 The Iron Claw (A24)
Dir. Sean Durkin, runtime 2h 10m – Available in Theaters
The Iron Claw is inspired by the true story of the Von-Erichs, a family of wrestlers from Texas whose immense talent became overshadowed by a mountain of personal tragedies. While Fritz (Holt McCallany) is a demanding father, I do not think it is fair to say he is the villain of this story. The love between all the brothers (Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson & Stanley Simons) is palpable. Durkin finds a new way to show wrestling on screen that puts you right in the action and really translates the appeal of the sport to the uninitiated. While this may seem like a real downer, Efron’s performance lifts up the whole movie and should inspire us all to have the courage to carry on.

 

Another great year of film and looking forward to 2024!

1/02/2023

Ed's Top 10 Movies For 2022

By Little Eddie O'Hare

 

Greetings Wicked Theory readers! My Buddy Bill has been gracious enough to let me post my top ten movies list here this year. I saw 112 new films over the past 12 months. Below are my top ten (16 if you count the honorable mentions).

Quick note up front: THESE ARE MY OPINIONS! There were many other movies that I enjoyed this year. The ones on this list hit me in the feels.

 

So here it is. First, Honorable Mentions:

RRR (Raftar Creations) dir. S.S. Rajamouli, runtime 3h 7m – Available on Netflix

Tár (Focus Features) dir. Todd Field, runtime 3h 7m – Available on Theaters and on Video On-Demand

All Quiet on the Western Front (Netflix) dir. Edward Berger, runtime 2h 28m – Available on Netflix

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Marvel Studios) dir. Ryan Coogler, runtime 2h 41m – Available in Theaters

Nope (Universal Pictures) dir. Jordan Peele, runtime 2h 10m – Available on Peacock

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix) dir. Rian Johnson, runtime 2h 19m – Available on Netflix

 

And now the Top Ten:

#10 - Troll (Netflix)

Dir. Roar Uthaug, runtime 1h 41m – Available on Netflix

This is Denmark’s stab at a Kaiju movie and boy, does it deliver. Most Godzilla movies leave me bored with the pesky humans and anxious for the big guy to show up again. Troll, on the other hand, has much more engaging human characters with real personalities and motivations for an audience to invest in. Finally, the creature effects were top notch and the reveal of the Troll was truly awe-inspiring.

 

#9 - The Northman (Focus Features)

Dir. Robert Eggers, runtime 2h 17m – Available on Peacock

Alexander Skarsgård stars in this fever dream of a movie about a Viking bent on revenge. While this story feels like it could have been adapted from ancient poetry, it offers different viewpoints of the narrative that make it feel modern and realistic. Plus, the music and visual ambience are moving enough to inspire one to tear off their shirt and run into the night wielding an axe!

 

#8 - Bullet Train (Columbia Pictures)

Dir. David Leitch, runtime 2h 7m – Available on Netflix

I would swear Guy Ritchie made this movie. It has all the visual flair, quirky characters and fast-paced dialogue of Snatch but with a more international cast and David Leitch (Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2) takes it to the next level with top-notch fighting and stunt work.  

 

#7 - Avatar: The Way of Water (20th Century Studios)

Dir. James Cameron, runtime 3h 12m – Available in Theaters

Never underestimate Big Jim. Many fanboys (myself included) have written off Avatar over the years but I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong. The Way of Water, like its predecessor, offers an immersive experience that should be viewed in 3-D on the largest screen available. Also, the family aspect of the film brings in great new characters and makes the story even more engaging than the first film.

#6 - Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (The Roku Channel)

Dir. Eric Appel, runtime 1h 48m – Available on The Roku Channel

Yes, I know it is shocking. “Ed, how in Hell could a fake biopic about a parody musician rank higher on your list than Avatar 2?” Weird is a rare breed of movie… Rarer than the White Stagg. It is a truly silly farce that harkens back to the great Zucker brothers’ comedies of the 1980s that does not bother with sentimentality and focuses solely on delivering as many jokes per square inch as possible. It is, pound-for-pound, the funniest movie I have seen in a decade. I hope to see more like it in the not-too-distant future.

 

#5 Prey (20th Century Studios)

Dir. Dan Trachtenberg, runtime 1h 40m – Available on Hulu

Predator, much like its cousins Alien and Terminator, is a seminal action franchise of the 1980s that has suffered a slow death as each new installment became bloated and convoluted. Prey is a refreshing turn in the other direction. Trachtenberg gets back to basics and takes us back in time to the 18th century American frontier, where a young Comanche girl discovers something dangerous hunting in the forest. It is a simple story told with killer suspense and effects.

 

#4 - Top Gun: Maverick (Paramount Pictures)

Dir. Joseph Kosinski, runtime 2h 10m – Available on Paramount+

Tom Cruise saved movie theaters this past summer. I can’t think of this movie without smiling. Pure Adventure.

 

#3 - The Fabelmans (Universal Pictures)

Dir. Steven Spielberg, runtime 2h 31m – Available in Theaters and on Video On-Demand

Over the past few years, it seems like every big-name director has decided to make a semi-autobiographical film about a young version of themselves falling in love with movies. It should be no surprise that Steven Spielberg has directed the best example of these films. The coming-of-age story is paired with a heartbreaking narrative of a loving family that slowly grows apart.

 

#2 - The Batman (DC Entertainment)

Dir. Matt Reeves, runtime 2h 56m – Available on HBO Max

How do you make a Batman movie feel fresh and unique again? Well Matt Reeves decided to get back to basics and really focus on the caped crusader’s detective skills. This film has the big, giant effects extravaganza finale we have come to expect from superhero fair, but everything that comes before that feels like a ‘40s noir. The rain, the street lights… I also loved how Reeves built the world out and included many classic villains as supporting characters. The sequence where the Batmobile chases down the Penguin has to be my favorite cinematic moment of the year.

 

#1 Everything Everywhere All at Once (A24)

Dir. Dan Kwan & Daniel Scheinert, runtime 2h 19m – Available on Showtime

The title says it all, really. This movie has the whole package. It uses high concept genre conventions to tell a deeply emotional story about family, love and the choices we make in life. Michelle Yeoh delivers a knockout performance and shows us that bravery comes in all shapes and sizes.

 

12/26/2021

DC TV Report for week ending 12/25/2021

 -        Li’l Eddie O’Hare


Welcome to the DC TV Report for the week ending Saturday December 25th, 2021. I'm here to bring you recaps, news and commentary for all live-action television shows based on DC Comics. There were no new episodes this week but I do have a retro pick.

Retro Pick - Aired 9/13/1997

The New Batman Adventures - Series Premiere "Holiday Knights" 1) Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy hypnotized Bruce Wayne, kidnapped him, and made him pay for a holiday shopping spree. 2) Batgirl spotted Detective Bullock and Montoya undercover as a mall Santa and an elf staking out kid shoplifters that turned out to be Clayface. 3) Batman and Robin headed to Gotham Square to stop the Joker from committing a mass murder on New Year's Eve. Last Minute Reveal: Jim Gordon enjoyed his annual New Year's cup of coffee with Batman!

This was the premiere episode of the retooled Batman: The Animated Series that Kids WB paired with their animated Superman. Almost all of the original voice cast returned and the characters were given simpler, more streamlined designs. While reactions to this series as a whole are mixed, this episode is definitely a high point. The anthology approach allows us to get a broad view of the new Gotham and establish that everything you loved about the previous series is intact.

Ed’s Winner for the Week:  Santa Bullock - As if the idea of Harvey Bullock in an ill-fitting Santa suit wasn't enough, seeing him get honest with a kid after realizing he put their father in the slammer made me bust a gut laughing.

News

Superman & Lois Season 2 Premiere Synopsis Released

https://comicbook.com/dc/news/superman-lois-season-2-premiere-synopsis-released/

Naomi develops a Superman-like power and finds alien technology in new teaser trailer

https://ew.com/tv/naomi-cw-superman-power-new-trailer/

Batwoman Star Javicia Leslie Thanks Team, May Have Confirmed Season 4

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/batwoman-star-javicia-leslie-thanks-team-may-have-confirmed-season-4/

The Flash Season 8 Episode 6 Trailer Teases Future Timeline Problems

https://screenrant.com/flash-season-8-episode-6-trailer-future-timeline/

Peacemaker: James Gunn Confirms & Impressed by Early Easter Egg Find

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/peacemaker-james-gunn-confirms-impressed-by-early-easter-egg-find/

DMZ: HBO Max Shares Preview for Ava DuVernay, Rosario Dawson Series

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/dmz-hbo-max-shares-preview-for-ava-duvernay-rosario-dawson-series/

Final Farewell

After almost a year of maintaining this blog after the podcast ended, it is with a heavy heart that I have decided not to continue after this entry. Reporting on the various DC TV universes has been one of the most fun and rewarding efforts of my creative life. While I will never stop watching these shows, I believe it is best to step back and focus on other endeavors. I would like to send a special thanks to Sara Netzley, the best co-host anyone could ask for and Bill Sweeney, for providing us with this platform. Thanks to all of the listeners and readers. I hope to reconnect with all of you again soon!

12/19/2021

DC TV Report for week ending 12/18/2021

 -        Li’l Eddie O’Hare


Welcome to the DC TV Report for the week ending Saturday December 18th, 2021. I'm here to bring you recaps, news and commentary for all live-action television shows based on DC Comics. There was 1 new episode this week and it was a finale.

Tuesday - 12/14/2021

The Flash - Midseason 8 Finale "Armageddon, Part 5" 1) After Barry succeeded in reversing the Reverse Flashpoint, Thawne asked Team Flash to save him from fading into oblivion. 2) Green Arrow Mia Queen traveled to Central City from the future, looking for her missing brother. Last Minute Reveal: At CCPD, Bart and Nora appeared in a precinct Christmas photo from 2014!


Ed’s Winner for the Week:  Those Boots - The only hard news to come out of the last DC Fandome was that Barry would finally get to wear his signature golden boots. It was nice to finally see them in action and funny to see Chester try to justify them as event-shaking tech.

News

‘Gotham Knights’ Drama In Works At the CW From ‘Batwoman’ Team

https://deadline.com/2021/12/gotham-knights-the-cw-developing-batwoman-alums-natalie-abrams-chad-fiveash-james-stoteraux-1234890384/

Superman & Lois Season 2 Episode 1 Images: Someone Needs a Super-Shave

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/superman-lois-season-2-episode-1-images-someone-needs-a-super-shave/

Naomi reveals DC superhero's geeky passion and winged mentor in new photos

https://ew.com/tv/the-cw-naomi-photos/

Legends of Tomorrow Season 7 Teaser: New Year Brings New Legends

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/legends-of-tomorrow-season-7-teaser-new-year-brings-new-legends/

Legends of Tomorrow: Caity Lotz Wraps; Series Close to Season 7 Wrap

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/legends-of-tomorrow-caity-lotz-wraps-series-close-to-season-7-wrap/

Batwoman Wraps Season 3 Filming; Cast Sets New Celebration Standard

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/batwoman-wraps-season-3-filming-cast-sets-new-celebration-standard/

12/12/2021

DC TV Report for week ending 12/11/2021

 -        Li’l Eddie O’Hare


Welcome to the DC TV Report for the week ending Saturday December 11th, 2021. I'm here to bring you recaps, news and commentary for all live-action television shows based on DC Comics. There was 1 new episode this week.

Tuesday - 12/7/2021

The Flash - S08E04 "Armageddon, Part 4" 1) In 2031, everyone was excitedly preparing for the wedding of Iris West and the Flash Eobard Thawne. 2) Barry learned Thawne had switched places with him in the timeline and went to Damien Darkh for help reversing it. 3) Alex Danvers learned Chester and Allegra had a one night stand ten years ago and demanded they get back together. Last Minute Reveal: The thwarted Thawne ran to the time room and demanded Gideon help him change things!

Ed’s Winner for the Week:  Love - It was what the whole world needed this week on The Flash. Barry Allen, the Paragon of Love, used his title to inspire the world again. Not only did Iris's love for Barry push him to Mach 20, but Damien Darkh fought for Barry out of love for his daughter, Batwoman was inspired by Iris to adopt a kid and Allegra was bullied by Alex and Ryan Choi into admitting she loved Chester. However, there is still one chapter left in this five-part event. So, let's see if all that Love can really hold up.

News

‘The Flash’ TV Show Casts Mika Abdalla as Phantom Girl

https://collider.com/the-flash-tv-show-mika-abdalla-phantom-girl/

“Superman & Lois” Boosts B.C. Economy

https://www.supermanhomepage.com/superman-lois-boosts-b-c-economy/

Superman & Lois season 2 trailer reveals an adversarial Teen Wolf reunion and Clark's glitchy powers

https://ew.com/tv/superman-lois-season-2-trailer/

Stephanie March Joins Ava DuVernay’s ‘Naomi’ DC Series (EXCLUSIVE)

https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/stephanie-march-naomi-dc-series-ava-duvernay-1235128268/

Colin Farrell to Reprise Penguin Role in ‘The Batman’ Spinoff Series for HBO Max (EXCLUSIVE)

https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/colin-farrell-pengui-the-batman-spinoff-series-hbo-max-1235127412/

 

12/05/2021

DC TV Report for week ending 12/4/2021

 -        Li’l Eddie O’Hare


Welcome to the DC TV Report for the week ending Saturday December 4th, 2021. I'm here to bring you recaps, news and commentary for all live-action television shows based on DC Comics. There was 1 new episode this week and a Christmas special.

Tuesday - 11/30/2021

The Flash - S08E03 "Armageddon, Part 3" 1) Barry tried to invoke the Injustice protocol and force Black Lightning Jefferson Pierce to premanently remove his Speed Force powers. 2) Cecille had Chester and Caitlin work on tech and called in a favor from the Top in an effort to find Barry before Despero. 3) Iris and Allegra went against Cecille's wishes and looked into whether or not Joe's death was faked. Last Minute Reveal: In 2031, Eobard Thawne gave a toast to the love of his life, Iris West, and then the entire party which included all of Team Flash plus Alex Danvers, Ryan Choi and Ryan Wilder were shocked to find the time-travelling Barry in attendance!

Wednesday - 12/1/2021

Beebo Saves Christmas - 1) Beebo became worried about Santa after receiving a form letter from the North Pole and rounded up his friends Turbo, Tweebo and Fleabo to check on the big fella. 2) Santa was making cocoa with chesnut milk at Snowbucks after a penny-pinching elf named Sprinkles fired everyone and turned the workshop into a machine-operated factory. Last Minute Reveal: Everyone sang about how they loved the holidays as Santa and the reindeer made their yearly flight!

 


           I was half-expecting this to be a clever satirical take on classic animated Christmas specials of the 1960s, and maybe even feature a special guest appearance from one of the Legends of Tomorrow. I was wrong. This is a straight up cartoon adventure in the vein of Frosty Returns from the 1990s. There are zero superhero references or inside baseball shenanigans. This is exactly the type of Beebo special our Arrowverse heroes would have watched growing up. There are some cute messages about traditions and commercialization but overall, I found it a bit too sweet for my taste and all of the high-pitched voices became grating after a while. I will give a shout out to Ernie Hudson, who voiced Santa, and I bet little kids would eat this up.

Ed’s Winner for the Week: Iris West (Candice Patton) - Iris seemed to be the only character on The Flash to keep her head on her shoulders. Barry wanted to run away and hide. Cecille blindly accepted Despero's presence and marched on. Iris took a step back and used common sense. Her Dad would be proud.

News

The Flash’s Candice Patton Reveals What Iris Isn’t Allowed To Wear Anymore

https://www.cinemablend.com/superheroes/flash/the-flashs-candice-patton-reveals-what-iris-isnt-allowed-to-wear-anymore

Robbie Amell returning to The Flash in season 8

https://ew.com/tv/the-flash-season-8-robbie-amell-return/

Beebo Saves Christmas Director Breaks Down Her 'Fuzzy Blue Sugar Bomb' Adventure

https://www.cbr.com/beebo-saves-christmas-jojo-ramos-patrick-interview/

Legends of Tomorrow: Producer Marc Guggenheim Reveals First Beebo Concept Art

https://comicbook.com/dc/news/legends-of-tomorrow-producer-marc-guggenheim-reveals-first-beebo-concept-art/

Why Legends Of Tomorrow’s Beebo Voice Actor Originally Thought The Christmas Special Was A Joke

https://www.cinemablend.com/superheroes/why-legends-of-tomorrows-beebo-voice-actor-originally-thought-the-christmas-special-was-a-joke

Superman & Lois Director Amy Jo Johnson Confirms Episode 206 Wrap

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/superman-lois-director-amy-jo-johnson-confirms-episode-206-wrap/

Batwoman: Camrus Johnson Wraps Directing Gig, Shares S03E11 Details

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/batwoman-camrus-johnson-wraps-directing-gig-shares-s03e11-details/

James Gunn’s ‘Peacemaker’ Spinoff Bows Official Trailer And Key Art For HBO Max

https://deadline.com/2021/12/james-gunn-peacemakers-official-trailer-key-art-hbo-max-1234884084/

Pennyworth Comic Writer Admits He Hasn't Really Seen the TV Show

https://comicbook.com/dc/news/pennyworth-comic-writer-admits-he-hasnt-really-seen-the-tv-show/

 

11/28/2021

DC TV Report for week ending 11/27/2021

 -        Li’l Eddie O’Hare


Welcome to the DC TV Report for the week ending Saturday November 27th, 2021. I'm here to bring you recaps, news and commentary for all live-action television shows based on DC Comics. There were 3 new episodes this week including 2 finales.

Tuesday - 11/23/2021

The Flash - S08E02 "Armageddon, Part 2" 1) After Despero claimed Barry would go mad within 24 hours, the city shut down STAR Labs and a villain with psychic powers began committing robberies around Central City. 2) Frost persuaded Chester to put aside his vow of pacifism and begin building a weapon powerful enough to kill Despero. 3) Everyone started acting weird every time Barry mentioned Joe. Last Minute Reveal: Barry ran to the Hall of Justice and asked Jefferson Pierce aka Black Lightning for help!

Wednesday - 11/24/2021

DC's Legends of Tomorrow - Midseason 7 Finale "A Woman's Place Is in the War Effort!" 1) The Legends crash-landed in 1943, the ladies got work at an airplane factory to gather parts to repair the time machine and Astra became frustrated because... racism. 2) Beyrad and Zari tried helping Nate prep for totem life by being a gracious host to the ungrateful Bishop. Last Minute Reveal: Bishop sacrificed himself and the Legends escaped but the evil attack force turned out to be brainwashed versions of the Legends!

Batwoman - MIdseason 3 Finale "Pick Your Poison" 1) Mary and Alice were on the run from Ryan and Team Batwoman, looking for a way to get the tracking nanobytes out of Alice's blood. 2) Ryan helped Jada capture Marquis so Jada could try to freeze him and figure out how to make him not a sociopath. 3) Sophie immediately regretted her one night stand with Montoya. Last Minute Reveal: Mary was looking for fun, sporting her new green getup and eyed Wayne Enterprises new CEO Marquis Jet!

Ed’s Winner for the Week:  Altered States - Each of this week's episodes featured characters turning on our heroes while out of their minds. The Flash broke out into wild violence several times without realizing it. We learned the Legends are being hunted by mirror versions of themselves who believe they are hunting time fugitives. Finally, Batwoman had to contend with her Joker-mad half-brother and poor Mary, who was persuaded to let Poison Ivy take over her consciousness.

News

The Flash Showrunner Offered Shocking Update About Jesse L. Martin's Joe West Even Before That Twist

https://www.cinemablend.com/superheroes/the-flash-showrunner-offered-shocking-update-about-jesse-l-martins-joe-west-even-before-that-twist

The Flash "Armageddon" Star Neal McDonough Really Enjoys Damien Darhk

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/the-flash-armageddon-star-neal-mcdonough-really-enjoys-damien-darhk/

Batwoman Confirms Swamp Thing Exists in the Arrowverse

https://comicbook.com/dc/news/batwoman-swamp-thing-exists-arrowverse-season-3-crossover/

Power Rangers Amy Jo Johnson Directing Season 2 Episode of Superman & Lois

https://comicbook.com/dc/news/power-rangers-amy-jo-johnson-directing-season-2-episode-of-superman-lois/

‘Dead Boy Detectives’ HBO Max Pilot Sets Main Cast

https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/dead-boy-detectives-hbo-max-pilot-cast-1235116122/

11/21/2021

DC TV Report for week ending 11/20/2021

 -        Li’l Eddie O’Hare


Welcome to the DC TV Report for the week ending Saturday November 20th, 2021. I'm here to bring you recaps, news and commentary for all live-action television shows based on DC Comics. There were 3 new episodes this week including 1 premiere.

Tuesday - 11/16/2021

The Flash - Season 8 Premiere "Armageddon, Part 1" 1) Barry and Team Flash worked to stop the Royal Flush Gang, who were stealing high-end tech in robberies that seemed different from their usual M.O. 2) Ray Palmer was in town for a tech conference and Chester was a little too eager to please. 3) Allegra was given a promotion by Iris but found her co-workers resistant to her ideas. 4) A mind-controlling Alien named Despero arrived from 2031 blaming Barry for Armageddon. Last Minute Reveal: Despero gave Barry one week to prove his virtue or face death!

Wednesday - 11/17/2021

DC's Legends of Tomorrow - S07E06 "Deus Ex Latrina" 1) Bishop built a duplicate Waverider and brought Ava Prime and the augmented evil Gideon on a mission to enact revenge on the Legends. 2) After the proto-time machine stranded the Legends in a non-descript forest, Beyrad and Totem Zari struggled to convince Dr. Davies that life was still worth living. 3) Nate contemplated moving in with Totem Zari while trying to ignore nosy Gary and human Gideon. 4) Astra and Spooner split up with Ava and Sara to let the couple vent their frustrations. Last Minute Reveal: Bishop used the ejector toilet to exit the Waverider and landed on Dr. Davies' time machine just as it took the Legends away!

Batwoman - S03E06 "How Does Your Garden Grow?" 1) Montoya tasked Ryan and the Batcave with finding an attacker infected by Poison Ivy's vines and the culprit turned out to be Mary. 2) Sophie was on the warpath trying to learn more about the Black Glove Society and believed Ryan was holding back info on Jada Jet. Last Minute Reveal: Alice and the Ivy-corrupted Mary joined forces and drove off in a fancy car!

Ed’s Winner for the Week:  Doctors Getting Personal Revelations - All 3 shows featured characters with Doctorates of some kind learning about themselves. The Flash convinced Ray Palmer (Brandon Routh) that he could live a balanced life and still make time to help young inventors. Dr. Gwyn Davies (Matt Ryan) was taught the basics of therapy by the Legends. Finally, Mary (Nicole Kang) had to get infected by a rash and become a rageful plant monster to come to terms with the fact that she felt slighted by team Batwoman.

News

The Flash boss explains how the first Arrowverse crossover inspired season 8's 'Armageddon' event

https://ew.com/tv/the-flash-season-8-premiere-preview-armageddon/

'The Flash': Brandon Routh on Returning to the Superhero World in Season 8 Premiere (Exclusive)

https://www.etonline.com/the-flash-brandon-routh-on-returning-to-the-superhero-world-in-season-8-premiere-exclusive-175228

Santa teaches Beebo a lesson in cute Beebo Saves Christmas sneak peek

https://ew.com/tv/beebo-saves-christmas-sneak-peek-video/

Batwoman first look reveals Mary's full Poison Ivy transformation

https://ew.com/tv/batwoman-nicole-kang-poison-ivy-first-look/

Peacemaker: Steve Agee Goes "Karate Kid"; James Gunn Lays It Out BTS

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/peacemaker-steve-agee-goes-karate-kid-james-gunn-lays-it-out-bts/

How Doom Force Will Be Different To Doom Patrol In Season 4

https://screenrant.com/doom-patrol-season-4-force-dorothy-characters-setup/