‘Legends Of Tomorrow’ Season 2A Roundtable

This season on Legends of Tomorrow, the show has evolved as the time traveling heroes are on new adventures to keep the world safe, by protecting time and space. Along the way, they have made a couple of new recruits on the team, with Nate Haywood who recently became the superhero Citizen Steel and Amaya Jiwe a.k.a. Vixen who is a member of the Justice Society of America, a group of heroes from the past. This year they are not facing one, but several villains that are coming together as the dangerous Legion of Doom.

With the series now on hiatus until late January, we here at Heroic Hollywood are doing a number of Heroic Roundtables to discuss the first half of various TV shows until they return. While we wait for the show to return, several Heroic Hollywood writers came together to discuss the first eight episodes of Season 2, and our expectations for the second half of the season. So hit the next button below and let’s dive into Season 2A – be aware though for spoilers from the first nine episodes.

Page 1: New Structure & Storytelling For Season 2

Page 2:  The Evolution Of The Legion Of Doom

Page 3: Sara Lance/White Canary As Leader

Page 4: Introductions Of Citizen Steel & Vixen

Page 5: The Mysterious Return Of [SPOILER]

Page 6: Hopes & Expectations For Season 2B

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‘Rogue One’ Boldly Expands The ‘Star Wars’ Universe

The following is Heroic Hollywood’s NON-SPOILER review of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story officially marks a new chapter in the Star Wars universe and is a major risk for Lucasfilm. Star Wars: The Force Awakens featured characters that audiences had come to know over the course of multiple generations while introducing us to new fan favorites. Rogue One didn’t have those advantages going in, instead, this film is different and embraces that. Rogue One boldly introduces new characters, story elements and a visual style that is simply stunning. 

Director Gareth Edwards had a monumental task with this film. He had to create an original piece that not only expanded the Star Wars universe but connected directly into Star Wars: A New Hope. He has achieved both with Rogue One. It feels as though the Star Wars world has become infinitely larger, with more stories just waiting to be told.

Edwards has openly discussed that he wanted to make a war film and Rogue One doesn’t shy away from that environment and shows just how real and devastating war is. The action sequences and visual effects transport the audience directly onto the front lines of every battle. The stakes feel real for our characters as they are life or death. 

Rogue One will be talked about for its action, visual and practical effects but the heart of this film can be found within our main characters, who set out on the mission of stealing the plans for the Death Star. If the audience doesn’t care about these characters, the film loses its momentum going into the third act. Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen all deliver outstanding performances. Luna and Yen being the two of the clear standouts.

While much of the action focuses on our group of Rebels, The Empire has a looming presence throughout the film and that is delivered through Ben Mendelsohn’s Orson Krennic and Darth Vader. Seeing Darth Vader once again on the big screen proves that he is one of the most powerful and impactful villains of all time.

What audiences might not be expecting from this Star Wars film is that Edwards balances an intense, dark tone with lightness and humor. The humor doesn’t take away from the overall war movie feel but instead amplifies and contrasts those intense moments. One of the funniest and most sincere characters is K-2SO, played by Alan Tudyk. Tudyk has a standout performance throughout the film and his droid becomes instantly memorable alongside BB-8 and R2-D2. 

Rogue One isn’t a perfect film. At times the pacing felt rushed and certain characters are underutilized. In addition, if you are new to the Star Wars franchise, you might feel a bit left behind on the storyline and Easter Eggs.

Regardless, it’s clear that Edwards was a fan of this franchise and wanted to deliver a movie that fans would appreciate. Rogue One has the feel of a war movie but contains heart, passion and most of all hope. This is the prequel Star Wars fans have been waiting for. 

In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is in theaters December 16. Directed by Gareth Edwards, Rogue One stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Alan Tudyk, Mads Mikkelsen, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, and Ben Mendelsohn.

For continuing coverage of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, keep it locked here on HeroicHollywood.com. 

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‘Arrow’ Season 5A Roundtable

This season on Arrow, the show has started to go back to the roots of the earlier seasons with Oliver Queen continuing his crusade to protect Star City as the Green Arrow. The beginning of the season started out with Oliver as the mayor of the city while he has been putting together a new team to help protect the city. However, a new evil has emerged in the form of the mysterious powerful archer, Prometheus.

With the series now on hiatus until late January, we here at Heroic Hollywood are doing a number of Heroic Roundtables to discuss the first half of various TV shows until they return. While we wait for the show to return, several Heroic Hollywood writers came together to discuss the first nine episodes of Season 5, and our expectations for the second half of the season. So hit the next button below and let’s dive into Season 5A – be aware though for spoilers from the first nine episodes.

Page 1: The Theme Of Legacy & Returning To Show’s Roots

Page 2: Team Arrow 2.0 – The New Recruits

Page 3: The Flashbacks Of Season 5 – Russia

Page 4: Episode 100 – Celebrating A Milestone

Page 5: Prometheus – Who Is He?

Page 6: Mid-Finale Twist, Hopes For Season 5B & Speculation

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Heroic Roundtable: ’The Flash’ Season 3 So Far

This season on The Flash, the show took on the famous DC Comics storyline Flashpoint as Barry Allen changed the timeline more than once and now his world looks a bit different. Caitlin Snow now has powers, Cisco has lost his brother and that’s not even half of the changes. While Barry has been dealing with a new timeline, two dangerous enemies have emerged in Central City, with Doctor Alchemy and the dangerous speed-god, Savitar.

With the series now on hiatus until late January, we here at Heroic Hollywood are doing a number of Heroic Roundtables to discuss the first half of various TV shows until they return. While we wait for the show to return, several Heroic Hollywood writers came together to discuss the first nine episodes of Season 3, and our expectations for the second half of the season. So hit the next button below and let’s dive into Season 3A – be aware though for spoilers from the first nine episodes.

Page 1: The TV Show’s Take On Flashpoint

Page 2: Rise Of Savitar & Doctor Alchemy

Page 3: Evolution Of Heroes (& Villains?)

Page 4: Iris & Barry Relationship

Page 5: 4-Show “Invasion!” Crossover

Page 6: Hopes For Season 3B, The Prophecies & More

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Heroic Roundtable: ’Supergirl’ Season 2 So Far

The CW got its fourth DC Comics series this fall with Greg Berlanti’s Supergirl, starring Melissa Benoist as Kara Zor-El, the Girl of Steel, who flew over from CBS for her second season. Joining her fellow DC heroes in The Flash, Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow, the second season has been focusing on Kara dealing with new challenges in her life, both as a superhero and with her life as Kara Danvers. The first half of the season featured Kara and her team at the D.E.O. battling the villainous Lillian Luthor and Project Cadmus.

With the series now on hiatus until late January, we here at Heroic Hollywood are doing a number of Heroic Roundtables to discuss the first half of various TV shows until they return. While we wait for the show to return, several Heroic Hollywood writers came together to discuss the first eight episodes of Season 2, and our expectations for the second half of the season. So hit the next button below and let’s dive into Season 2A – be aware though for spoilers from the first eight episodes.

Page 1: Supergirl’s evolution since moving to The CW

Page 2: The LGBT representation with Alex Danvers & Maggie Sawyer

Page 3: Additions of new DC Comics heroes and villains

Page 4: The introduction of the Luthor women, Lena & Lillian

Page 5: What hasn’t worked so far in Season 2

Page 6: Hopes and expectations for Season 2B

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‘Legends Of Tomorrow’: ‘The Chicago Way’ Review

Legends of Tomorrow was the last CW DC show to conclude their first half of their new season as the time traveling heroes continue to hunt for Hourman’s killer. The episode opens with Eobard Thawne and Damien Darhk, along with Malcolm Merlyn, in Chicago 1927. They are there to offer Al Capone some assistance in taking down some new “foes” that are on their way, meaning the Legends.

The heroes arrive in 1927 Chicago to try and stop Capone as Gideon detected an aberration. But during the mission, the team runs into both Thawne and Darhk. Thawne ends up kidnapping Stein and Sara who gets visited by Malcolm.

He tries to come to a deal with Sara who he wants the amulet from and in exchange, he would give her a normal life again. Sara however refuses the offer which doesn’t thrill Darhk one bit. Stein does eventually reveal to Sara that he accidentally created a daughter because of a recent time travel trip. The White Canary isn’t happy about it at all and tries to convince that Lily isn’t real.

Throughout the episode, Mick begins to hallucinate his former partner in crime, Leonard Snart a.k.a. Captain Cold. As Mick keeps bonding with Vixen, Snart tries to mess with Mick’s head several times as he is aiming to “set him straight”. Mick however doesn’t let himself be distracted by the ghost of Snart.

The Legion of Doom come together to put the two amulets together and we learn that it’s actually a map that Eobard explains will bring them to something known as the “Spear of Destiny”. However, they still need another piece or to be more exact: someone.

With everything that went down in the fall finale, there is a lot that we want to discuss and breakdown. So hit the next button below and let’s breakdown the top moments and highlights from the Legends of Tomorrow Season 2 episode: “The Chicago Way”

#5: Malcolm Merlyn’s Legends Debut

#4: Team Finds Out About Lily Stein

#3: Return Of Captain Cold

#2: Legion Of Doom Evolves

#1: The Ending

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‘Arrow’: ‘What We Leave Behind’ Review

Arrow was an emotional ride for viewers of the show tonight as in the mid-season finale, Prometheus steps the game up to the next level as he puts Oliver Queen through hell. Since the new evil knows about Oliver’s real identity and the identities of his team members, he goes after Curtis who gets seriously injured.

As the Emerald Archer is hunting for his new antagonist, Evelyn reveals her true color and betrays the team. With the team trying to figure out who Prometheus really is, Oliver begins to remember an event from four years ago when he was still The Hood. The flashback tells the story of how Justin Claybourne, a criminal that Oliver took out back then. Diggle warned him back then that maybe one day, there would be consequences to Oliver’s actions.

Oliver begins to think that Prometheus is actually Justin’s son who Oliver thinks has been studying and following his training for years in order to be able to take on the Green Arrow. Meanwhile, as Billy Malone is doing his investigation, he finds a picture of a baby which he sends to Felicity. Unfortunately, Prometheus snatches him.

Once Oliver figures out where Billy is and gets to the location, a showdown takes place between the two archers. However, Prometheus puts another evil plan into motion which leaves Oliver completely broken. As he returns to his team, with his emotions completely broken, he asks everyone to stay away from him as he thinks Prometheus is right: that he brings death everywhere he goes. The group hugs and shows him that they aren’t going anywhere.

After spending a night with Susan and trying to deal with what had happened, he returns to the Arrow lair only to find a very familiar face just before the episode ends. Given how packed “What We Leave Behind” was, we have a lot to breakdown so hit the next button below and let’s go through some of the highlights and important moments of the Arrow Season 5 episode: “What We Leave Behind”

#5: Flashback To Season 1

#4: Trouble Between Curtis & Paul

#3: The Death Of [SPOILER]

#2: A Broken Team

#1: The Return Of [SPOILER]

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’Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.’: ‘The Laws of Inferno Dynamics’ Review

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. picked up right where we left off in last week’s episode as Coulson, Ghost Rider and Fitz have returned from the shadow dimension to help stop Eli Morrow once and for all. But things aren’t that simple in the winter finale as the team deals with dangerous forces.

Director Mace confronts Radcliffe about AIDA as Coulson came out clean about Radcliffe’s secret project. While he doesn’t do anything about it first, towards the end of the episode Mace decides that from now on, the program will be done under the organization’s supervision which Radcliffe doesn’t seem to thrilled about.

After making a new deal with the Devil last week, Robbie is giving it his all as he come face to face with Eli. He confronts him about what happened to him and Gabe all those years ago. But as he tries to get answers from his uncle, Robbie realizes there is no point as Eli have gotten more obsessed about the powers he now possess.

Robbie tries to flame on to take Eli down, but Eli is already one step ahead and prevents Robbie from transforming. Coulson shows up in the right time to distract Eli and the Ghost Rider comes out to play once again. However, during the big battle, Ghost Rider and Eli suddenly vanish into thin air inside the cell that.

Daisy, who has been experiencing some pain inside of herself, gets her public image cleared thanks to Mace when the press discovers her presence. While one threat is gone, a new evil appears towards the end of the episode as we discover that someone on the team is an imposter while the real version of this character is being held hostage.

A lot went down in tonight’s episode, so there is a lot to discuss about. With all of that said, hit the NEXT button below and let’s go through some of tonight’s biggest highlights and important moments in the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 4 episode: “The Laws of Inferno Dynamics”

#5: Yo-Yo & Mack’s Love Lives Again

#4: Director Mace Gets Into Action

#3: Quake’s Public Image Restored

#2: Ghost Rider Vs Eli Morrow

#1: The Ending

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‘The Flash’: ‘The Present’ Review

The Flash took part of a massive 4-show crossover last week, but this week’s mid-season finale brought it to a whole new level as Savitar takes the game to the next level. We learn about Julian’s involvement with Savitar from four years ago and how he came to be Savitar’s Alchemy. Barry Allen runs over to Earth-3 to ask help from Jay Garrick, right after he helps stop that world’s version of The Trickster.

Back on Earth-1, Jay explains to Barry what he knew about Savitar which also gave featured a brief look of the new big bad before he was suited up. Jay and Barry take on Savitar together, but Jay gets almost brutally crushed by the godlike speedster. While Barry manages to get the stone in his possession, which in turn locks Savitar away. However, Barry also discovers that Julian is Doctor Alchemy and takes him to Star Labs. Julian reveals that he has been having blackouts and Barry agrees to try and help him out.

Cisco begins to see his dead brother’s spirt that encourages him to open the box. When Savitar is unleashed once again, Wally tries to help Barry out, but Caitlin manages to convince Cisco to close it and Savitar disappears again. When the team manages, through technology, to speak directly to Savitar through Julian, the evil speedster explains that a clock is ticking, someone will be a traitor, someone will suffer a fate worse than death, but someone….will also die.

Barry and Jay try to trap the stone inside the Speed Force and while they succeed, Barry is taken to the future and witnesses his worst nightmare. Jay advices Barry though that he needs to focus on the now, that the future is not set in stone. The team later on celebrates Christmas together and Barry gives Iris the biggest gift of all time.

So hit the NEXT button below and let’s go through some of the important moments and highlights of The Flash season three episode: “The Present”

#5: Julian’s Past Explored

#4: Backstory Of Savitar

#3: Earth-3 & The Trickster

#2: Jay Garrick Mentors Barry

#1: Second Half Of Season 3 Setup

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‘Suicide Squad: Extended Cut’ Blu-Ray Review

DC Extended Universe fans have a lot to be excited about this holiday season. Suicide Squad: Extended Cut as well as its original theatrical cut is currently available on Digital HD and will be available on Ultra HD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD on Tuesday, December 13. I got a chance to have an early look at a Blu-Ray Combo Pack courtesy of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc. and got to explore the picture quality, audio presentation and of course – the special features. 

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‘The Walking Dead’ Recap: S7E7 “Sing Me A Song”

This week on The Walking Dead, we visit The Sanctuary and learn more about The Saviors as Negan gives a tour.

Last week we caught up with Heath and Tara and discovered a new community, but Oceanside will remain a mystery to everyone but Tara for the time being. Tara eventually came home to discover the hell that Negan and The Saviors unleashed. A few weeks ago we saw Jesus and Carl catch a ride in one of The Saviors trucks, so it probably isn’t going to be pretty.

Jesus and Carl are still in the back of the supply truck with the two most clueless saviors waiting to get back to The Sanctuary. Jesus continues to be a badass ninja as he leaves a trail of breadcrumbs in the form of syrup. Jesus bails out of the truck so that he doesn’t get caught. However, Carl is not so eager to hide as he has an explosive surprise for them. After taking a few by surprise, he is captured and now a guest of The Sanctuary.

Negan is in awe with Carl as Carl is truly fearless. He decided to take Carl in as his guest as he shows him how he runs his kingdom. Giving Carl a beer, he shows off how everything works. Negan demands fear, loyalty, and he even shows off Carl his “wife stable.” Turns out not all of his wives are completely down with their situation. Negan has a talk with Sherry discussing Mark and Amber as they broke his rules, and there are penalties.

As Negan continues with Carl, he not only threatens him, but toys with him over his missing eye. It’s rather heartbreaking, but it’s Carl penance for his sneak attack. Turns out Negan has a soft spot for Carl as he rolls back his ridicule of him. When Negan grabs Lucille, it’s a whole different ball game as Carl has to sing him a song under threat of Lucille. Once again it’s heartbreaking.

Meanwhile, at Alexandria, Spencer is sowing discontent against Rick by talking to both Rosita and Father Gabriel. He wants to work by Negan’s rules and “pay taxes.” Gabriel stands tall and Rosita is still on a quest of vengeance. Rick and Aaron go on a scouting trip in uncharted territory and might come across some weapons.

Before we can get to that next week, here are a few of the top moments of the episode.

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‘Westworld’ 1.10 “The Bicameral Mind” Review

Westworld ended as it began – an ambitious, albeit frustrating, look at the deepest of questions, such as what is consciousness? With such big ideas on its mind, it sometimes let some frustrating storytelling devices through. Most of the theories to the big questions panned out, like the Man in Black really is William, but with so much to accomplish that even at 90 minutes, it felt muddled, even as it delivered on many of the season’s promises. In the post-episode breakdown, showrunner (and episode co-writer/director) Jonathan Nolan said the theme of the first season was control. In the end, the show handled control about as well as the hapless humans running the park – ignorantly. Then again, since the theme of the show is the relationship between hosts and humans, perhaps that was the point.

Let’s go through the events. I decided to divide this review roughly chronologically, to get our first clear view of the history of the park as told by the show’s first season. Click Next to start the review or click which part of the review you’d like to read first.

1. 35 years ago, just prior to the park’s opening
2. 30 years ago, during William & Logan’s trip
3. The present day
   1. Maeve’s escape
   2. Dolores and the Man in Black
   3. Ford’s new narrative “Journey into Night”

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‘Legends Of Tomorrow’: ‘Invasion!’ Review

Legends of Tomorrow this week took part of the massive four-show crossover with the fellow DC Comics series on The CW, with Supergirl, The Flash and Arrow, as the heroes came together to fight the villainous Dominators. After being trapped by the Dominators, Oliver and his crew reunites with the whole team and decides it is time to take down the aliens once and for all. But Oliver asks Kara to sit on the bench for the time being as he needs the situation to have some “normalcy”.

Vixen, Citizen Steel, Heatwave, Felicity and Cisco travel back to 1951 to abduct a Dominator and interrogate it, but things doesn’t go as planned. A bunch of men in suits get in the way and captures them all. Eventually they manage to escape and return back to 2016, but Cisco begins to realize that he has now also messed with time. Because they saved that one Dominator,

Back in 2016, Barry discovers another Flashpoint consequence: it broke the truce between the Dominators and the human race since 1951. The man in the glasses, whose younger self kidnapped the Legends in 1951, reveals that if Barry gives himself up to them, the Dominators will leave Earth. However, Barry’s superfriends are not willing to give him up and the heroes finally go toe-to-toe with the Dominators.

With everything that went down in the episode, there is a lot that we want to discuss and breakdown. So hit the next button below and let’s breakdown the top moments and highlights from the Legends of Tomorrow Season 2 episode and the last installment in the crossover: “Invasion!”

#5: Oliver Benches Supergirl

#4: Hunt For Dominator In The Past

#3: Heroes Vs Aliens

#2: Musical Crossover Teased

#1: Overall Thoughts

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‘Arrow’: ‘Invasion!’ Review

Arrow picked up right where we left them off in last night’s episode of The Flash after the Dominators kidnapped Oliver, Thea, Sara, Ray and Diggle and placed them in a dream reality that we got to follow in tonight’s episode. We open up with Oliver living the life he always wanted to have as he is engaged to Laurel Lance, both his parents are alive and well, but something is a bit off.

John Diggle is in this reality the Green Arrow who is still working together with Felicity Smoak and Ray Palmer is engaged to her. As they begin to discover that something is off with this reality, back in the real world, Barry, Kara and the rest of the team try to locate their missing team members. While Oliver and his friends manage to wake up and escape the Dominators’ ship, they start to learn more about their mystery weapon.

Not only was “Invasion!” a big episode in the crossover, but this also marked as the 100^th episode of the series. Given how packed “Invasion!” was, we have a lot to breakdown so hit the next button below and let’s go through some of the highlights and important moments of the Arrow Season 5 episode: “Invasion!”

#5: The Dream Reality

#4: Return Of Multiple Arrow Villains

#3: Oliver & Laurel Together

#2: Honoring Past Characters

#1: The 100^th Episode As A Whole

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’Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.’: ‘Deals With Our Devils’ Review

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. ended on a big cliffhanger several weeks ago and after a long hiatus, the show finally returned this week and picked up right where it left off. After Eli’s action which caused Coulson, Fitz and Robbie to disappear, the team tries to figure out what happened to their allies. Meanwhile, Eli is testing out his new and dangerous abilities.

Daisy refuses to accept that the three men are gone, after all the crazy missions and situations that S.H.I.E.L.D. has dealt with in the past. We discover that Coulson, Fitz and Robbie have all been pulled into some sort of mysterious shadow dimension and while they can see their friends, neither three of them can be seen by the team.

It gets worse though as Robbie’s Ghost Rider takes over one of the agents on the other side: Mack. However, Robbie isn’t willing to go down without a fight as he tries to reason with the Ghost Rider and makes a new deal with him. Thanks to the help from Radcliffe and AIDA (who downloads information from the Darkhold), she manages to bring them back from the dimension through a gateway.

Meanwhile, Simmons has been taken to a secret location by Director Mace who wants her to study a mysterious Inhuman that has been in active Terrigenesis for a couple of months now. She manages to help the individual open a crack in the cocoon, but before she can learn his identity, Mace’s men pull her out of there.

A lot went down in tonight’s episode, so there is a lot to discuss about. With all of that said, hit the NEXT button below and let’s go through some of tonight’s biggest highlights and important moments in the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 4 episode: “Deals With Our Devils”

#5: The Aftermath

#4: Mack’s Temporary Ghost Rider Role

#3: Robbie’s New Deal With The Devil

#2: AIDA’s New Changes

#1: Mystery Inhuman Awakens

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‘The Flash’: ‘Invasion!’ Review

The Flash fans have been waiting for the ultimate crossover and this week the wait finally ended as the “Invasion!” event started in Central City tonight. The episode opens up with Team Flash discussing how to handle the situation with Wally’s new speed. As a satellite is picking up a meteor coming towards Central City, Barry runs over to investigate, but discovers that it’s something completely different: it’s a spaceship.

As Barry tries to get closer to it, the ship opens up and a swarm of creatures emerges out of it. Barry gets in touch with Lyla Diggle who reveals to Team Flash that these aliens are known as the Dominators and have been following these creatures since the 50’s. Barry realizes that he will need major backup and therefore summons both Team Arrow and Legends. In addition, he and Cisco goes over to Earth-38 to recruit Kara Zor-El a.k.a. Supergirl.

While the team gets to know Kara better, Jax and Stein have a conversation with Barry and Oliver who both hear the full message from Future Barry. In the message, we learn about Future Barry’s warning where he explains that he caused Flashpoint and that no one should trust anyone, including Barry. While Barry planned to reveal it to everyone after the Dominators threat was taken care of, Cisco unfortunately discovers it and calls Barry out on it.

As Barry is forced to tell everyone about Flashpoint and the changes that have occurred, including Diggle no longer having a daughter, this causes a split-up in the team. Oliver however backs Barry up and tells him that if Oliver had been in the same position as Barry, he would have done the same thing. Several of the heroes encounter a group of Dominators who brain-washes them and have them fight Barry and Oliver.

While Barry manages to kill the signal that has the heroes under the Dominators’ control, by tricking Supergirl to fly right into the devices, however the Dominators have a backup plan. They kidnap Ray, Thea, Sara, Diggle, and Oliver, before the episode cuts to “To Be Continued On Arrow”. There is so much we want to discuss in tonight’s episode and there is a lot to breakdown. So hit the NEXT button below and let’s go through some of the important moments and highlights of The Flash season three episode: “Invasion!”

#5: Enter The Dominators

#4: Supergirl Meets The Arrowverse

#3: All The [Flashpoint] Cards On The Table

#2: Green Arrow & The Flash Vs CW Heroes

#1: Setup For Arrow’s 100^th Episode

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’Supergirl’: ‘Medusa’ Review

Supergirl had double duties this week as not only was it time for Kara Zor-El’s second winter finale, but also setting up the 4-show crossover with The Flash, Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow this week.  It’s Thanksgiving over in National City as Mama Danvers is visiting, Mon-El getting to experience his first Thanksgiving. Meanwhile Winn, Alex and James are arguing how and when Kara will get to find out who Guardian actually is.

Dinner gets interrupted by a multidimensional breach from Earth-1 and keeps popping up a few times throughout the hour. Kara reaches out to Lena Luthor to find out if she knows what her mother is up to, with Project Cadmus. Lena reaches out to her mother and their backstory is heavily explored as it explains their current relationship.

However, Cadmus is already causing trouble as Cyborg Superman attacks the Alien Club and gets Mon-El infected by a dangerous gas which is revealed to be Project Medusa which can kill any alien.  J’onn’s condition is also getting worse with the White Martian blood beginning to take over and he accidentally exposes his secret to Kara. On the subject of secrets, Alex comes out to her mother about her sexuality and Eliza shows her enormous support.

As Supergirl try to reason with Lena, the Luthor daughter makes it clear that she stands by her mother’s side. With the Luthors getting ready to expose Medusa to all of National City, J’onn and Kara show up and confront them and Cyborg Superman. While the virus is unleashed, it is revealed that Lena switched out the isotopes so that the one that went out instead healed all aliens, including J’onn. While Lillian is stopped, new threats are teased.

Kara returns to her apartment, only to find Barry Allen and his friend Cisco Ramon from Earth-1 popping up through a breach, as they need her help on their Earth. With so much happening in this incredibly packed episode, there’s a lot that we want to break down and discuss. So let’s go through the top 5 highlights and important moments of the Supergirl Season 2 episode: “Medusa”

#5: Mon-El Admits His Feelings For Kara

#4: Project Medusa

#3: Alex Comes Out To Mama Danvers

#2: Lena Luthor Chooses Her Side

#1: The 4-Show Crossover Begins

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’Gotham’: ‘Beware the Green-Eyed Monster’ Review

Gotham picked up right where the show left off last week as James Gordon and Mario Falcone declare war at each other after Gordon discovers that Mario has been infected and is getting ready to marry Leslie. However, Mario knows how to play Gordon as he makes Jim look like the crazy one and he succeeds in marrying Leslie after all. However, Gordon doesn’t give up and the episode concludes with one shocking ending.

Selina, Bruce and Alfred continue to their hunt to take down the Court of Owls in one way or another, but during their break-in, they get caught by Talon. A showdown between him and the trio take place and as Alfred is almost about to be stabbed, a mysterious new ally emerges and saves the day. But the mystery hero ain’t so mystery as they share a past with Selina.

Nygma gets a visit by Barbara who is set to break up the bromance between him and Penguin as she reveals to Nygma that Isabella was killed by Penguin. While he refuses to believe and the reasons for it, he eventually comes to grip with the reality and decides to resign from the office and team-up with the Sirens, swearing he will destroy Oswald.

As usual, a lot happened in this week’s episode of Gotham that we want to break-down and discuss. So hit the NEXT button below and let’s go through the top 5 highlights and important moments of the Gotham Season 3 episode: “Beware the Green-Eyed Monster”

#5: Bruce, Selina & Alfred Vs Talon

#4: Selina Gets A Surprise From The Past

#3: Riddler Declares War On Penguin

#2: War Between Gordon & Mario

#1: The Ending

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‘Westworld’ Season Finale “The Bicameral Mind” Trailer Lays Out Last Puzzle Pieces

Westworld is about to close its doors – for the time being.

The 90-minute season finale, titled “The Bicameral Mind,” is next on the docket for HBO’s newest hit, concluding the 10-episode debut of the robots-run-amok drama. Check out the trailer below!

The show is going out guns-blazing, literally, as fan theory after fan theory gets a bullseye. A gaming show about gaming, Westworld has inspired no end of tin-foil conspiracies. It’s a testament to a strength of the show: how intentional it is and thought out, for a show that deliberately trips up reality and memory, sometimes at the same time. Despite some derision aimed at the rabid guessing game, I much rather plot twists that are sleuth-able than ass-pulls that render drama inert or a story incoherent. Westworld in particular is a show built and about games and puzzles so it makes sense it’s such a focal point.

Tonight’s “The Well-Tempered Clavier,” review here, continued to hit predictions right on the money (check out how many with our theory list here), revealing (SPOILER!) that Bernard is indeed a host version of Ford’s former partner Arnold and that Dolores killed him during a mysterious town massacre 30 years previous, all while Ford has dug up and recreated said town for a present-day narrative that is at the center of the trailer for “The Bicameral Mind.”

 

“The Bicameral Mind” airs next Sunday, Dec. 4 at 9 p.m. on HBO. Check out all our previous episode reviews below. Westworld was renewed for season 2, which will premiere in late 2017 or early 2018.

1. “The Original” 
2. “Chestnut”
3. “The Stray”
4. “Dissonance Theory”
5. “Contrapasso”
6. “The Adversary”
7. “Trompe L’Oeil” 
8. “Trace Decay”
9. “The Well-Tempered Clavier”

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‘Westworld’ 1.09 “The Well-Tempered Clavier” Review

Layer by layer, “The Well-Tempered Clavier,” the ninth episode of Westworld‘s first season, was engrossing, with urgency and stakes that earlier hours were missing. The hour highlighted what is best about the show – its intent, the intersection of memory, reality, and identity – while also calling attention to its occasionally weak dialogue and sometimes idiotic character turns. Thankfully, it’s easier to forgive the dumber narrative decisions when performers of this caliber are giving  some real emotional heft to this metaphorical sci-fi yarn.

The episode, helmed by Michelle MacLaren (famous for helming seminal episodes of Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones and was briefly attached to direct next summer’s Wonder Woman), is the first with a script without a writing credit of either co-showrunner Jonathan Nolan or Lisa Joy. It’s named after a collection music composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, a clavier simply being a fancy word for keyboard instruments.

Click Next to begin or select which part of the review you wish to start with.

1. Bernard’s session with Ford
2. Maeve’s rebellion begins
3. The Man in Black goes to meet Wyatt
4. William crosses a black line
5. Dolores finishes the Maze
6. Stubbs is as stupid as Elsie

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2016 Superhero Films Ranked From Worst To Best

2016 was an extremely interesting year for Superhero films. It was the first year of the beginning of the DCEU, Marvel had their annual two films, and Fox released two films from their X-Men Universe. There was a lot of interesting releases and a lot of controversy, but this year has marked a new age in the recent trend of shared universes.  It’s been a big year not only for us as a site, but also for all of you who get to see all of our favorite heroes come to the big screen in big and exciting ways. With the year winding down it’s a good time to look back at the films that came out this year and see which one stands at the top. While I enjoyed almost all of them there were films I found to be better than others. So without further ado onto the list!

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‘The Flash’: ‘Killer Frost’ Review

The Flash ended on a big cliffhanger last week as Savitar, the God of Speed, made his debut and confronted Barry as he and the team was trying to take down Doctor Alchemy. The episode picks up right where they left off as Barry and Savitar have a speedster fight, but Savitar, being the God he is, almost ends Barry.

Caitlin is forced to get out there and help Barry stop Savitar temporarily before he escapes. While Caitlin may have helped Barry, her mother’s warning is once upon reminded as the ice within her begins to take her over. As things begin to get colder and messier for her, she tries to seek Alchemy down and get him to take her powers away before it’s too late.

But because her cold side is in control, she begins to cross lines, including against her friends. At one point, she gets Julian hurt after kidnapping him and forcing him to help her find Alchemy or Savitar. As Caitlin begin to go all Killer Frost on everyone, she reveals to the team what their lives were like before Barry caused Flashpoint, which causes friction between Cisco and Barry.

Team Flash tries to figure out what the situation with Wally is as he is still inside the cocoon after he touched the Philosopher Stone last week. Eventually, Joe decides to take care of the situation as he forces the cocoon to open and the result is surprising. Barry tries to get Julian to not give Caitlin up as he stresses that she needs help. He agrees to keep the secret, but on one extreme condition.

With the big focus that both Savitar and Doctor Alchemy had in this episode, “Killer Frost” concludes with one major post-credit scene as it answers several questions and brings up new ones. Given everything that happened in tonight’s episode, there is a lot we want to break down and discuss. So hit the NEXT button below and let’s go through some of the important moments and highlights of The Flash season three episode: “Killer Frost”

#5: Wally West Becomes A Speedster

#4: Winter Arrives As Killer Frost Rises

#3: Flashpoint Consequences

#2: Barry Makes A Major Sacrifice

#1: Doctor Alchemy & Savitar Ending

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’Supergirl’: ‘The Darkest Place’ Review

Supergirl dealt with secrets and reveals to a big extent this week after Mon-El got kidnapped by Lillian Luthor and Project Cadmus in the previous episode. As Kara discovers that Mon-El has been taken by Cadmus, she goes to rescue him only to become a captive herself.

Lillian, who hates both her and Superman for what her son, Lex, had to go through, begins to torture Mon-El and threatens to kill him if Supergirl doesn’t collaborate. She forces Kara to use her super-heat-vision so that she becomes human temporarily and proceeds to steal Kara’s blood for mysterious reasons.

J’onn begins to feel weird after being saved by M’gann who, despite not wanting to, had to go through a transfusion to save him. As the team discovers that his cells are turning into those of a White Martian, J’onn realizes that M’Gann has been lying this whole time and that she is in fact a White Martian.

After making his debut as National City’s new vigilante Guardian, James (and Winn) listens to harsh reactions by their friends. However it gets worse as someone tries to pose as Guardian and ruin his reputation. To clear his name, James eventually discovers who the copycat is and goes after him.

The episode concludes with Cyborg Superman invading the Fortress of Solitude thanks to Kara’s blood and demands to learn everything about a certain project. With so much happening in this incredibly packed episode, there’s a lot that we want to break down and discuss. So let’s go through the top 5 highlights and important moments of the Supergirl Season 2 episode: “The Darkest Place”

#5: Team Supergirl Reacts To Guardian

#4: J’onn Discover M’gann’s Secret

#3: Hank Henshaw Lives – Enter Cyborg Superman

#2: Alex & Maggie Deal With Last Week’s Events

#1: Lillian Luthor’s Bigger Plan Revealed

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’Gotham’: ‘Time Bomb’ Review

Gotham is turning up the heat in their ongoing season as people begin to declare war between each other in this week’s episode of the Batman prequel series. As Nygma has been trying to avenge Isabella’s death, we discover that he has kidnapped Butch and Tabitha. Through hours of torture, when things get really crazy, as Butch tries to save Tabitha, it becomes very clear to Nygma that he had nothing to do with Isabella’s death.

Meanwhile, Barbara is trying to locate her friends on her own and as she discovers that Nygma has them captive, she learns about Penguin’s secret that he is in love with Nygma. But not only that, she also puts two and two together that Penguin killed Nygma’s beloved Isabella. As she rescues Butch and Tabitha from Nygma, she decides at the hospital while Tabitha is getting help, to reveal to Butch that she is going to put the Penguin and Nygma against each other.

Bruce, Selina and Ivy are staying safe at the Wayne Manor after the events of last week’s episode, with the mysterious key in their possession that is revealed to be a Court of Owls key. When the criminal gang kidnaps Ivy and demands the key in exchange, Bruce and their leader Volk discover that they are both aiming to take down the Court. Bruce also questions Selina why she isn’t willing to acknowledge their relationship for what it is at this point.

Mario Falcone isn’t having the best day either as he becomes the target of the Court, but during an encounter with them, he begins to show his more violent colors. Towards the end of the episode, it’s revealed that he has also been infected by the Tetch virus after seeing Leslie leaving Gordon’s place before heading to the rehearsal dinner.

As usual, a lot happened in this week’s episode of Gotham that we want to break-down and discuss. So hit the NEXT button below and let’s go through the top 5 highlights and important moments of the Gotham Season 3 episode: “Time Bomb”

#5: Trouble In Paradise For Bruce & Selina

#4: New Answers To The Court Of Owls

#3: Nygma’s Torture Fest With Butch & Tabitha

#2: The Glory That Is Barbara Kean

#1: Mario Falcone Reveals His New Color

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‘Westworld’ 1.08 “Trace Decay” Review

With only two episodes left, Westworld is closing with some real momentum. It was on display in full in tonight’s eighth episode “Trace Decay,” which admirably dealt with the twist at the end of last week’s episode “Trompe L’Oeil,” making the big William=MiB fan theory either obvious or the grandest red herring ever, and furthering Maeve’s nascent robot rebellion. We also got more Man in Black backstory, after the self-styled supervillain was absent for an episode.

Click Next to begin or select which part of the review you wish to start with.

1. Ford’s session with Bernard
2. Post-murder breakdown
3. Dolores and William’s mutual journey of self-discovery
4. Maeve’s escape plan deepens
5. Teddy interrogates the Man in Black

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Eddie Redmayne Calls ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Sequels “A Dream”

J.K. Rowling’s Wizardly World, which originally started with the Harry Potter franchise, continues this weekend with the highly anticipated release of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. The film is one of five movies currently planned by Warner Bros, all of which, are to be directed by David Yates. The latest movie stars Academy Award winning actor Eddie Redmayne as the lead character, Newt Scamander, a wizard who brings his magical beasts to New York City in the 1920s, only for them to run amuck throughout the growing town.

Redmayne is joined by Colin Farrell, Justice League‘s Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler and Katherine Waterston, who will next be seen in Alien: Covenant. In a new interview with the Oscar winner, Redmayne discussed the sheer size of a franchise like Harry Potter, and where the sequels will likely go:

“As an actor, if it’s your dream to tell stories, getting to tell stories within the imagination of one of the greatest storytellers in the world is all you can hope for, really. Long may that continue.”

Originally, the franchise was only meant to be three films long, however, when Rowling looked at the films as a whole, she and Yates felt two additional films would bring the series full circle. When asked why Redmayne signed on for the other two movies, the actor kept it short and simple:

“I love[d] who she’d written.”

Redmayne then revealed an awesome story about how he landed the gig of a lifetime:

“It came to me in a wonderfully top-secret way. I got a call, saying David Yates wanted to meet me about an unknown project. We met in a pub called Blacks, which is in Soho in London. As I went to this place, it was pouring rain, and downstairs in the basement, there was a fire and David. The whole thing had a Diagon Alley vibe to it. He started telling me this story that J.K. Rowling was writing, and he talked about Newt and the case. I had taken a suitcase that I had. As he talked more about the case, I gently pushed my case back. I had this embarrassment that I looked like one of those actors that turned up dressed for the part.”

When asked if Redmayne went back and watched the Harry Potter films the actor responded:

“I didn’t. They are always on. I did watch moments, like the wand stuff. There is a sense that every actor is like, “One day, I’ll get my wand moment.” I got my wand moment, and I got stage fright. I got awkward. I didn’t know what to do with it. In the end, I watched Dan Radcliffe, Ralph Fiennes, and Emma Watson. I definitely stole, and thieved.”

What do you guys think? I actually just got home from seeing the movie, and, as someone who was not too fond of the original Harry Potter films, Fantastic Beasts won me over. The movie is a huge blast. You can check out the full interview over at Variety, in which the actor also discusses some components of the audition process involving other actors.

Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them is in theatres now.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an all-new adventure returning us to the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling. Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) stars in the central role of wizarding world magizoologist Newt Scamander, under the direction of David Yates, who helmed the last four Harry Potter blockbusters. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.

Source: Variety (Via Comicbook.com)

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