What do I love about Captain America? For one, he is a moral compass whose virtue extends beyond the confines of his book. Like all boy scout heroes, one can usually find their way if they’re willing to ask themselves, “What would Steve Rogers do?” It may seem a little naïve and childish, but having […]
Archive | Guest Columns
Peace, Death, and Surprises on SUPERGIRL
Supergirl’s 22nd episode (“The Quest for Peace”) had it all: action, humor, a delightfully evil Lex Luthor, and Dreamer taking a shot at Brainy for being an emotionless jerk. Honestly, my favorite thing about this episode was probably the Luthor family reunion. I actually cackled when Lilian tried to poison Lex and made a joke […]
THE FLASH: What Gets Left Behind
The Flash’s finale (“Legacy”) was pretty damn charming. I loved Cisco telling Camilla his secret – especially her reaction. I mean, she brought up comic books and was super reasonable. I also think Carlos Valdes did a great job conveying Cisco’s fear and vulnerability when confessing to her: “I’ve seen how hard it is to […]
SUPERGIRL: The Mirror Has Two Faces
Supergirl’s 21st episode (“Red Daughter”) was full of interesting moments. I mean, I still don’t care about Ben Lockwood, even if he did tango with Otis (I really wanted Alex to kick his butt, ugh). But I enjoyed Lena confronting her mother, roping her into helping, armed with snark, a toxin, and a baby truth […]
Leveling Up on THE FLASH
The Flash’s 21st episode (“The Girl with The Red Lightning”) had a lot going on and a lot of great moments. The main plot revolves around finding Cicada II to stop her from killing all metas. But that was used to introduce an interesting real-world concern: vaccines. While the show is a lot less heavy-handed […]
Family Troubles on THE FLASH
The Flash’s 19th episode (“Snow Pack”) was insanely well acted. It totally blew me away from the start. The initial fight between Barry and Iris was nothing short of brilliant. Both Grant Gustin and Candice Patton sold each hurt look, each bit of anger, each unshed tear. It was also an incredibly real fight in […]
Emotions and Confessions on SUPERGIRL
Supergirl’s 20th episode (“Will The Real Miss Tessmacher Please Stand Up?”) fell a bit flat for me, unfortunately. Don’t get me wrong – there were charming moments. The humor was on point. I mean, watching Nia and Brainy test out Jimmy’s new superpowers was fun. Seeing Kara save the plane that Lena thought she landed […]
Therapy and Other Support Systems on SUPERGIRL
Supergirl’s 18th episode (“Crime and Punishment”) gave us two very good things: Alex, Lena, and Kara teaming in the best girl power way AND therapy (with Jimmy) shown in an excellent light. First, let’s talk about the ladies. The trio of them talking in the beginning was excellent. Kara being defiant in the name of […]
Team-Ups and Takedowns on THE FLASH
The Flash’s 20th episode (“Gone Rogue”) gave us two brilliant things: Ralph, trying to help everyone with their dating issues and grief (a mourning manual!), and Cisco and Sherloque getting kidnapped together. First, Ralph is a precious cinnamon roll, who must be protected at all costs. I mean, my heart broke when he told Caitlin, […]
Rise Up: Heroes and Trauma on SUPERGIRL
Supergirl’s 19th episode (“American Dreamer”) had a lot of interesting moments. For one, Dreamer/Nia got to shine, and I loved it. So much. Not only did she kick all kinds of butt (using “American Woman” during the bar scene fight was brilliant), but the humor was on point (“I’m your worst nightmare.”). It’s so fun […]
The Past is Prologue on THE FLASH
The Flash’s 18th episode (“Godspeed”) was an interestingly framed look back on Nora, her motivations, and her experiences. It was a good, and heartbreaking way, to explain the choices she’s made. Meeting her hilarious friend Lia (Kathryn Gallagher) was so much fun. I mean, up until she got murdered by Godspeed (Lia had Cisco’s gift […]
The Chaos of Family on SUPERGIRL
Supergirl’s 17th episode (“All About Eve”) was fun, but it felt largely like filler. I was excited to see M’yrnn again (Carl Lumblyis always brilliant)! He was hilarious (the coffee line, etc.), but I found myself frustrated with J’onn’s identity crisis. It resolved with his dad’s visit, but the emotional tension didn’t land for me. […]
Beneath the Deep Green Sea: When Aquaman Met Swamp Thing
Ever since Swamp Thing first traveled to Gotham City in 1973’s Swamp Thing issue #7, “Night of the Bat,” written by Len Wein and illustrated by Bernie Wrightson, superheroes have been no stranger to the mythos of the plant elemental who once thought he was scientist Alec Holland—though the Louisiana bayou was certainly never a […]