For the first time ever the CW did a cross-over event that went over a holiday break and brought in countless super heroes above and beyond their usual 4 subjects.  “Crisis on Infinite Earths” cross-over began in 2019 before the holidays, but didn’t conclude until this past week in 2020!  They were definitely trying to build up anticipation!  Viewers were left questioning and wondering how it would all wrap-up.  Also, the normal cast of Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl and DC Legends were joined by the likes of BatWoman and Black Lightening and countless other heroes and villains that we have encountered over the years.  There was definitely a huge cast and lots of guest appearances.  This cross-over came with a lot of hype as it will be the last cross-over before Arrow has its series finale.  So the big question is, did the event live up to all of the hype??

From my personal perspective, as much as it pains me to admit it, I am going to have to go with a resounding “No”.  No it did not. While I have loved the cross-over events from past years, especially because I have watched all of the shows included, I have to admit that I was a little let down with this most recent “epic” event.  It felt to me a little like they were over-reaching.  Trying to shove too much into a small space.  The plot was not really exciting and everything happened way too quickly.  Reminded me of when network executives try and get a ton of famous celebrities into one move but then the movie plot and writers are really not that amazing and it kind of ends up a big old mess (anyone see “Love Actually”)–ya know?  This whole “monitor” and “anti-monitor” was truly one of their more lame plot lines.

So many holes in the story.  So many elements that didn’t make sense.  So much about the actual story-telling that was flawed.  So much incongruity. The fight scenes fell flat and the dialogue was just kind of eh, in my opinion.  *Spoiler Alert* killing off Oliver Queen not once but twice, in a very obscure way was just poor writing and imagination.  After all of the amazing encounters that the Arrow has survived, to be killed by some random ghoul-like creatures first (totally not believable because he has been in way tougher fights), and then killed again later when he destroys the Anti-Monitor, only we aren’t sure how or why this kills him? Also, Stephen Amell (forgive me because I do love him!), had horribly acting in the dying scene.  To be able ti talk that clearly and coherently right before death is just not realistic AT ALL.  Plus to kill Oliver off before the series of Arrow is over?  Will they bring him back yet again??  Is he really dead??  Not sure which is worse.  Finishing out a series without the main character, (as “Major Crimes” did years ago), sends it out with a whimper.  However, bringing Oliver back from the dead, for what I think is the 4th or 5th time in the series, is also kind of trite.  So now the writers have set themselves up for failure either way.

Furthermore, there was no chemistry between the actors from Black Lightening and BatWoman with the other CW super heroes.  Zero. Zilch.  It was almost painful to watch.  Barry and Oliver have always had undeniable chemistry and been good friends.  Then Barry and Kara Danvers had fantastic chemistry over the years as well.  And finally the connection between Sarah and Oliver always carried the DC Legends to be part of the Super Hero friends group and bring humor and camaraderie. However, Black Lightenings character and BatWoman just did not mesh well for me or seem to fit in at all.  It was VERY forced.  And VERY contrived.  Plus after introducing Oliver’s kids this entire season on Arrow and having them be in the beginning of the cross-over, they completely disappeared at the end of the event?  With no explanation?  Felicity wasn’t in the cross-over event at all!!!  Other than in passing dialogue and reference.  And once again Cisco was there only briefly only to disappear later??  I am telling you it made NO SENSE.  To not explain why main characters were simply not around at all??

I really wanted to love this cross-over.  I did. As I have mentioned, I am always a champion for super hero television, even when it is cheesy, it is still fun and light-hearted and has brought out a lot of great characters. But the CW over-reached this time.  Spent too much time on marketing, promotions, and setting up future show scenarios and not enough time developing a great and compelling story, or giving the cast the character development that they need.

You can still check it out of course–at your own peril.  Just know that if you missed it, you didn’t miss out too badly.