Supergirl, Episode 80 “Elseworlds, Part 3” Broadcast on December 11, 2018
Teleplay by Derek Simon & Robert Rovner
Story by Marc Guggenheim
Directed by Jesse Warn
Dr. John Deegan opens the show by narrating how he went from being a doctor in Arkham Asylum, to being approached by a cosmic being (the Monitor) and given a book that can change reality. “Now I’m Superman.” Deegan has changed himself to resemble Superman with his powers, though clad in a black costume.
Previously on Arrow and Flash: Barry Allen and Oliver Queen have switched bodies, Cisco Ramon sees the Watcher while vibing with the two heroes, with Supergirl the heroes encounter Batwoman in Gotham City, Barry Allen of Earth-80 gives them information on the Monitor’s plans, and reality is again rewritten with Barry and Oliver now the Trigger Twins and on the run from the law.
Now: Deegan/Superman confronts Barry and Oliver on the top of a building, showing off his new abilities and how he’s now the hero of the city. The pair are able to avoid capture due to Oliver’s quick thinking. The Supergirl title card gives way to the Elseworlds logo.
This was a satisfying conclusion in the Elseworlds crossover. Though it’s a Supergirl episode, there’s a lot of time spent with Barry and Oliver. There’s also a ton of time spent with Superman and Lois Lane, though Tyler Hoechlin has to appear in several scenes since he’s playing as Deegan. This episode has several elements from Crisis on Infinite Earths, the ultimate DC comic book saga, with two of the heroes seemingly fated to die. Things wrap up neat and tidy, though it ultimately ends with a title card promoting next year’s DC TV Universe crossover. Plus, there’s a classic moment between two of the guest stars that made me extremely happy to witness.
The good: Neat to see all the Deegan’s newest reality changes, great lighting on Deegan/Superman when talking to Kara in her cell, evil Cisco was fun, every scene between Melissa Benoist and Chyler Leigh was writing gold (I’m continually impressed with how well the writers have both these characters constantly being so honest with one another and their words able to melt hearts), James Olsen’s new career was fun, great fight scenes with great effects, happy to FINALLY see (not see) Brainiac battling a major foe solo, fun to see all the changes to STAR Lab’s exteriors, and Deegan’s final incarnation seems to be based on a Jerry Ordway design.
Fun lines: “This is no longer your world! It’s mine!‘, “Too afraid to be a woman?”, “Pinky swear,” “…the Pet Shop Boys…”, “I am bad,” “Nice suit,” “I am the master of this world!“, “Honey?”, “This is exciting!”, “Anything for my favorite Kryptonian,”and “Yes. A good choice.”
The bad: I wanted this to go more than three episodes; there was plenty of material to have that happen, a hero exposed to fire should have been in pain, and don’t blink or you’ll miss Batwoman.
Three things I want to spoil but won’t: After the problems have been solved, there is a scene set on Earth-38 involving two characters making a reveal that had me applauding. There’s another reveal when these two have some alone time. Next year’s crossover event is teased by a villain in Arkham Asylum that leads to a very familiar title to comic book fans. I am absolutely pumped for next year!
The final line: A solid conclusion that teases two new series and next year’s DC TV event. There’s not as much Supergirl action as one might want, but what there is will melt the viewer’s heart. Great effects throughout this episode. I’m fired up for more DC action! Overall grade: A
