Elseworlds, Part 2

While Part 1 was the setup episode that relied on heavy comedy to do the heavy lifting, Part 2 on Arrow was undoubtedly the novel episode and a high-point for the Arrowverse. From the endless references to Batman lore, to the other outlandish easter eggs and even Ruby Rose's limited, but powerful debut as Batwoman, there was a lot a to love. The story flowed very naturally as an added bonus, allowing time for a little drama between the Arrow stars, Emily Bett Rickards and Stephen Amell, only to quickly cut back to the action. Yes, this was very much stunt coordinator master James Bamford's time to shine and shine he did. From the creative Batwoman stuff and one-take Arkham inmate brawl all the way down to quite possibly one of Arrow's most creatively executed duels of all time, there were thrills aplenty. Special shout-out to the opening brawl between Diggle (David Ramsey) and Deahtstroke Junior (Liam Hall), with the cool tracking shot and reddish aesthetic. While it was unfortunate to see Gotham go, the ending managed to showcase how threatening Monitor (LaMonica Garrett) can really be, along with a very entertaining tease of a new, fractured reality with several goodies sprinkled in. Part 2 of Elseworlds is truly a network high-point and is guaranteed to make comic book fans drool at the sight of its rich world building.

Last night was a great beginning to the Elseworlds trilogy however, tonight felt like a muddled step back in a few ways.

For one, the "need" to reference Batman surprisingly got old after awhile. I was far from impressed by Ruby Rose' Batwoman. They neither gave her enough to say or do, and her performance was rather wooden, something that is not so shocking at all. But I will say Blake Neely's score for her scenes was great. I genuinely love hearing what he comes up for these heroes on a week to week and year to year basis, and this Crossover is proving to be more great work from him. But my other issue with Batwoman is that she just doesn't feel like a natural presence in Gotham city. It feels forced that Bruce/Batman "left" Gotham because it "got bad". Does anyone really want to watch a Batwoman show based in Gotham that references but never actually shows Batman?

The trip to Arkham Asylum also was a bit of a letdown, at least in terms of Easter Eggs and the brief appearance by Stephen Amell's wife as Nora Fries. It was fun seeing Merlyn and Thawne back and fighting the opposite heroes. But if that's really all we get of John Barrowman this year, I will be pretty disappointed.

It follows along similar beats as last night's episode (including a scene between Felicity & Oliver that felt eerily similar to last night's moment between Barry & Iris) and i wasn't feeling the scope of the crossover as much tonight. My expectations may be too high for these things, but here's hoping tomorrow night caps it off well.

7.7/10

We are now in Uncharted Territories, Gotham City with no Bruce Wayne in it, tell me more! Ruby Rose as Kate Kane/Batwoman was good, I don't really get the hate towards her. This crossover is going places me as a big Batman fan loves, introducing multiple characters from Gotham City and the easter eggs, loving it! The fight sequences, mixing the two main heroes are interesting and entertaining to watch, rewatchable. So far I'm really enjoying Elseworlds and I believe the final part will be amazing but I feel the last crossover, Crisis on Earth X is still better but it seems like Elseworlds is more the prequel to Final Crisis but we will find out more in next episode!

Finaly The CW use Gotham city but not batman I think it's because Gotham is a series from different production but still it's a very good episode I think this elseworld focus on bromance Barry and Oliver and also friendship with Kara

More humorous action packed crossover is making me smile and worth the watch! The fun the team is having is so infectious!