Spoiler Review of Thor:Ragnarok

By: Jim Scroggs

            November 8, 2017
            JHScroggs on Twitter/Instagam

Edited by Katie Westbrooks

 This franchise hasn’t been the best in the MCU and we all know how kind of lackluster Thor: The Dark World was. In fact, Chris Hemsworth wasn’t all that happy with the direction of the movies but Thor: Ragnarok featured some amazing cast additions along with an out of left field director. So, let’s get into what Thor: Ragnarok and all of it’s metalness has to offer.

What I liked

Chris Hemsworth/Thor

He took so well to Taika Waititi's direction and humor that I’m convinced a fairly sizable portion of his lines/quips were ad libbed. When Hela destroyed Mjolnir, I was wondering how this would affect him going forward and it turns out, not very much. He wasn’t even in a position to use/need his hammer until the final battle with Hela when, through a vision with Odin, it was revealed that the hammer was merely a means to help channel being the God of Thunder. We saw a glimpse of what power he truly possessed early on when some lightning was on his fingers but I didn’t expect that moment to turn into a similar plot point to Wonder Woman – being that the true power was really in him the whole time. In the last 2 films, he’s wavered back and forth about wanting to be king but I feel like he’s really grown up as a character. When the people of Asgard were in imminent danger from Hela, that’s when I felt Thor became the leader we’ve been waiting for. And in that very battle with her, he loses his right eye. He and the rest of the team end up trying to figure out where to go after the destruction of Asgard but abruptly getting confronted by a giant ship, which could be a connection to Thanos as a tease for Infinity War.

Cate Blanchett/Hela

I was already ecstatic when she was cast but I’m glad that a new villain isn’t being treated as a throw away character. Her portrayal of Hela was great although, she wasn’t given a whole lot to do. I wish we spent more time with her but I really hope the speculation of her being the representation of death for Thanos to court keeps her in the MCU and in Infinity War. When Odin died, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Hela was the first born of Odin and when she started to take control of Asgard there was a painting that showed the true story of how Asgard rose to power and shows Hela holding Mjolnir. She was powerful, completely in control of her character, very formidable foe for Thor and even went toe to toe with Surter when he turned into a mountain and destroyed Asgard. I seriously don’t know if I can hate her as a villain.

 

The supporting cast

Mark Ruffalo’s appearance as Bruce Banner proves that as much as we love to see Science Bro’s with him and Tony, the real friendship, in my opinion, is with him and Thor. We get a little hint of what happened to him between the end of Age of Ultron and now. There’s a cameo from Black Widow and that video that he turned off before the jet took off into space. One of my favorite moments from him is when he gave a suplex to Hela’s giant wolf that she resurrected – the WWE fan in me perked up.  This is probably the best performance from Bruce in the entire MCU and I’m glad we get to see this version of Hulk and Bruce before Infinity War. Also, I can’t forget to mention, we saw Hulk butt.

Tessa Thompson gave a great performance of Valkyrie. She not only showed how much of an amazing warrior she is but she showed how strong she could be on a planet that wasn’t her home and was still able to connect with Thor through their shared history on Asgard. Seeing her history as a warrior in that battle, which looked like a painting, was an amazing sequence and I’m glad that kind of technology was used so well. I really hope we get more of her in Infinity War and in future films since she is such a strong character.

Jeff Goldblum in a Marvel movie is the dream we’ve all had but I hate to say this, I was expecting a tad more from him. This is probably since I was hyping the idea in my head of how awesome this is but I would have loved to see more of his eclectic nature. He still had a sense of humor mixed into the Grandmaster's dictatorship but the most important thing is he didn’t die and we get more of him in the post credit scene.

Heimdall was going to be my most intriguing character because of how little he has been used in the past. I’m glad that Idris Elba was given more to do and actually have a purpose in this film. He became the man on the ground for Thor – as he was taking care of the remaining Asgard citizens since Hela was taking over everything. Heimdall even helped fight in the last battle on the Rainbow Bridge to help rescue his fellow Asgardians. He showed how powerful of an asset and friend that he could be and I hope this will give more confidence in Marvel Studios from Idris Elba.

Karl Urban’s Skurge was a very solid addition to the cast, including his stash of things that he’s collected since he took over for Heimdall. In one scene, he uses a shake-weight (insert joke here) but he was very quick to join Hela as her executioner. But once he went to actually perform the job, he was saved by someone speaking up. Later on, he knew he made a mistake by joining her and tried to make up for that by helping fight the zombie army that she resurrected. He ended up dying but he certainly didn't die in vain.

Loki wasn’t selfish as much in this film but I fully attribute that to the popularity of Tom Hiddleston in this role. I know this is short but come on, it’s Loki. Who hates Loki?

Humor/Easter Eggs

I knew going in that this would have that special type of humor that some people might not get but I’m glad to see how special Taika Waititi is. There’s almost too many to pick from without giving this movie a second watch, but my favorite 3rd tier character in this movie is Korg. He’s voiced by Watiti and when you see this monstrous rock creature with a high pitched New Zealand accent, it’s almost too spot on. I really think he stole the movie for me.  When you watch it or even re-watch it, New Doug is probably my favorite running joke in the movie. A moment when Thor is captured and pretty down on his situation, Loki comes to talk to him in his own little way. The whole time Thor is sitting there throwing rocks at this image of Loki and they are going straight through him. He tries it later for a nice payoff of that joke. Even off the bat, there was a great scene when Thor is captured and talking to Surtur but since he was spinning, the humor was definitely there get the film to a great start.

There are a number of surprise cameos in this film that I didn’t expect – or just forgot about. I remember Sam Neill being cast but was surprised to see he was cast as Odin in a fake performance of the end of The Dark World that’s being lead by Loki (disguised as Odin). But that’s not the most surprising, Luke Hemsworth was cast as Thor in that performance and who played Loki you ask? Matt Damon. Yep, THAT Matt Damon. When Thor and Banner are trying to get the Quinjet off the ground, Bruce’s name in the jet is Strongest Avenger – the name Thor tried for himself among many names including Point Break. During the gladiatorial battle with Thor and Hulk, Thor tries to calm down Hulk by using Natasha’s AOU technique by saying “The sun's getting real low”. I almost thought that would work… until Hulk grabs Thor and tosses him like a rag doll like he did Loki in Avengers. And of course, Loki had a great reaction to that as he’s watching with The Grandmaster. I can’t leave out when Thor is about to be introduced to The Grandmaster and he’s in this chair going through a tunnel ala Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. If I forgot your favorite moment, please forgive me.

Not so much

The CG backdrops weren’t great looking all the time and that kind of took me out of it at some points. I fully understand that this is a space/cosmic movie and those kinds of effects are necessary but that’s just a little thing for me.

The Doctor Strange cameo was something that I was really looking forward to but I felt like it was a tad forced into the story line. I understand that Strange can see what others can’t but I’m glad it didn’t go longer than it did. There was a nice comedic moment with Stephen, Thor and Loki but overall, I’d say it was fan service but it didn’t help or hurt the plot.

Oden’s death early on wasn’t as much of an event as I would have expected. Thor finds him on a cliff in Norway reflecting on his life and what legacy he’ll leave. Loki is there with him as well so I’m glad he passed away – or in this case dissolved away – into the wind in front of his sons.

Final Verdict

I’m glad that Thor finally got his Jack Kirby-like cosmic movie that finally took advantage of the casts strengths but I don’t necessarily agree with the score on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s easily one of the most enjoyable movies in the MCU, probably the funniest of the group. It was course correcting for the franchise and was the best move on how to end this series. They took plenty of risks going in this direction with this director and while some of the jokes didn’t land and some of the emotional moments were a tad lackluster, I’d put it in my top 8 of the MCU.

Thor: Ragnarok is in theaters now.

Geektified's review of the Thor: Raganrok Comic-Con trailer

By Jim Scroggs
JHScroggs on Twitter and Instagram
July 24th, 2017
Edited by Katie Westbrooks    



     One of the worst kept secrets this past weekend was seeing a new Thor trailer at comic-con. Everyone was expecting it. This is easily one of the most anticipated MCU films to date because of the amazing look, sound and characters that will be shown so let’s dive into what the newest trailer for Thor:Ragnarok has to offer.

    The opening shot is of a ship flying into a city, presumably where Thor is being held. We hear Thor's voice talk about his last few days in losing his hammer, going on a journey of self-discovery and meeting someone - who I can probably assume isn't Hulk/Bruce Banner because his tone changed from the previous time we saw him speak. Bruce is being shown something by Thor but the voice that can be heard saying "Where are we?" sounded kind of robotic so I don't know who that is exactly.

    Thor confirms that Hela is the Goddess of Death so that could be an emphasis on what drives Thanos as he "courts death". Hela is shown in all her glory with the headdress walking into Asgard saying that she missed this, so maybe she's been out of the game for a while, based on her reaction, of course. Thor tells Bruce that they had a fight and Bruce asks if he won. By the footage shown, Thor didn't win at all but he says he did. Bruce questions it but of course Thor thinks he won easily so that could be a preview of a great comedic moment between the two.

    Hela is seen putting on her headdress, saying "Asgard is dead" and what follows is some other footage that we've already seen. Thor explains what Ragnarok is, along with a new shot of Hella, and he says we need to put together a team "Like the old days". The first shot of Valkyrie in full armor, ready to go to battle is shown and she looks amazing.  A circle pan shot of Hulk is shown, looking a tad different from his last appearance in Age of Ultron. And the last member of the team is who else but Loki. Thor, Valkyrie and Bruce don't look too happy to see him while he sits in a cell (big surprise) and he says this will be "such fun". Honestly, I know we've seen Loki be a complete brat but I really think he's making a slight turn to the not as evil side. Why else would he keep helping Thor over and over? Yes, I know he's probably playing him since he's involved with Thanos but Loki is arrogant enough to think that he could outsmart Thanos.

    The next few shots are of Thor jumping out of a window, him and Loki attacking soldiers, Valkyrie ready for battle, a giant wolf and Hulk going at it (I can't believe I'm typing that sentence), a newer look at The Collector, Skurge and shots of Valkyrie, Bruce flying a ship, Heimdal in a forest, battle shots of Thor, Loki, Hela. And in this movies "team shot" Hela asks " What are you the god of again?" Thor comes down engulfed in lightning and electricity and I can't wait to see how that sequence happens on screen. The final sequence is Thor and Hulk talking.  Yes, Hulk is having a full conversation comparing the both of them and I want to see how that develops yesterday.

   This is going to be the perfect way to transition into Infinity War and even if it wasn't part of a greater universe, it still looks like an incredibly fun movie and this is what this Thor franchise needs to cap off its run.

Thor: Ragnarok hits theaters November 3rd, 2017

The Geekcap Roundup

Supergirl "Resist"

Rhea unleashes her army against National City, forcing the DEO to regroup in the alien bar without J’onn for guidance. Within the chaos, Lillian Luthor offers her assistance in order to rescue Lena and eliminate the alien threat. They initially refuse, but their decision is interrupted when President Marsdin challenges Rhea on Air Force One, accompanied by a returning Cat Grant. Supergirl rescues Cat and is surprised to discover the president to be an alien from the planet Durlan. She reveals a plan to use the DEO’s positron laser to shoot down the ship, despite Mon-El and Lena still being onboard. With some further advice from Cat, Kara chooses to go with the plan but only after using Lillian’s help to sneak on the ship and rescue the others. Meanwhile, Rhea reveals her own plan to make her conquer of National City more legitimate by forcing Mon-El to marry Lena.

With a distraction from Cat and Winn in the form of an inspirational speech, the city begins to fight back against their alien invaders, and Kara, Lillian, Alex, and Maggie sneak onto the ship with the help of their portal and Superman’s Phantom Zone projector. While Daxamite soldiers attempt to kill Cat, she and Winn are rescued by the Guardian, whom Cat instantly recognizes as James Olsen. The team takes back Mon-El and Lena and successfully leave. Although Lillian plans to leave the others behind, Kara reveals an additional exit for Mon-El to escape the ship, designed by Winn. However, Kara stays on the ship to attempt to peacefully settle with Rhea, but Rhea reveals that she had planned for their weapon and has her own force against them: Superman.

Notes

• Superman’s Phantom Zone projector makes an appearance in the episode.
• Cat Grant makes her first reappearance since the season two episode “The Last Children of Krypton.” 

Photo Credit: DC/CW

The Flash "Infantino Street"

With the threat or Iris’s death coming closer, Barry and Cisco try appealing to Lyla Michaels at ARGUS for their power core to power their weapon. However, she refuses based on Barry’s past actions regarding Flashpoint. Under desperation, the team plans to steal the core themselves but find the security fortified against Barry’s powers. With no other choice, Barry appeals to a past Leonard Snart from the Legends’ Waverider for a thief’s expertise in how to steal thee core. Working together with the help of HR’s face-technology, Barry and Snart sneak through the security but come face-to-face with the main security of the power core in King Shark. Meanwhile, Joe and Wally take Iris to Earth-2 to hide from Savitar, taking refuge with Harry as HR and Tracy continue their work on the weapon to stop Savitar. Unfortunately, Savitar continues his goal to kill Iris after discovering Barry’s plan to create the weapon to stop him. 

Using Snart’s cold gun, they successfully distract King Shark with enough time to steal the power core. However, security is immediately alerted, and the door seals off, trapping Snart inside for Barry to escape. Despite having the chance, Barry stays behind to help Snart escape King Shark’s grasp, an act that surprises Lyla and convinces her to trust Barry with the power core. Back at STAR Labs, Barry arrives back questioning where Iris was taken, leading HR to reveal her location on Earth-2. Sadly, this Barry is revealed to be Savitar who travels to Earth-2 to fight off Wally and Harry to take Iris. The real Barry returns to STAR Labs, and he and Cisco travel to the city to face off against Savitar and Killer Frost. Although they attempt to use the Speedforce weapon, they fail to capture the villain, leading Savitar to finally kill Iris.

Notes

• Inside ARGUS, there are nametags reading memorable names including Grodd, Cheetah, and Cupid, a villain featured on Arrow.
• Infantino Street is a reference to Carmine Infantino, a comic book artist who helped usher in the Silver Age of comics.
• Lyla Michaels, John Diggle’s wife on Arrow, makes a reappearance.

Photo Credit: DC/CW

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. "World's End"

Robbie returns to fight off Aida, but she uses her abilities to escape. She then enacts her plan with Ivanov as they use an LMD of Daisy to shoot Talbot and other intelligence officers, framing SHIELD and the Inhumans in the process. Working with Robbie, they interrupt any further deaths but fail to stop the growing distrust of SHIELD after witnessing what appears to be Daisy going rogue. Fortunately, they regain the Darkhold, planning to set a trap for Aida. Meanwhile, Elena is rescued by Radcliffe in the Framework, and the two find their way to Mack, but he is unable to recognize her as the world continues to disappear around them. In the real world, Aida arrives on the base to confront Fitz, threatening Simmons’s life for the Darkhold. Fitz offers Aida a chance at the Darkhold, revealing Coulson to have it, but Aida seemingly kills Simmons anyway and confronts Coulson.

Simmons, however, is revealed to be alive, using an LMD decoy to distract Aida as Coulson reveals to have made a deal with the Ghost Rider to kill Aida. Their trick is successful, leading Robbie regain the Ghost Rider and return to another dimension. While the Framework continues to disappear around them, Elena refuses to leave Mack as he refuses to leave his daughter. However, as his daughter eventually disappears, the two escape the Framework moments before its destruction. Although Fitz steps up to take the fall for creating Aida, Daisy and the others refuse to abandon their friend and plan to turn themselves in as well after going out for a meal. At a diner, they are approached by a shaded man wielding strange technology. In the final scene, Coulson wakes up in a cell overlooking what seems to be outer space.

Notes

• Robbie creating a portal resembles the effect used in Doctor Strange.
• The final shot has Coulson in outer space. Could this be hinting towards SWORD?

Photo Credit: Marvel/ABC

Arrow "Missing"

In celebration for capturing Chase, Felicity throws Oliver a surprise birthday party with the team. However, the night takes a rough turn when Dinah and Curtis are knocked out and kidnapped by Talia al Ghul, enacting Chase’s latest plan to make Oliver suffer by taking away his team. Because of this, Oliver plans to have Diggle, Felicity, Lance, and Thea move to an ARGUS safe-house to hide, but Lance and Thea are quickly found and taken by Evelyn and Black Siren, the latter whom has a tense standoff with Lance. As Diggle and Felicity begin to leave town, they are also stopped by Talia and the remaining members of the League of Assassins. As Oliver attempts to predict Chase’s next move, he’s approached by Malcolm Merlyn who offers to help Oliver to rescue Thea. Meanwhile, five years ago, Kovar chains Oliver and injects him with a drug known as Red Death which forces him to relive every pain he’s experienced.

After Oliver discovers Chase has also taken William, he and Malcolm fight off ARGUS guards to have him released, only to have Chase escape and warn Oliver that he’ll “see him on the boat.” Using Felicity’s technology, Oliver tracks down Chase’s location and recruits Nyssa to help rescue the team, though he avoids telling her that they are facing her sister. Meanwhile, five years ago, Oliver is tortured by the drug and experiences a vision of Yao Fei urging him to end his life to end his pain. Before he can kill himself, a vision of Laurel encourages him to hold on for his friends and family, giving him the strength to overpower the drug. Both Oliver and Chase’s teams begin arriving on Lian-Yu to plan for a final confrontation as Oliver recruits his final ally: Slade Wilson.

Notes

• The name Lord Mesa Bakery refers to DCTV artist Lord Mesa. 

Photo Credit: DC/CW

The Geekcap Roundup

Supergirl "City of Lost Children"

After a confrontation with a victim, James questions whether Guardian can inspire the city like Supergirl. Suddenly, a telekinetic alien begins an attack downtown, beginning a hunt down for the woman. James becomes involved in the investigation and discovers the woman’s son Marcus. Because Marcus is unresponsive to everyone at the DEO, James attempts to bond with him to learn more about his mother. However, as James shows Marcus around CatCo, Marcus begins an attack on the building, forcing Supergirl to bring him back to the DEO. Meanwhile, Lena continues to work with Rhea on constructing a portal that could lead Rhea back to Daxam. However, the particles used in the portal are revealed to be influencing the mental state of the telepathic aliens, forcing them to attack. When Kara discovers the particle influence, she contacts Lena, only to be surprised to hear Rhea’s voice.

Rhea threatens the safety of Earth in revenge for Kara taking Mon-El with the use of Lena’s portal. James finally helps Marcus open up and lead James and Winn to his mother. Unfortunately, they discover a room of telepathic aliens who all soon become susceptible to the changing particles of Lena’s portal as Rhea activates it. Despite the threat of the alien attack, James manages to calmly reach out to Marcus who calms the other aliens telepathically. Using the signal, Mon-El, Kara, and J’onn track Rhea to the location of the device. As Kara tries to destroy the gate, Rhea uses White Martian technology to trap J’onn is his own mind, and Mon-El confronts his mother at gunpoint. Knowing he could never kill his own mother, Rhea reveals that she has used the gate to prepare an invasion of Daxam forces on Earth.

Notes

• James and Winn reference Batman as Clark’s “frenemy” who also wears a mask.
• The Phorians could be a reference to the Euphorians, a telepathic and telekinetic alien race from the Green Lantern comics.

Photo Credit: DC/CW

The Flash "Cause and Effect"

Savitar reveals himself to be a time anomaly from Barry’s actions and quickly speeds off after a brief fight with Barry. Back at STAR Labs, Barry informs the team of his discovery, leading Cisco to come up with an idea to use a device erase Barry’s short-term memory to affect or possibly erase Savitar. The device erases Barry’s memories which affects Savitar but also gives Barry total amnesia. Unfortunately, this comes on the day Cecile requires Barry to testify against the criminal Heatmonger in court. Cisco, Julian, Joe, and Iris attempt to help Barry through the process, but he ultimately fails in his testimony, forcing the judge to dismiss the charges. In the meantime, Iris spends more time with Barry to help jog his memory as HR spends some time with Tracy to help complete a device to stop Savitar. Suddenly, the team at STAR Labs is confronted by Killer Frost who reveals that the effects on Savitar has also caused Wally to lose his powers.

With Killer Frost’s help, the team begins reconstructing the machine to regain Barry’s memories as Barry practices his speed. After the testimony fails, Heatmonger takes to the street and begins burning an office building, pushing Barry to act unprepared. However, thanks to Cisco’s machine and an encouraging reminder of his true self from Iris, Barry regains his old memories, and he and a newly-powered Wally take down Heatmonger. With Savitar also regaining his memories, Killer Frost once again leaves STAR Labs despite the pleas of her friends, though she shows some reluctance. Tracy reveals that she has finished the Speedster trap for Savitar but admits that the power needed for it would be more than what’s available in the Sun, the same power source currently being kept by King Shark.

Notes

• Savitar is revealed to be a time remnant, a concept first introduced in the season two finale.
• In the comics, Heatmonger is a villain from New Earth, but she is actually a woman.
• Tracy’s weapon is the same one used by HR in Barry’s vision of the future.  
• Cisco references the warning from future Barry given to the team in Legends of Tomorrow, revealing it to be referring to Savitar.
• Cisco references his hate for spin-offs, even though The Flash itself is a spin-off of Arrow.
• Barry references the name Bart, a shout-out to Barry Allen’s grandson Bart Allen.
• Without his memories, Barry suggests The Streak as a hero name, the original name given to him in season one.

Photo Credit: DC/CW

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. "The Return"

Coulson and May fight off various Ivanov androids in the underwater Russian site as the remaining SHIELD team maneuvers around his forces on the Zephyr. Free of his restrictions, Ivanov sets off torpedoes to take down the site, killing Coulson, as the team race to rescue their friends. Meanwhile, Aida adapts to her emotions, taking Fitz to an undisclosed location to learn them, but Fitz convinces her to help the others as a sign of empathy. Though Aida cannot stop Ivanov without his restrictions, she manages to rescue Mack’s body as he remains in the Framework, taking them all to the destroyed base. Simmons, however, ices both Fitz and Aida as the team struggles with how to deal with the two. The conflict becomes worse as Talbot and the military confront Coulson and the others upon learning about the infiltration within SHIELD and Mace’s death.

Aida speaks to Fitz who reveals to her that while he cannot forgive himself for the things he did in the Framework, he still has feelings for Simmons, setting Aida off on an angry rage. The team try to fight off Aida, but her new abilities gained from the Framework prove to be too powerful against them as she kills the military soldiers. In a last effort, the agents escape on the Zephyr to regather their forces. Finally alone, Fitz and Simmons reconcile their relationship as Coulson and Daisy discover that Elena has plugged herself into the Framework to rescue Mack. From an undisclosed location, Aida returns to Ivanov as they develop new plans to change the world and make the agents suffer. As Talbot examines the base, the portal begins to spark to life, bringing back the Ghost Rider with a fiery chain. Meanwhile, in the Framework, Elena wakes up strapped to a table in a burning building.

Notes

• Coulson references the Inhuman Gordon with Aida’s new teleportation powers.
• Fitz and Simmons reconcile with the same familiar touch from the season two episode “Shadows.”

Photo Credit: Marvel/ABC

Arrow "Honor Thy Fathers"

At City Hall, Oliver receives a package containing a corpse buried in concrete. Dinah and Lance soon discover that this body was a politician murdered by Robert Queen fifteen years ago, much to Oliver and Thea’s shock. Meanwhile, Dinah and Curtis investigate the return of Derek Sampson, and Rene prepares for a custody hearing for his daughter. They soon discover Sampson to be working with Chase as Oliver finds a USB drive containing video proof of Robert inadvertently causing the death of the councilman. Though Oliver and Thea are dismayed to learn about their father’s past actions, Felicity reminds Oliver that despite Robert’s past, he still inspired Oliver to help save the city. Now, he needs to move on from his father’s legacy and live up to his own. Five years ago, Anatoly and Oliver travel back to Lian Yu and prepare a plan an alibi for Oliver to be rescued.

Felicity locates Sampson’s chemical agent in an applied sciences division named for Robert, and Oliver once again dons the Green Arrow suit to confront Prometheus while the team stops Sampson and his gang. Though Chase taunts Oliver for both of them living under their fathers’ legacies, Oliver fires back that Chase is only upholding the legacy of a man who abandoned him. Defeated, Chase asks Oliver to kill him, but Oliver chooses to capture him instead, bringing him to justice. In honor of Robert’s memory, Oliver gives Thea Robert’s last video dedicated for her and gives a press conference confirming Robert’s role in the death but reaffirming Robert’s role in serving the city. Meanwhile, Rene chooses to miss his custody hearing, believing his fight for his daughter to be too traumatizing for her to face. Five years ago on Lian Yu, Oliver is knocked out by Kovar who followed him to the island. Locked up in his cell, Chase secretly relishes in listening to Oliver’s speech, hinting at more to his plan.

Notes

• Robert’s video for Thea from the season three episode “The Return” makes an appearance.
• Derek Sampson from the episode “A Matter Of Trust” returns.

Photo Credit: DC/CW

The Geekcap Roundup

Supergirl "Alex"

During a police standoff, Maggie attempts to negotiate with a hostage situation, only to have Supergirl intervene which leaves a sizable rift between the two with Alex. However, Alex is then kidnapped by former Midvale High classmate Rick Malverne who blackmails Kara with the demand to let his father out of prison. While Maggie continues to interrogate him for information, Kara immediately follows a signal sent out by Alex, but the location is revealed to be a trap that triggers Alex’s cell to begin filling with water, giving them only four hours to find her. Meanwhile, Rhea offers a business proposition for a transmatter portal to Lena at L-corp, but Lena rejects the offer after discovering Rhea’s plans have alien proponents that cannot be harnessed on Earth. Though Lena questions Rhea’s motives, Rhea insists that she has been honest in her offer and presents an opportunity without judgement. Unsure about the deal, Lena calls Kara who is too busy handling Alex’s case to give advice.

With Alex’s situation becoming direr, Maggie nearly gives in to Malverne’s deal and prepares to release his father Peter Thompson. Kara catches her in the middle of the act and, following her example, begins to talk to Thompson, appealing to his role as a father to Malverne and the devastation to turning him into a terrorist for his own sake. After hearing Kara, Thompson gives Alex’s real location, just in time for Supergirl to save her. They return Alex to the DEO where she and Maggie exchange their first “I love yous” to each other. J’onn then returns Malverne to jail after wiping his memory of Kara’s secret identity but not before Alex gives the criminal a punch to the face. Kara finally contacts Lena on her decision, but Lena admits that she no longer needs help, having already agreed to Rhea’s deal.

Notes

• Kara references Clark’s ability to fly and turn back time from Superman.
• Rick Malverne was revealed in a flashback to Kara and Alex’s childhood from season one.

Photo Credit: DC/CW

The Flash "I Know Who You Are"

To try and stop Savitar, Barry, Cisco, and HR attempt to find Tracy Brand, the scientist who helps Barry trap Savitar in the future. Unfortunately, they find that Tracy has not even completed her dissertation yet, years away from helping them. Nevertheless, she soon finds herself being hunted down by Killer Frost who has orders from Savitar to kill the future scientist. Although she is apprehensive about the situation, Tracy opens up to HR about her research regarding speedsters, revealing her own knowledge about the Speed Force. With Caitlin now working with Savitar, Cisco and Julian debate over how to deal with their former friend with Cisco unable to fight Caitlin. Meanwhile, Joe struggles in his relationship with Cecile after she tells him she loves him.

The team ultimately reveal the future to Tracy Brand in hopes that she can expedite her work, but the impact of the future intimidates Tracy, leading her to leave. HR eventually finds her and persuades her as the team soon discovers Cecile has been kidnapped to exchange for Tracy. The group confronts Killer Frost with Cisco successfully incapacitating her before Savitar speeds her away, leaving behind a sample of her blood that Julian hopes to help cure Caitlin. After the rescue, Tracy soon theorizes that perhaps the team could use Savitar’s armor to turn on himself, trapping him in the Speed Force. To help his relationship, Joe ultimately confesses his feelings to Cecile and reveals Barry and Wally’s identities as the Flash and Kid Flash respectively. Upon realization, Barry confronts Savitar once again, revealing he knows his true identity: Barry himself in the future.

Notes

• Wally reveals to have been visiting Earth-3.
• Savitar is revealed to be a future version of Barry Allen, though his identity in the comics is actually an unnamed Cold War pilot.

Photo Credit: DC/CW

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. "Farewell Cruel World"

Elena and the remaining SHIELD agents are forced decloak the ship to power the virtual device as they wait for Daisy and Simmons to return from the Framework. This act leads to them being tracked as they try to fight off the threat. Inside the virtual world, Daisy reveals Aida’s plan to Simmons, and the team begins to plan to move to Radcliffe’s backdoor. Simmons, however, becomes determined to reach Fitz and confronts his father at gunpoint to meet him. Unfortunately, Fitz’s father fights off Simmons, forcing her to shoot him in defense. Against Madame Hydra’s orders, Fitz begins a hunt after the agent behind his father’s death. Under Fitz’s threat and the promise of new world, Radcliffe reveals the location of the backdoor to Fitz. As the team regathers at the backdoor site, revealed to be a steel mill, Aida prepares her machine to create a new body.

Hydra agents swarm the team as Daisy opens the portal through a molten pot. In the fight, Coulson makes it through the portal, causing a ripple effect that reveals the Framework’s digital creation to May and Mack. Fitz then corners Simmons, threatening to kill her despite her pleas. Radcliffe then turns suit and forces Fitz through the portal to the real world, revealing his betrayal of Fitz to Simmons and reassuring his good nature. Despite learning about the Framework, Mack declines to leave, preferring to stay in the same world as his daughter. Daisy returns to real world just as Fitz wakes up with Coulson and May, horrified at the things he did. Aida then enters the room, revealing to now have a real body. Before the others can react, Aida grabs onto Fitz, and the two disappear.

Notes

• Coulson briefly remembers his death from The Avengers after being shot in the Framework.
• Trip references looking good in a uniform, the same reference he gave in the season two episode “Heavy Is The Head.”

Photo Credit: Marvel/ABC

Arrow "Underneath"

Chase sets off an EMP that takes out all electronic devices in the bunker, including the spinal chip that allows Felicity to walk, and traps Oliver and Felicity inside with the doors sealed. The rest of their team eventually discover the trap and race against the clock to rescue them before they run out of air. Meanwhile, Lyla and Diggle argue over their compromised morality they’ve experienced in their work. Oliver attempts to escape through the elevator shaft despite Felicity’s warning, but a trap set by Chase sets off, wounding Oliver. Another attempt to restart the power leads to a methane pipe explosion which As Oliver begins passing out from the effort, he reveals to Felicity his confession to enjoying killing his victims. Felicity responds that despite his experiences, he never turned into a monster, showing that he is better than he believes. In a flashback eleven months earlier, Oliver and Felicity reexamine their relationship which leads to an impromptu date and sex inside the bunker.

Using Curtis’s T-Spheres, the rest of the team is able to provide an exit for Oliver and Felicity, but the mainframe is set to cause an explosion. The team then rushes to manually turn the vents back on as Diggle goes to retrieve the two. Despite his exhaustion, Oliver is able to help Felicity escape before he is rushed to emergency surgery. Lyla offers the use of ARGUS for a temporary base as Diggle apologizes for his lack of trust. In the flashback, Felicity ultimately still rejects a new relationship with Oliver after his lack of trust in revealing his son but keeps the option open for the future. As Oliver recovers, Felicity apologizes for working with Helix, saying she finally understands his own unwillingness to trust. In the final scene Chase finds Oliver’s son William. 

Notes

• Oliver's son William returns for the first time since the season four episode "Taken."

Photo Credit: DC/CW

The Geekcap Roundup

Supergirl "Ace Reporter"

During an ordinary day, Lena asks Kara to accompany her to a conference on nanotechnology hosted by her ex-boyfriend Jack Spheer. There, Spheer debuts a new technology called Biomax which promises huge medical advancements, but a former lab technician warns Kara that the human tests were faked, making the nanobots dangerous. After he is killed after his warning, Kara follows a lead by Snapper Carr to a supposed human test subject where they are attacked by a swarm of nanobots. With no leads, she is forced to crash a date between Lena and Spheer with Mon-El to learn more. Mon-El secretly steals Spheer’s security badge, leading the tow to his office. From his research, they discover evidence of the nanobots’ destruction covered up by Spheer who injected himself with the technology. Meanwhile, Winn’s girlfriend Lyra joins Guardian on his nightly missions, though her aggressive behavior leads to a conflict between the couple.

Kara warns Lena on Spheer’s deception, giving her some of their evidence to indict him. To promote the truth, Kara apologizes to Carr and offers her own work to corroborate their knowledge of Biomax. While Kara is correct that there were no human trials, Carr finds that the company’s CFO Beth Breen stands to gain from Biomax failing, believing her to be behind the scandal. Lean confronts Spheer on Biomax and discovers Beth Breen to be controlling the nanobots as well as Spheer, working to extend the control around the city. Supergirl arrives to fight off the nanobots as Lena fights off Breen. Eventually, Lena gets the opening to shut down the mainframe, but the act also kills Spheer from his connection to the nanobots. Meanwhile, James ultimately agrees to let Lyra work with him so long as she follows his orders. Because of her work, Carr re-hires Kara to CatCo Media, and Lena is paid a visit by Rhea who offers a business proposition.

Notes

• Jack Spheer was previously a villain under the alias Biomax with the ability to control others.
• Mon-El is seen reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Photo Credit: DC/CW

The Flash "The Once and Future Flash"

Barry decides to travel to 2024 to discover Savitar’s identity. Unfortunately, he finds himself in a future with a Barry devastated by Iris’s death, a paralyzed Wally, a grieving Joe, an isolated Cisco, and Julian keeping Killer Frost prisoner in his lab after the latter joined up with Savitar with the city overrun by an even stronger Mirror Master and Top. Even worse, future Barry admits to not knowing Savitar’s real identity, advising Barry to return home. However, when Barry attempts to return home, he finds himself unable to open a breach, especially when Cisco reveals he has lost his powers after confronting Caitlin years ago. Barry once again confronts his future self who reveals that while he was able to trap Savitar in the Speed Force, he was still unable to save Iris. Meanwhile, the remaining team at STAR Labs struggle to consider what to do next when Caitlin escapes the lab as Killer Frost.

Under Cisco’s advice, Barry regathers the members of the team to help him reopen the breach to return him home. Gathering Julian, Joe, and HR, Barry convinces the group to work together again to take on the Rogues. Though the two nearly overpower Barry, his future self finally joins in, using a device made by Cisco to short-out the Rogues’ powers. Inspired by his past self, future Barry decides to reset the team. As a sign of thanks, he gives Barry a drive with information from Tracy Brand, someone who helped him trap Savitar, though he warns the technology wasn’t available until four years after Iris’s death. Together, they help Barry return to 2017 with a new plan to find Caitlin before she teams up with Savitar. Meanwhile, Killer Frost comes face-to-face with Savitar outside the city who offers to make sure Caitlin never returns. When she questions why she should trust him, Savitar removes his armor, revealing his identity to her.

Notes

• Cisco refers to a future fight between him and Killer Frost.
• Barry’s costume in 2024 more closely resembles his comic counterpart’s.
• This episode was directed by cast member Tom Cavanaugh. 

Photo Credit: DC/CW

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. "All the Madame's Men"

Daisy and May fight their way through the Hydra facility with Daisy blasting Madame Hydra to escape. With Madame Hydra injured, Fitz takes control and orders a manhunt for the two agents while the Resistance scramble to develop a new plan after the death of the Patriot. As Daisy and May try to find shelter, they are soon surrounded by Hydra soldiers, alerting the base. Coulson and Mack then leave to rescue their friend and, upon Daisy’s defense, allow May to travel with them back to the base. Meanwhile, Simmons finds evidence of Project Looking Glass located in Ivanov’s property on the Baltic Sea, leading she and Trip on a reconnaissance mission. From there, she discovers Aida’s real plan is to create a real body.

On Madame Hydra’s orders, Fitz continues preparation on Project Looking Glass to ensure her betterment in “the other world.” On Fitz’s orders, his father interrogates Radcliffe for Daisy and May’s location, but he refuses to give up information to someone he calls “a snippet of code.” Using May’s footage of the Patriot’s death, the team broadcasts the truth behind Hydra with Coulson revealing himself to be an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. The reveal leads to an uprising in the public with people rallying at the station to help S.H.I.E.L.D.’s cause. In the real world, Ivanov grows restless at his inability to kill in his new body, but Aida reveals her plan to override that restriction with her new machine. In addition, Ivanov reveals his men have located Daisy and Simmons on a SHIELD jet, ready to be shot down at his orders.

Notes

• Sunil Bakshi makes a reappearance as a Hydra newscaster.
• Ward reveals in this world that he was taken in by Victoria Hand instead of John Garrett.
• Bill Paxton makes an appearance in an image on a newscreen.

Photo Credit: Marvel/ABC

Arrow "Dangerous Liaisons"

An ARGUS agent is found dead in an elevator shaft, leading the team to look into the murder as Felicity connects back to Helix. To her shock, she discovers Helix to be behind the murder as they plan to find and release their associate Cayden James from ARGUS. In exchange for her help, Helix offers Felicity a piece of James’s tech which could allow her to locate Chase anywhere. While Felicity explains her option to the team, Lyla refuses to cave in to Helix’s demands, leading Oliver and Felicity to be on separate sides. Meanwhile, Lance connects with Ramirez after discovering the situation surrounding his daughter. However, he is surprised to learn that Ramirez chooses not to visit his daughter even though he has a chance. To make things right, Lance sets up a meeting between the two and begins helping on the case to allow Ramirez visits.

The team attempts to block Helix’s breakout of Cayden James, but they are surprised to find that his location is actually in a black ops location miles from ARGUS. Helix begins attacking the correct spot, forcing Felicity to choose to help them escape and prevent her friends from stopping the plan. Meanwhile, Diggle confronts Lyla for essentially holding a man in prison without due process, but Lyla stands by her choice, believing Cayden James to be too dangerous to be set free, creating a tension between the couple. After the heist, Felicity returns to Helix to find it abandoned after Helix discovers her loyalty to her team. Nevertheless, she obtains a new code to help the team track Chase. To their surprise, the program reveals Chase to be inside the lair, and a large explosion goes off with Oliver and Felicity inside the chaos.

Notes

• Cayden James is heavily mentioned without being seen. Could he play a role in season six?

Photo Credit: DC/CW