Four years ago this evening, The CW firmly upped its commitment to 'somewhat' superhero storytelling with the premiere of DC's Legends Of Tomorrow ... and a new franchise was born!
I don't usually use this space to sound off on individual programming, but I thought it relevant to through out a few thoughts on the state of that particular property, which I honestly gave up on with last season's tepid finale and equally painful season. (Yes, you read that right.) I'm not picking on a show that largely established itself on a revolving door of heroes as well as dipping in and out of time-travel stories ... but last season's way-too-long sidebar with 'magical creatures' really wore me out.
For what it's worth, I don't think anything in terms of quality has come near to its first season (with some caveats about an equally interesting Season Two): Rip Hunter's set-up was very solid, and giving these anti-heroes a reason to band together and save themselves and the galaxy-at-large (even when it didn't serve their own personal interests) set the show out with a solid dramatic dynamic. The weekly stories naturally built on the premise, and the writers even managed to work in some interesting relationship twists that felt organic without adding a layer of saccharin prosthelytizing that sometimes (sadly) goes hand-in-hand with genre programming. All seemed solid in the world of The CW.
And then we get to Season 4 ...
Now, I've got nothing against 'magical creatures,' per se. In some regards, 'magical creatures' are part and parcel of what makes quality Fantasy storytelling its foundation. However, adding 'magical creatures' to a world that already required a certain suspension of disbelief in order to accommodate time travel pushed the audience into tenuous territory, indeed. I hate to harp on any show for trying something different ... but 'magical creatures?' Really, Berlanti?
Still, kudos to the showrunners and storytellers for keeping the adventure on-the-air at all. That's something still to be appreciated in this day and age when networks struggle to find audiences against the always growing threats of new channels and/or new streaming outlets. Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't say I appreciate Legends ongoing ability to keep its special effects budget at a level that made the show acceptable if not occasionally even exceptional.
How long with it last?
No one ever knows, but thanks to all of those who've joined in and participated up to this point. Here's hoping we'll be celebrating genre entries for decades to come!
As always, thanks for reading ... and live long and prosper!
I don't usually use this space to sound off on individual programming, but I thought it relevant to through out a few thoughts on the state of that particular property, which I honestly gave up on with last season's tepid finale and equally painful season. (Yes, you read that right.) I'm not picking on a show that largely established itself on a revolving door of heroes as well as dipping in and out of time-travel stories ... but last season's way-too-long sidebar with 'magical creatures' really wore me out.
For what it's worth, I don't think anything in terms of quality has come near to its first season (with some caveats about an equally interesting Season Two): Rip Hunter's set-up was very solid, and giving these anti-heroes a reason to band together and save themselves and the galaxy-at-large (even when it didn't serve their own personal interests) set the show out with a solid dramatic dynamic. The weekly stories naturally built on the premise, and the writers even managed to work in some interesting relationship twists that felt organic without adding a layer of saccharin prosthelytizing that sometimes (sadly) goes hand-in-hand with genre programming. All seemed solid in the world of The CW.
And then we get to Season 4 ...
Now, I've got nothing against 'magical creatures,' per se. In some regards, 'magical creatures' are part and parcel of what makes quality Fantasy storytelling its foundation. However, adding 'magical creatures' to a world that already required a certain suspension of disbelief in order to accommodate time travel pushed the audience into tenuous territory, indeed. I hate to harp on any show for trying something different ... but 'magical creatures?' Really, Berlanti?
Still, kudos to the showrunners and storytellers for keeping the adventure on-the-air at all. That's something still to be appreciated in this day and age when networks struggle to find audiences against the always growing threats of new channels and/or new streaming outlets. Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't say I appreciate Legends ongoing ability to keep its special effects budget at a level that made the show acceptable if not occasionally even exceptional.
How long with it last?
No one ever knows, but thanks to all of those who've joined in and participated up to this point. Here's hoping we'll be celebrating genre entries for decades to come!
As always, thanks for reading ... and live long and prosper!
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