Author Archives: JD DeLuzio

CW DCU Discussion

Supergirl, “Alex:” This episode focuses on Kara’s adopted sister and her partner, and the examines the effects of the mere existence of a metahuman.

The Flash, “I Know Who You Are:” this episode brings a new member into Team Flash and spends a lot of time on unconvincing personal drama. Thanks in part to his trip to the future, Barry deduces the identity of Savitar, and confronts him in the episode’s final moments.

Of course, we know now that the future can be changed.

Arrow, “Underneath:” Oliver and Felicity bunker down; Diggle and Lyla need couples counselling.

The Handmaid’s Tale: “Offred” and “Birth Day”

Margaret Atwood’s first foray into speculative fiction, The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) is a classic of dystopian satire, and won both the Arthur C. Clarke and Canadian Governor-General Awards. I haven’t heard the radio show or the 2000 opera. The 1990 film adaptation features a lot of talent in the service of an adaptation that falls flat, reportedly, in part, due to internal conflicts over how to best adapt Atwood’s book.

It’s not an enviable task. Much of what works on the printed page, in a first-person monologue,1 simply does not translate to screen. Nevertheless, Hulu premiered its ten-part mini-series adaptation last night, and Bravo in Canada ran the first two episodes.2

Certainly, it’s more promising than the film….

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CW DCU Discussion: The Heroes Return from Hiatus

Supergirl, “Ace Reporter:” Every nanosecond brings danger as Lena Luthor’s ex comes to town with a medical procedure that may not be what it seems. Meanwhile, tension develops among the show’s second-string crimefighters.

The Flash, “The Once and Future Flash”: Barry travels to the future, to learn that Emma never returned from being Killer Frost, Savitar was defeated without the Flash learning his identity, and Mirror Master and Top continue to wreak havoc in Central City. Future Flash, taking a page out of the Arrow handbook, has become a mopey recluse in a bad wig. Can Barry get the old gang together and save the future? Can he save the doomed Iris? And will someone hand him a plot device in the last few minutes of the episode that he literally could have received at any other time in the episode?

Bonus: Killer Frost learns Savitar’s secret identity– but we don’t!

Arrow, “Dangerous Liaisons:” The Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont use seduction to…. Wait, wrong Dangerous Liaisons. Everyone joins the chase after Adrian. Team Arrow may have to make an illicit deal with Helix, and hope there’s no double-cross, in order to stop the killer.

Bill Nye and Doctor Who among those who joined pro-science rallies:

April 22 was Earth Day, and many people took the opportunity to address the broader issues of science which is actively under attack in many political quarters. The London March’s guests included Peter Capaldi, the current Doctor Who, astronaut Garrett Reisman joined the crowds in LA in an electric hummer, and Bill Nye addressed protesters in the Washington:

Other Newspace below, including alien-seeming Terran lifeforms, John Glenn, and Cosplay:

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Review: Secret Path

Tragically Hip frontman Gordon Downie and Canuck comix auteur Jeff Lemire joined forces to create this graphic / musical collaboration, based on the story of Chanie Wenjack, who died just before Halloween, 1966 trying to escape a Residential School for Native children.

Profits from this 2015 work go to the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba.

The project has been performed as a live concert, and also exists as an animated film:

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Discussion of the Legends of Tomorrow: “Aruba”

While the rest of the CW DCU takes the week off, the Legends conclude their season by revisiting a time they’ve seen before and doing battle with the Legion of Doom and a battalion of Reverse-Flashes.

Of course, we have in play the Spear of Destiny which, in this version of the DCU, can rewrite reality. A certain character gets to play god, a role that rarely works out. Things [spoiler]actually work out fairly well for our heroes[/spoiler]….

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CW DCU Discussion: “Doomworld,” “Distant Sun,” “Abra Kadabra,” and “Disbanded”

Legends of Tomorrow, “Doomworld:” more time-travelling shenanigans from the Legends. I suspect the success of the show depends on how much the audience wants to turn off brains and simply enjoy Silver Age-style superheroics.

Supergirl, “Distant Sun:” Supergirl has problems with her bf’s parents, in an ep with bounty hunters, CW romance, and palace intrigue. Mon-El’s mom apparently wants a part on Game of Thrones.

The Flash, “Abra Kadabra:” The show tries to reach out and grab ya with a new villain who may be able to help our heroes with Savitar. Caitlyn storms.

Arrow, “Disbanded:” Ollie, having gone over an edge, decides to break up the team and work with some allies from his past. This season’s big bad, Adrian Chase, has little time to gloat as his identity is exposed.