'Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part 1' Review: The Arrowverse crossover kicks off with death, destruction and a grim multiverse-shattering battle
This review contains major spoilers for 'Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part 1'
The Arrowverse has lived up to its word when it promised a grim, full-bloodied affair when 'Crisis' finally hits our screens. The multiversal event doesn't hold anything back as it dished out a harsh treatment in the first chapter.
Ahead of the episode, not many would have expected the multiverse-shattering battle to turn out the way it did. And, here's the thing, there's more to come.
If anything, Part 1 was unpredictable, and if this was meant to be the Arrowverse's answer to 'Avengers: Endgame', the ambitious crossover surely made an impact with this episode living up to every bit of the hype.
'Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part 1' gets a more or less accurate 1985 comic treatment with the universes being wiped away by the giant anti-matter wave. It is also the time when the earth's greatest heroes assemble and these are the only ones who stand a chance of saving the multiverse.
The episode is an impressive affair as it manages to bring in all the characters giving them enough screentime while also giving a quick Crisis crash course for those not familiar with the crossover event.
The opening scene in Argo city sets up the tone for what will be a rough ride as Kara Danvers (Melissa Benoist) loses her mother. In addition, it also forces Kal-El (Tyler Hoechlin) to relive his parents' nightmare as he is forced to send his son in an escape pod.
The events get more cataclysmic as Kal and Lois are the sole survivors. Emotions run high and it is a pleasing fact as the Arrowverse has managed to bring in these emotions in sporadic, but healthy doses.
The supporting characters are still unable to process the unfolding of events and there are minor storylines around Alex (Chyler Leigh), Lena (Katie McGrath) and Kelly Olsen (Azie Tesfai).
That Part 1 is attached to 'Supergirl' is no coincidence as it also highlights Kara's resilience. It goes on to show that there is more to the Girl of Steel and the 'Crisis' isn't necessarily the end.
And when Lena agrees to help, not for friendship but to save the world, it suggests that she will still be a problem post the crossover. Atom (Brandon Routh) and Jesse Rath's Brainiac-5 lend some comic relief, however, this is overshadowed by the sheer grimness and tonality of the episode.
Even though it was the Kryptonians who were in focus for the better part of the episode, Part 1 also has a crucial storyline for 'Arrow' fans.
This may very well be the last time we'll see Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) alive as we get to see the baton being passed over to Mia (Kate McNamara) as he gives her a Green Arrow costume.
The episode ends with his long-prophesized death, although it looks premature and rushed. However, if we were to look at the legacy and being a legend as the factors, the 'Arrow' has seen seven seasons and his death just complements the events of 'Purgatory'. He goes out fending off hordes of Shadow Demons.
However, it seems unlikely that they decide to kill the character in the very first episode. Is there a possibility of resurrection? Or will there be a Spectre appearance coming in soon?
As far as cameos go, Robert Wuhl as Alexander Knox from 1989 Batman comes as a welcome move. And, it also adds to the grandeur and the scale of the event.
That Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) doesn't have much to do, and neither does Ruby Rose's Batwoman shouldn't come as a surprise, so guess each of these characters will have their moment soon.
'Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part 1' has set the bar pretty high in the first episode, There's massive mayhem, there are a whole lot of characters and it definitely dwarfs anything we have seen on small scale before.
With death, destruction and tragedy paving the way for hope, there are four more episodes to go. 'Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part 2' will air Tuesday 8 pm on The CW.