Legends Of Tomorrow - Justice Society of America - Review: "Precise, Professional, in Constant Agreement"

Well, it finally happened. After the epic tease at the end of season 1 when Rex Tyler appeared and dropped the words Justice Society of America, fans waited for this day to come and now it has. Last week, we caught our first glimpse of the JSA as they descended on the legends as they were leaving 1942 in the closing moments of the episode. IMO, it was a pretty epic way to end the premiere, so I wasn't surprised to see that the ratings did a slight uptick for this week's episode. I think people were just really curious to see if this version of the JSA could live up to the hype and I'm here to say that it did. Yes, I know Smallville did it first, and in some minds did it better, but for me Legend's version of the JSA was pretty much everything I wanted it to be. Even as I type this I'm still in disbelief of how awesome the Flarrowverse JSA introduction was. I think the JSA/Legends team up really worked because it not only provided us with a chance to see the contrasts between the two teams, but it really was just so rewarding to see that the writers were able to write a team up episode with the JSA and still not lose focus on what really matters, our beloved Legends and their stories. If every crossover episode of the Flarrowverse could be this seamless then I honestly wouldn't mind them as much.

Well this is Awkward- (I'd like to start this little recap by pointing out how awesome it was to hear Sara doing the voice over of the Legends mission statement this week. I'm wondering if the opening voice over is going to be voiced by a different character each week because if so, I'm so down.) Picking right up where last week's cliffhanger left off, the Legends are surrounded by the members of the 1942 JSA,(Dr. Mid-Nite, Vixen, Stargirl, Obsidian and Commander Steel) who are demanding to know exactly who they are and why they were impersonating OSS agents? The Legends tell them they know who they are because they know Rex Tyler aka Hourman (Who happens to not be there) and they try to explain how they are basically a time traveling crew of misfits who protect history, but these guys aren't having it and so a brawl ensues and my goodness it's actually impressive. Let's note here that the effects and stunt department really got it done great here and not focus too much on the not so great CGI that happens a bit later. I hit rewind quite a few times just to take in each character's movements as well as examine and approve of each of the JSA heroes costumes. I think one thing also of note here is how great the score is during this scene as it really helps elevate the scene. Eventually the JSA wins out and takes the Legends into custody and back to their base of operations. Behind bars, the Legends play the blame game (Sara teases Jax about crushing on Stargirl, Mick simply tells Nate to just shut up, while Ray is harping on about how coordinated they are) and the entire JSA watches them on a monitor in another room. Rex reveals he has no idea who these goobs are and the JSA tries to decide what to do with them. Rex says before they dispose of them or commit them though, he thinks they should question them.

Ray is contemplating aloud as to why the JSA was watching them and Nate tells them it's because they are the freaking JSA and it's what they do, they're the best super secret organization of heroes in the world (Or something like that). Sara questions if they are so secret, then how does Nate know about them? Before he can answer in walks Commander Steel accusing Nate of only knowing their identity because he's been prepped by Nazis. Nate quickly tries to convince him otherwise by mentioning the numbers on Commander Steel's dog tags. Steel is shocked because no one knows those numbers but him! Nate is like um sorry, but not only do I know, but so does your son who tells his son and oh by the way I am your son's son aka your grandson and I have your dog tags on my neck because we pass them down in this family. (I can only imagine the headache Steel is getting trying to wrap his head around all of this)

Meanwhile while revelations are being dropped in the JSA bunker, the Reverse Flash is in Paris and he meets up with a Nazi named Baron Krieger and asking him if he's secured an item he's looking for. Krieger says that they have, but the Fuhrer is hesitant to part with it. The Reverse Flash needs him to be convinced otherwise and tells Krieger that he can give the Fuhrer something really good in return for what he asks. He pulls out a serum that has the ability to turn the common man into a supersoldier and while he can only give them a sample now, if they give him what he wants, they could have enough to win the war and claim the White House.

The Legends are brought before Rex and the reunion isn't all that they hoped since Rex doesn't remember meeting them or giving them any kind of warning. Rex is looking for an explanation from the team and Sara starts to give one, but he quickly shuts her down and tells her that he was addressing the leader, Stein. Stein tries to explain and Ray tells the JSA that they are heroes like they are. This gives Amaya, aka Vixen, a chance to really lay into them and tell them they are nothing like the JSA. (she isn't wrong, but that's not necessarily a bad thing)I have to admit it was pretty funny seeing Mick telling the JSA he's not a hero and that he is a felon and that Sara happens to be an assassin(never convicted though). The JSA gets a call from the President and it seems there are some Nazis(Krieger and co)who need their ass kicked. Ray in typical Ray fashion geeks out about it, while Nate is busy trying to get in good with his grandpa... Commander Steel tells his grandson not to admire him for his heroics because that's his job. When Vixen tells Rex she's going to head out early to do some recon and he compliments her on thinking ahead, I couldn't help but wonder if there's some sort of underlying attraction between them, one that neither would ever act on since it would contradict the mission. The Legends volunteer to help the JSA fight the Nazis but Rex says it's best that they don't and Stein follows with it with they should leave as it's best to protect the past that way. Rex makes a comment here that this is why Stein is team leader because he knows things like that and I'm just over here giving them all side eye. Back aboard the Waverider Ray is once again being Ray and geeking out over the JSA.

Mick: "Aw. Haircuts in love!"
Ray: Those guys are precise, professional, in constant agreement. We can't even agree whose turn it is to make dinner"
Sara: "Not it"
Jax: "Can't argue man, they got some serious skills"
Sara: "Big Deal! apart from the fancy headquarters, discipline and phone calls from the White House... I mean, what o they have that we don't?"

This of course brings up the topic of Captain. The team hasn't elected one in Rip's absence and while I'm not sure they actually need one, they seem to think they do. For a second it seems like Ray really is about to suggest himself, but thankfully Stein butts in and mentions how Rex already thought he was their leader. Jax counters with of course he did, they were in 1942 and you are old. ( I cackled at Stein's experience retort) Sara actually backs up Stein though and suggests they could use some adult supervision in Rip's absence, so they name Stein the Captain. Stein's first order of business is to discuss Nate and his presence on the ship. We don't get to see the discussion but it's pretty clear what's decided when Sara heads into the library and finds Nate looking up info on his grandfather.He tells Sara how disappointing he was in their meeting and Sara tells him that sometimes it sucks to meet your heroes, but at least he'll have a cool story to tell his friends when he gets back home. Nate is pretty upset once he realizes the Legends are kicking him from the ship, but Sara tells him he has no powers and no training. Nate then realizes that his grandfather's dog tags are no longer on his neck and he knows for a fact he didn't set them down anywhere. Nate then checks his notes and tells Sara that they have to go back to 1942, because the mission the JSA just went on ends up being the last one for them all.

Roid Rage- The team turns back in time and is in Paris, but they have no idea exactly where to start to find the JSA. Luckily, there's a historian named Nate on board. He explains that since they know the JSA is after Krieger (Watching him fail at trying to work the touch screen console was hilarious) that if they find Baron Krieger, then they find the JSA. They figure out where he's gonna be, but as Jax points out, how do they just sneak into said Nazi nightclub to find him? Stein proposes they go undercover as Hitler's favorite singer. Jax then takes a moment alone with Stein or Gray as he calls him, to basically question his leadership (He's smart but when bullets start flying, analytical won't cut it) Stein essentially just throws his new rank as captain at him to shut him down. Meanwhile, Sara notices Nate checking out his bruise that he got in the whole Legends vs JSA scuffle. Nate brings up the fabricator and how it can make clothes from every decade, and she brings up the digestible translator, but Nate doesn't need one because he can speak six languages. (#likeaboss) Sara then asks why he became historian given his lineage, his ability to speak languages and his knack for finding trouble and his reply is that it is a long story. Nate asks for a gun, and Sara is a bit hesitant about him getting one,but he says while he may not be LOA trained, he can still shoot. She tells him that she just really wants him home safe and they share a cute moment where he teases that she does have a heart and she's all don't tell anyone. The Legends arrive at the club, Stein is masquerading as the famous singer Max Lorenz and actually manages to convince the guards to get him in. The rest of legends are already stationed throughout the club and Sara is on Stein's arm. Ray sees Vixen across the room and makes his way over and cuts into her dance and through her hushed surprised reaction he manages to tell her they came back because the JSA dies on this mission, to which she brings up a good point, How do they that if it's not because of you all coming back here that we do indeed die?

The same guard who let Stein in, brings over a General who seems to not be as convinced that Stein is the oh so tall and talented Max Lorenz. Stein insists, so the general asks him to prove it but singing, but please, no negro music (I'm with Jax, PUNCH HIM!). Krieger walks in as Stein takes the stage and does something along the lines of an introduction that includes quips about the sound of music before actually singing. (It's actually good, though I found it just a tad but unnecessary to spend as much time on it as we did, and even then it wasn't much) While he's singing Krieger has a conversation with with an ally about the Askaran Amulet that needs to be delivered (presumably to Reverse Flash's men) and though the guy is a bit hesitant the thought of receiving the fury of the Fuhrer gets him in line. Stein finishes and receives a thunderous applause followed by salutes to Hitler. One person who doesn't salute is Ray which draws the attention of the General. He tries to get Ray to salute, but Ray just can't and so a brawl starts out and it's the Legends + Vixen versus the Nazis and it ends with the JSA (mostly Stargirl) taking down everyone in the club followed by Rex asking them what the heck they are doing here? Stein replies rescuing you guys, which really looks foolish as they clearly were the ones needed to be rescued. I liked this part for a few reasons. One, Ray refusing to salute was a good character moment as it showed that even undercover he has to stick to his morals. Two, it was our first chance to that maybe Stein isn't the best leader.

They take the JSA aboard the Waverider hoping to convince them they are the good guys, which maybe it does, but it still fails to impress them. Sara though, has had enough of their standoffish nature and tells them that the Legends are helping them whether they like it or not. (I know we were already spoiled that Sara would try her hand at being Captain of the ship, but even then, I loved how this episode built to that moment, I was rooting for Sara to be leader because in the end she really does care about this team. She is a natural born leader) Sara reveals to the JSA that they know where Krieger is going next and they need the Legends on their side. So the JSA puts it to a vote which ends up in favor of letting the Legends help. Together they figure our where/what the exchange is. Rex and Stein (who is still leader) finalize the details of their attack, and everyone else goes off to get prepared. Sara goes off to see Nate and how things are going with grandpa Steel and Nate replies it simply doesn't. (I actually enjoyed the fact that the Commander was so distant with Nate, I think it would have been to easy for them to just bond quickly and I like that Commander Steel is so duty-driven)During this conversation we find out that Nate's wound isn't healing because he's a hemophiliac! Sara is pissed because he could've died and then his blood would've been on her hands. Nate is just upset that she cares basically. It reminds him of how his mother kept him locked up from the world. Sara tells him he can't go out on the mission with them to which Nate replies that they need him because he knows history. Sara tells him that they have been fine without him and while I liked to back Sara, Nate has a point. He found them throughout time and brought them back together. Before him they had Rip, who may have been a bit unorthodox, but he knew history, but there's never been time where it was just Legends minus Rip and Nate wasn't around, so how does she really now how they'll be without him.

(Please don't let Vixen and Ray be a thing. I can't deal with another Raylationship. I just might scream) Vixen sees Ray with his suit and basically puts him down and says he has no real superpowers and you ruined my undercover operation. In fact, Ray is praising the JSA and tells Vixen they make him feel like he is doing the whole hero thing wrong and Vixen replies that well, you're not really a hero as if that should be some sort of consolation. The team travels to the site of the exchange and disrupts it and gets the amulet. In the confusion, Baron Krieger gets away and Vixen and Ray head after him. (Ray calling her Animal Girl was hilarious) Stein is saying to fall back and that the amulet is priority, but it's conflicting because the Baron is also a priority. While the team is too busy trying to get the next move form Stein, Kreiger takes the serum and becomes some sort of Nazi-Hulk like super soldier jacked up on steroids. (I have to gripe here, I really did not like the special effects here, it was bad at parts and I just wanted to look away from embarrassment) Hulk-Krieger takes out Vixen and Ray and then heads to where the rest of the team is and basically dominates. Stein falters at leading the team, so Sara takes charge on the ground leading the retreat. Stein once again pulls rank and decides that is best to just leave Vixen and Ray behind for now and this is a decision both Jax and Nate do not seem to take well.

Will the Real Captain Please stand up- Krieger has Ray and Amaya tied up and is really fascinated by the Atom suit. Vixen tells him to just get it over with and kill them and he's about to oblige when Ray stops him and tells him that he could help him make more serum or enhancer as Ray corrects him. Vixen is upset Ray even offered, because in the end, the Baron will kill them anyway. Back on the ship, Sara and Ray butt heads over their next move, should they extract Ray and Amaya or should they just destroy the Baron. They look to Stein to make a decision and he can't and he asks him to leave because their bickering is driving him crazy. Then Jax and Stein have a moment where Jax tells him that he can feel all of Stein's crazy and he knows he's in over his head. Ultimately Stein admits that he is theoretician and not a tactician and he's not a leader. Nate comes clean to his Grandpa about how he fantasized this moment would go (Beers, stories, eye contact, the whole shebang) and Commander Steel apologizes for being so distant, he just didn't want him to look up to him. He does this so others like Nate won't have to. Nate gets upset because he's tired of everyone shielding him and the Commander tells him that he doesn't have to be a soldier to be a hero.

Sara and Rex are still arguing over what they should do. Rex thinks Amaya wouldn't mind being a sacrifice(so much for thinking he cared for her) and Sara knows Ray would have a plan so they should wait. Rex tells Sara she has no authority here, but in comes Stein saying that he speaks for all of team when he says that Sara, not him, is their new captain. He says he has watched her become the bleeding heart of their team and she should lead. On the ground Ray is trying to stall with the enhancer but it ends up getting a gun pointed at Vixen's head, so Ray being Ray decides to quit fooling around and get to it. Vixen is appalled because the JSA would never agree to do anything like this, and Ray is all neither would the Legends, and two overcome their guards and plot their escape, except Amaya doesn't have her amulet. (She's still a 6th degree blackbelt, trained in edged weapons though!)Ray's atom suit is also useless so he is about to take the tweaked enhancer so he could finally have superpowers, but he gets stopped by two more Nazis who come and hold them up at gunpoint.

The team infiltrates the compound and Krieger gives the order to evacuate. Sara takes out Nazi goons(THIS FIGHT SCENE WAS SO BALLER) in a hallway and makes off with Amaya'a amulet. She meets up with them and gives it back to Amaya, while on the outside Mid-nite and Steel warn them to get out as the bomb strike Rex ordered is incoming. You know what else is coming? Roid-Rage Nazi Krieger. Steel takes a few shots at him and then runs off and Krieger chases after him. Nate pulls up on a motorcycle and Steel gets in the side car and they drive out of the strike zone with Roid-Rage Nazi following close behind. Krieger eventually gets bombed and for a brief moment the two celebrate, before a bomb drops on them. (wtf even was that? What kind of bomb leaves people not dismembered? I'm so frustrated!)

They get Nate back on the ship, but it seems like the ship can't do much to save Nate. Ray is off having a moment about how without Nate he'd still be running from dinosaurs so he has to do something. Stargirl in one of her few lines, says this wasn't his fault or even their fight with the Nazis, and Ray perks up. He still has the Nazi serum and he runs off and gives it to Nate which ends up stabilizing him without turning him into a roid monster thanks to his tweaks.(But there will be some side effects...) The JSA decides to keep the amulet safe, and Sara says the Legends need to get out of 1942. Vixen tells Ray that what he did was actually heroic because he had the chance to give himself powers and truly be a superhero but he gave that up to save Nate. Nate and the Commander patch things up and Nate ends up wearing the dog tags again, meaning history is back on track. All is happy as the episode ends. Or is it? As Rex is securing the amulet in the JSA stronghold, the Reverse Flash comes in and fatally wounds Rex, admits to tampering the timeline and that's why Rex doesn't remember meeting the Legends. Amaya comes rushing in to find Rex on the ground as the Reverse Flash takes off with the amulet unseen by her, and Rex's only words to her are "Time Traveler". (It's so interesting to see what her thought process is going to be and how she takes those words in correlation to his death)

Final Thoughts-I loved this episode. This was everything I have wanted in a Legends episode. It had something for everyone to do and just was all around awesome. I felt the episode was a lot more focused, and for an episode that featured so many characters it still felt like the focus was really on our core characters. They never got lost in the background or were out shined by the JSA. I liked Nate a lot more in the episode and I think this was a really great way to begin his transition to Citizen Steel and provide a bit of a back story on him. I loved seeing Stein struggling to take the lead,because while I like Stein the guy isn't a leader nor do I feel the character gets good meaty story so this was refreshing. Sara on the other hand was always meant to be a leader. I cheered when she finally was given the title. I'm so excited to see where her tenure as Captain takes the team. I can't wait to see what happens next with Amaya as we know he'll be joining the crew of the Waverider. While I wasn't a fan of the Krieger effects and I'm cautious of the Ray-Vixen thing, I wholeheartedly enjoyed this episode and it was way better than all of season 1. If Legends keeps going like this, it's going to be a stellar season. A

So what did you think of the episode? What did you think of the Flarrowverse JSA? Are you excited about the season? Sound off below! (Sorry for the long review, I just wanted to cover everything about this awesome episode!

The next episode of Legends of Tomorrow airs 10/27 at 7 pm CT on the CW!

About the Author - Winston Mize

I always have the most trouble coming up with a blurb to describe me. Which is really weird for someone who wants to make a career out of writing. If you think I'm awkward online, it's just because you haven't met me in person. I'd like to think I have other interests outside of TV, and maybe I do, but TV is the one that gets me most excited. I live a pretty boring life so TV's the way I get my fix, and I'd love to chat about it with you. I'm also always looking to guest or start my own podcast, so if you've got the opportunity, I'm in there like swimwear. You can check me out with different previews of various shows or read my reviews of iZombie, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Legends Of Tomorrow here on the site. If you're a fan on One Tree Hill you can check out my podcast about as well by checking out our twitter page @OnlyOthPod.

Recent Reviews (All Reviews)