[6.9/10] This is definitely one of the more directly moralizing episodes of Justice League so far. In a prior episode, I noted that you can ask the question for most shows that aired around this time -- “Is this about the War on Terror?” -- and I feel like the answer here is a resounding “yes!” The very fact that Hawk uses the term “preemptive strike” suggests the show was trying to be timely and relevant here.
But it’s all a little too blunt for my tastes. The “sometimes it takes more courage not to fight” moral is a good one, and Dove standing up to the Annihilator has a good amount of tension despite the outcome being all but telegraphed. Using Wonder Woman’s own pending disgust for humanity’s warning ways as a metonym for humanity’s rage and warmongering worldwide is a solid choice.
This one just doesn’t really work for me on a story level. Delving too much into the Greek mythology in the D.C. Universe has rarely clicked with me, and the notion of Ares trying to stir up conflict between human factions to get his jollies is tired and silly. It’s nice to get a touch of continuity with Kasnia featured once more (though its new queen only gets an off-hand mention), Plus Hawk and Dove look pretty goofy, their war and peace positions are pretty caricatures, and there’s only so much juice to be gleaned from the stunt casting of the two brothers from The Wonder Years.
There is something cool about seeing Vulcan making shields and weapons for people, and both Ares and Wonder Woman consulting him. (Though really, do we need more comments about Diana’s outfit/figure?) But otherwise, this one checks the right boxes but doesn't; really reach the heights of the show’s better episodes.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParentSpoilers2020-09-20T05:36:57Z
[6.9/10] This is definitely one of the more directly moralizing episodes of Justice League so far. In a prior episode, I noted that you can ask the question for most shows that aired around this time -- “Is this about the War on Terror?” -- and I feel like the answer here is a resounding “yes!” The very fact that Hawk uses the term “preemptive strike” suggests the show was trying to be timely and relevant here.
But it’s all a little too blunt for my tastes. The “sometimes it takes more courage not to fight” moral is a good one, and Dove standing up to the Annihilator has a good amount of tension despite the outcome being all but telegraphed. Using Wonder Woman’s own pending disgust for humanity’s warning ways as a metonym for humanity’s rage and warmongering worldwide is a solid choice.
This one just doesn’t really work for me on a story level. Delving too much into the Greek mythology in the D.C. Universe has rarely clicked with me, and the notion of Ares trying to stir up conflict between human factions to get his jollies is tired and silly. It’s nice to get a touch of continuity with Kasnia featured once more (though its new queen only gets an off-hand mention), Plus Hawk and Dove look pretty goofy, their war and peace positions are pretty caricatures, and there’s only so much juice to be gleaned from the stunt casting of the two brothers from The Wonder Years.
There is something cool about seeing Vulcan making shields and weapons for people, and both Ares and Wonder Woman consulting him. (Though really, do we need more comments about Diana’s outfit/figure?) But otherwise, this one checks the right boxes but doesn't; really reach the heights of the show’s better episodes.