[7.9/10] I really like the move that this episode makes. We’re used to Superman being an optimist and an idealist. So I like the introduction to Captain Marvel here being something that changes that polarity, to where this new hero on the block is even sunnier and more trusting and hopeful than the Big Blue Boyscout, to where Superman seems cynical. I also like that this one centers on Luthor, an area where even Superman finds it hard to be anything but jaded and expecting of the worst given their history. It not only flips the usual dynamic we expect from Justice League, but it justifies that really well.
It’s also a strong introduction for Captain Marvel. Focusing on his “Gee Whiz” qualities as a secret kid hero getting to hang out with his heroes is a nice way to establish him as a presence in the DCAU. There’s a certain corniness and naivete to the character, but that makes sense given that he’s still in elementary school and, quite possibly, a literal boy scout. We get to see his powers in action in sharp ways, both in terms of his transformation and his Superman-level powers.
That naturally leads to the Superman vs. Captain Marvel battle. I’ll admit to zoning out a little in parts because I’m just a bit inured to the DCAU’s superhero action at this point, but the show still did a nice job at making both the Man of Steel and the secret kid hero seem like forces to be reckoned with when squaring off with one another. The resolution to the fight -- Batson calling down his Shazam lightning bolt to blast Supes and Clark turning the tables to make Captain Marvel back into a boy -- is a clever one.
Frankly, what happens after is the only thing I didn’t care for in this episode. It feels like Supes and company would have a much more animated and even aghast reaction to a ten-year-old fighting beside them and putting himself at risk, no matter what powers he may have, than we got here. Still, I like Batson’s story as one of disillusionment, where he himself had certain idealized views of the Leaguers only to question whether they were worthy of such adoration when he sees them up close. It’s a larger-than-life version of kids growing up and often growing in both complexity and cynicism in their understand of the world, and the speech and vocal performance of it are both really good.
What I particularly like about it is that both Captain Marvel and Superman are right. Again, I appreciate the choice to make Luthor, and whether he’s fully reformed or not, the fulcrum between the two heroes. Luthor’s crocodile tears and faux magnanimous routine has just enough of a patina of plausibility to make the audience wonder. That makes it seem legitimate when Captain Marvel, who think he’s following Superman’s “there’s good in everyone” ethos by trusting Lex, declares that the Justice League members don’t act like heroes anymore given the mistrust and destruction of his charitable housing development.
The other side of the coin is that, despite Batman’s seeming skepticism about whether Luthor’s still a criminal, the World’s Greatest Detective ultimately teases out the connection between Lex and Amanda Waller. The audience learns that this whole to-do was a ploy on Luthor’s part, meant to show-up Superman and add fuel to Lex’s new public image. That shows that Supes was right not to buy into Lex’s “I’m a changed man” routine. There’s layers to this thing, both personally and in terms of plot, which I really like.
Overall, this is a good character introduction, reimagines one of the key dynamics in the show, and contributes to the overarching plot of the season in a cool way. Good stuff.
Shout by Mihai IonescuBlockedParent2023-09-11T18:28:30Z
joke of the episode that I laughed for 2-5 minutes. " you have become a symbol. we don't pick favorites and we don't sell deodorants on television " the face that flash made :)))
yes. it was silly,but I laughed so hard.