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What is Currently the Best CW Superhero Show?

Some shows rose while others fell in 2017.

By Jason SchwartzPublished 7 years ago 5 min read
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Courtesy of Warner Bros.

The very first article I ever wrote was a preview for the CW superhero shows of Fall 2016, so it seemed only right that I would post an updated list of how I thought these shows ranked now that the season is over. Some shows got a major boost this season while others fell from grace, and I’m here to give you my “expert” opinion on which show is currently the best in the DC Flarrowverse.

#4 Supergirl

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

If I were to pick one word to describe this season of Supergirl it would be the word, blah. It wasn’t a terrible season by any means, but it definitely had its ups and downs. Let's start with the good parts. The casting of Superman was great. It was amazing seeing a TV Superman again and Tyler Hoechlin did a heck of a job. I think it may be the greatest portrayal of Clark Kent we’ve ever seen. I also enjoyed the growing role of Lena Luther, a fascinating character with many layers and I hope to see more of her in the future.

Now for the not so good, the disappearing act of James Olsen. I’m glad they decided to throw out the Kara and James romance but I still want him to be part of the show. The Guardian story line just felt like a disjointed side plot that they kind of shoehorned in. If it wasn’t for the episode where James saved the Phorians I would have completely forgotten he was in the series.

My main problem was with the Mon-el love story. I actually liked his character by the end of the series, but watching him Encino Man his way around (Google it kids) for the first few episodes was incredibly tedious. In the end, he became fairly likable but it was a painful journey. Here’s hoping we see him on Legends of Tomorrow.

Most of the episodes were just plain forgettable, I want more of those powerful moments we got in season 1.

#3 The Flash

Courtesy of Warner Bros

Typing “The Flash” at number 3 physically hurt me. I loved the first season so much that it pains me to watch it decline. Season 1 was absolutely amazing, season 2 was pretty good and season 3 was just plain bad at times. The only reason it beat out Supergirl is because there were still some great episodes that redeemed this season and some hints to some possible exciting future episodes. Overall, I would say this season was a disappointment. The show stopped being about the Flash and more about Barry and Iris. I’m not saying romance doesn’t have a place in the show, but there needs to be a better balance.

Their biggest blunder was when they made the cardinal sin a TV show can make, teasing a big moment far too early. Showing Iris dying so early on took away the shock we would’ve experienced if we weren’t warned. Everyone knew she wouldn’t die because you don’t show a big moment like that and then carry it out as planned, it would be too boring. Having HR take her place was predictable and cheapened the big moment of the season. The finale ended with Barry going into the Speedforce to save the world, but no one really thinks he’s gone forever so it’s not a very good cliffhanger. I'm hoping they use this as a jumping off point so that when Barry leaves the Speedforce he's the more powerful and confident Barry we see in the comics, the self-doubting Barry is starting to get a little boring. This show needs to get back to its roots and focus more on the Flash and less on Barry Allen's love life, oh and don’t make the main villain for season 3 another speedster.

#2 Legends of Tomorrow

Courtesy of Warner Bros

When the Legends season 2 finale aired, I really thought this was going to be number 1 on the list. This season got rid of all the baggage of season 1, namely the Hawks and Vandal Savage, it even made Rip Hunter far more tolerable. Even the time periods explored in this season were more compelling than the last. Legends doubled down on the fun and it paid off in a big way. Any season that has the Legion of Doom and the JSA is already a winner in my book. It had an interesting plot without having too much time travel mumbo jumbo bogging it down. What really stuck out to me was the way the screen time was evenly split among such a crowded cast. There was rarely a moment when I wanted to see less of whichever character was being featured at the time. I think Legends of Tomorrow will only get better as the seasons go on and I'm excited to see what characters they add next (My vote is for Mon-el, Killer Frost or Constantine.)

#1 Arrow

Courtesy of Warner Bros

I want to start off by saying I was right. The only reason I write these things is to toot my own horn and I freaking nailed it with this one. Back in September, I said now that Arrow isn't trying to launch another show it can move past the magic and the meta humans and go back to its roots, and boy did it do that in a big way. Everything about this season felt like vintage Arrow. The flashbacks were entertaining and relevant to the current time, the new team Arrow was made of exciting characters that added their own unique stories, even the love stories felt more natural (not going to use the word organic, you're welcome r/Arrow.) Seeing Oliver combat, not only Prometheus, but his past was incredibly captivating. However, two things convinced me to put Arrow as the top pick. Number 1: Adrian Chase. Chase is one of the greatest villains I've ever seen on TV. He's physically imposing, as well as cold and calculated. The scene where he breaks Oliver into admitting he likes to kill people was chilling. I think Chase beats out Deathstroke as the greatest villain on Arrow.

Speaking of Deathstroke, the season finale was the second reason Arrow is my top choice. The finale of seasons 1 and 2 were great. The finale of seasons 3 and (shudder) 4 were bad. Not only was this finale amazing, it was quite possibly the greatest episode of Arrow ever. Every single moment was compelling, from the flashbacks to the final showdown. Having Nyssa and Slade back was a perfect way to conclude the 5 year journey that Oliver has taken. Here's hoping Arrow continues this trend and keeps getting better.

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About the Creator

Jason Schwartz

Big nerd with passion for television, the 90s and ridiculous trivia.

Did you know America never lost a war when donkeys were used?

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  • HandsomelouiiThePoet (Lonzo ward)12 months ago

    Great insights ❤️✨💯I enjoyed watching Both Shows 📺

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