THE WAR BETWEEN THE UNIVERSES: PART 2 - DC

The 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: 

on THE WAR BETWEEN THE UNIVERSES: PART 2 - DC

After the release of the teaser trailer for BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE, I can say that I am more intrigued than excited.  There are so many awesome elements in play - two major heroes facing off against each other, not even sure what villains will make an appearance (besides Lex), and a power cast to make it work.  But now I am curious as to how the story will unfold.  MAN OF STEEL was such a gateway 'hero drug' that I want to see what happens next for Superman, itching and scratching like a crack fiend.  The moral dilemma that David S. Goyer has penned and Zack Snyder made visual has upset some fans, but made me unequivocally hooked.  I need that hit.

And now the pieces start to fall into place as DC rushes to catch up in the 'Hero Universe Race'.  Their list of future films include SUICIDE SQUAD, WONDER WOMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE (in two parts), THE FLASH, AQUAMAN, SHAZAM, CYBORG, and GREEN LANTERN.  An impressive line-up to say the least.  But as you can see, well behind on the standalone films.

The CW has launched an impressive series for DC in the "Arrow".  With the third season coming to a close, there is still a sense of wonder and surprise with each episode.  The show has not imploded from the numerous storylines, making for a mess, which I do fear at some point could happen.  They keep such a high level of octane pumping through the boob tube, I wonder if they can keep this pace.  I am hoping for at least another five seasons...  maybe six... before such a calamity.

Now the CW has the freshman show, "The Flash", making a speedy impact.  More lighthearted than the "Arrow", it has a charm you cannot dismiss.  But the problem I run into is how some of the villains overact their flavored role.  We know they have special names and toys, but stop with the cheesy lines.  Outside that complaint, Grant Gustin makes for a great Flash.  I wish DC could just trust in the transition and put him on the silver screen, would love to see some continuity.  And now, this successful spin-off has prompted another, one to include The Atom, Captain Cold, and a host of others.  

The origin show "Gotham" has been a rollercoaster for me.  I want to love it, I really do.  But the show seems to be sputtering.  The characters are in play, the power actors are contributing, but the writing seems to be all over the place.  They need to reground the core before it gets too far out of hand.  I am very tempted to write the producers a letter after this article... and might.

NBC's "Constantine" should have been a great success.  What happened to those numbers?  I believe religious zealots had something to do with it, because this was one of the best shows on the 'big boy' network.  They had enough smoking innuendo to appease the hardcore fans, although they did scrimp on his slinging gouts of fire.  The supporting characters are interesting and engaging.  The formula appeared to work.  Cancellation needs to be the farthest thing from the NBC execs' minds.

The future also looks bright for DC for other TV shows.  We have "Supergirl" and "Preacher" in the works.  I have to say they grabbed the right guy for Preacher, Dominic Cooper (yeah, Howard Stark from CAPTAIN AMERICA and on "Agent Carter").  If you have followed his career, he has flare and disserves a larger role in this 'war'.

And then you have the animated DCU.  There is never a shortage of good anime since the start.  Alone, the original "Batman: The Animated Series" was groundbreaking and set the standards for years to come.  The style was coined 'Dark Deco' with its distinctive noir appeal.  This is also where Harley Quinn was birthed and why Mark Hamill will always be dubbed the voice of the Joker in my book.  Following in its wake, the production of other animated series and standalone movies shows not only a depth of innovation, but a sense of quality and technique over pure output.

Next week - In the Trenches, Counting the Bodies....