Review: The Flash- “Elseworlds Part 1”

*SOME SPOILERS AHEAD*

It is not a stretch to say The Flash, Arrow, and Supergirl all have flaws. Hell, what show doesn’t? However, one thing they do right is these annual crossovers, embracing the opportunity to not just bring these superheroes together but have some fun at the same time. Not only that but in part one of Elseworlds, we were given a more in-depth look at both The Flash and Arrow and the lead characters in each show.

While part one touched on numerous plot points it was the storyline of Barry and Oliver switching bodies that drove the main narrative of the episode. Thankfully, everyone enjoyed poking fun at the WB superhero universe, which made for many awkward moments and loads of fun. The viewer gets to watch with glee as these two superheroes now have completely different powers and different lives, but only they can see the change. Watching these two trying to take on each other’s persona was a joy, especially since they are polar opposites in terms of…well, everything.

It was very cool to visit the Kent Farm, complete with the Smallville theme song that gave us some great moments with Supergirl, Superman and Lois Lane. Indeed, these three also embraced the ‘poke fun at everything’ mentality and threw out some great one-liners. Lois (played by Bitsie Tulloch) held her own with these two and then some, actually stealing a few moments with some well-placed dialogue and humor.

As much fun as it was watching Barry and Oliver fumble around in each other’s lives (and skins) it kind of overshadowed everything else. We meet the makers of what will be the larger conflict in The Monitor and Dr. John Deegan, psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, with The Monitor showing up near the end of the episode as well. Also, we have the villain of the week in Amazo, a powerful enemy bent on destroying Central City. There wasn’t much time for a big fight scene, although they did manage to squeeze it in there. It was a lot of fun watching Superman, Supergirl, Arrow and The Flash fighting side by side, even if it was for a few short minutes.

Even with the enjoyable awkwardness that ensued from the body swap, the efforts from Barry and Oliver to embrace each other’s personalities to be better equipped mentally and physically, the analyzing of both men threatened to take things a bit too far. Iris, Cisco, and company were on the sidelines, for the most part, making the odd appearance for a good joke, deep thoughts or quick resolutions to problems. As this was part one, it was not a bad thing that everyone wasn’t involved, as stuffing too much into one episode rarely works.

The end of the episode gave our heroes a clue where to go next, that being Gotham and Batgirl. Suffice to say a few more heroes will be joining the group as they prepare for the final battle that will undoubtedly take place in part three. What Dr. Deegan and the big bad book have in mind for everyone is still unclear but it looks like more chaos is on the horizon. However Elseworlds plays out, it’s certain that everyone will have fun with it, including the viewers which in the end is the most important thing of all.

Four stars out of five