Ever since Arrow and The Flash debuted on the CW, fans of DC Comics have been ecstatic over the possibility of crossovers being realized. While Marvel Studios dominates the cinema, Warner Brothers Television has established a shared universe on the small screen. Now, the network is preparing to launch a new series called Legends of Tomorrow, which is not based on an existing comic book.
In 2166, London is under attack from the merciless Vandal Savage (Casper Crump), who has conquered the majority of the planet. The Time Masters Council debates on how to protect the timeline, but Rip Hunter (Arthur Darvill) wants to save humanity itself and prevent Savage’s destruction via time travel. After the Council denies his request, Hunter goes against the rules and transports himself back to 2016. In the present day, he recruits Dr. Ray Palmer/The Atom, Sara Lance (Caity Lotz), Carter Hall/Hawkman (Falk Hentschel), Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl (Ciara Renee), Professor Martin Stein (Victor Garber), Jefferson “Jax” Jefferson (Franz Drameh), Leonard Snart/Captain Cold (Wentworth Miller) and Mick Rory/Heatwave (Dominic Purcell). When the group is brought together, Hunter informs them about Savage’s forthcoming destruction and that he needs their help. He explains he selected the eight because they are regarded as legends in the future.
Each of the group have to struggle with their own doubts and uncertainties over whether or not to follow Hunter. Although Palmer is skeptical, he later comes to accept that Hunter is telling the truth. Kendra is less than enthusiastic on joining the team, but Carter tells her this is their chance to destroy Savage forever. Sara is also reluctant to take part, because she is coming to terms with her previous death and resurrection. However, she gets support and encouragement from Dinah, who urges her to become the White Canary. Meanwhile, Jax refuses to go with Martin Stein, who is forced to drug him and take him along, since their Firestorm powers only work when both men are together. In contrast, Cold and Heatwave decide to join Hunter- albeit not for the purpose of saving the world. The men are drawn to the idea of amassing a fortune via committing future robberies.
After blasting off in Hunter's WaveRider ship, the team's first stop is St. Roch, New Orleans in 1975 to seek out scientist Dr. Aldus Boardman, who is quite familiar with Hawkman and Hawkgirl via his studies. He explains he knew them in one of their previous lives; it is revealed that Aldus is their son Hunter, Ray and Martin realize that Savage has been manipulating many of humanity’s past wars and conflicts, while remaining hidden in the shadows. Following a surprise attack by an armor-clad villain called Chronos, the team makes a narrow escape from the 1970s. Hunter confesses the Time Masters have sent Chronos into the past to stop them from going back in time. This revelation puts the team in a difficult position over whether or not to stop Savage.
Brandon Routh delivers a solid performance as Ray Palmer, and it is refreshing to see him upgraded to a central character, as opposed to a supporting role. While he didn’t get many action scenes in Superman Returns, the former Man of Steel actor has the chance to show off his comedic chops, such as expressing his glee over the prospect of time travel. Arthur Dervill is an interesting addition to the series as Rip Hunter. He displays a cynical, brash attitude similar to John Constantine, while having a roguish, heroic charm like Torchwood's Captain Jack Harkness. While he mostly provides exposition and commands, Dervill manages to give the character some depth, as he recounts the tragic fate of his wife and son at the hands of Savage.
As Martin Stein, Victor Garber brings a solid presence to the team, both as a man of action and an expert of quantum physics. He is faced with a dilemma of going on a time travel adventure or staying in 2016. His decision to drug Jax is questionable, but it adds to the question of whether the ends really justify the means. In contrast, Franz Drameh's Jax is sidelined for most of the plot, either being drugged or forced to stay with the WaveRider. Lotz brings an air of vulnerablility to the role of Sara, as she struggles with her past experiences of dying and coming back.
Hentschel and Renee continue their story arc of Hawkman and Hawkgirl; both coming to terms with discoveries of their past lives. Former Prison Break alumni Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell are reunited as Cold and Heatwave, and they provide a nice banter of two partners in crime. Their self-interest in future wealth places them in stark contrast to their teammates, and this has potential for a compelling storyline in future episodes. In addition, Arrow castmembers Stephen Arnell and Katie Cassidy make cameo appearances as Oliver Queen and Dinah Lance, respectively.
The pilot’s tone is a good mix of drama with humorous moments, as well as a strong dose of action.
While viewers might draw comparisons to Guardians of the Galaxy, the jokes are fresh and do not feel out of place. Captain Cold’s reactions to 1970s culture are among the highlights, including his strong dislike of sitcoms like Welcome Back Kotter. However, the story is not short on action, such as an impressive stealth mission by the Atom in the first act. The team’s climatic battle with Chronos is another exciting setpiece, complete with Martin and Jax merging to become Firestorm.
It is the pilot’s villain Chronos is sorely lacking in terms of presence. Upon first glance, the character resembles a hybrid of The Rocketeer and the Cybermen from Doctor Who. Apart from disintegrating two teenagers, Chronos is not given much to establish himself as a threat, and one can only hope the series will introduce genunine theats to the team. Vandal Savage himself only appears in the opening sequence and a brief scene at the end.
Legends of Tomorrow is a nice addition to DC’s shared television universe, but it needs work on managing the ensemble. Despite the weak villain and a reliance on exposition, the pilot has a lot of potential for a good series.