Last week we went through a breakdown of the Crisis on Infinite Earth storyline. Now that the CW shows have concluded for the season, let’s go through some speculation as to what may happen this coming fall.
1. One Earth: This Could Bring Supergirl and Black Lightning To The Universe
As we have discussed previously, The Flash became pretty confusing at times when the multiverse was established. Yes, they tried with Flashpoint, but it made for some confusion and honestly some lazy writing at times. This is a way to fix those issues. Establishing one shared universe also creates some great opportunities, and also sheds some light on a recent character development.
The obvious idea is that the single universe would bring Supergirl to the established earth (unless she dies…more on that later). Not only would this make sense, but it could also create room for Superman to make the jump as well. TV Line has already suggested that he could have his own spinoff coming. This could be a good starting block for a Man of Steel show. Back in December, TV Line had an interview with Elizabeth Tulloch, Lois Lane, about the possibility of a spinoff where she responded:
“Potentially, and it was something I sort of talked to one of the producers about. I think it’ll depend on how this is reviewed and a bunch of other external factors that nobody has really that much control over. I know Tyler and I would love to come back and work more together. We fortunately had great chemistry, which is not always a given.”
I personally do not think this will happen (more on that later in the article).
The other hope for many is that Black Lightning would join the universe. The show is extremely interesting and many, including myself, feel it is a missed opportunity to not being him and his cast into the mix. Comicbook.com released an interview with Stephen Amell back in April of 2018 where he stated his support for the heroes’ incorporation:
“Everyone pretends like we’re not going to eventually cross over with Black Lightning, but we’re probably gonna cross over with Black Lightning, because that’s just the way that the world works.”
The CW’s Network President, Mark Pedowitz, went on to say that, at the time, this was nothing more than fan hype and that Black Lightning was not created to be a part of the CW Arrowverse:
“I’ve wanted to be in business with them for many, many, many years. It stems back to my days at ABC Studios. With Black Lightning, Fox had the pilot and they passed on it. So, Salim and Mara came in and said this is what we have. It was different from our other superhero shows and it was never designed to be part of the Arrowverse.”
But, has enough time passed and has Black Lightning been successful enough to possibly change this?
2. The CW’s Season Finales All Lead To One Road
Maybe Pariah won’t need to be introduced. If the CW work with what they have, they could use Dr. John Deegan (Dr. Destiny) in the role. At the conclusion of Elseworlds’ second episode (seen on Arrow), the end had Psycho-Pirate make his appearance and tell Dr. Deegan that, “the stage was set. Worlds will live, worlds will die, and the universe will never be the same.” If anything, Dr. Deegan using the Book of Destiny in Elseworlds is what they will go with for starting the process rather than the whole Big Bang idea. The Wrap gave further evidence of this when they discussed a Q&A session with Co-Executive Producer of Supergirl, Robert Rovner:
“You’ll have to stay tuned.” Arrow‘s Beth Schwartz added, “We already know a lot about what’s going on in next year’s crossover.”
Originally in the comics, Psycho-Pirate had extreme knowledge regarding emotions and psychology, but in the 90s he could drain people of their emotions, and in the New 52 reboot he could manipulate individuals’ emotions. This will more than likely play a key role for the Anti-Monitor who will more than likely start off behind the scenes. I see him as that role many other Flash and Arrow villains have played where they are the main antagonist for half the season, but then the real antagonist arrives.
Because of Psycho-Pirate and the Anti-Monitor, the heroes from all of the shows will have to obviously align themselves. The season finale of each episode made way for the storyline to be weaved through out all of the shows.
ScreenRant did a great season finale breakdown which showed:
Arrow — Oliver being taken away from Felicity and Mia in order to go to his destiny. A post-crisis world (more on that later) where Felicity is then taken.
The Flash — Thawne escapes after telling Barry “see you at the next crisis” which shows that Thawne already knows what is coming (what an awesome line given with a smirk). It was also mentioned that Cicada’s power-dampening dagger was also used to restrain another individual tied to the crisis, which the article mentions (and I agree with ) was more than likely Psycho-Pirate. Nora also disappeared, which had to happen because with the episode ending with the newspaper updating Flash’s disappearance to 2019, Nora wouldn’t have been conceived yet.
Supergirl — The season finale was the most interesting to me because of the incorporation of Lex Luther. Lex and his son play a huge role in the comic adaption, and it looks as if Lex will be a major player next season. After it seemed he had committed suicide, only to teleport to a safe house, then shot an killed by his sister, the ending showed the Monitor summon temporal energy possibly resurrecting Lex. According to Screenrant, he looked to also possibly have Malefic J’onzz with him who is J’onn Jo’onzz’s brother and enemy. This would make sense as the Monitor looks to probably take on the comic book role of Spectre and recruit not only the heroes, but villains as well for the epic battle.
Legends of Tomorrow — This show had the least overall connection, but the Monitor was seen in the crowd during the “Superheroes vs. Monsters” show. Time travel has always been the foundation of the Legends, but they will more than likely need more help.
3. Heroes and Villains Will Have To Join Forces: Lex Luthor And Reverse Flash Will Be Key
The Monitor doesn’t focus on morality, but more of who can actually help him protect the Earth(s) from the Anti-Monitor. I had stated that after watching “Elseworlds” this past December, and I am sticking with it. Reverse-Flash will be key. I wrote an article about this very idea back in January (which can be found here). I had a feeling that the heroes would need his help. His knowledge of the speed-force and the future makes him not only a deadly foe, but a huge necessity. I have a feeling they will need to go back in time to stop Anti-Monitor (like in the comics) and will need Reverse-Flash to show them how.
As stated in the previous article, Alex Luther plays a major role in bringing down the Anti-Monitor which is why I think they brought Lex into Supergirl this season, and ended the finale with the Monitor seemingly resurrecting him. Many think that Lex will be used in place of Alex Luther from the comics, including ScreenRant:
“It’s possible that the Arrowverse is going to use Supergirl‘s Lex Luthor as a replacement for the comics’ Alexander Luthor, Jr., who was a hero on his Earth and was instrumental in defeating the Anti-Monitor. Given that Alexander Luthor, Jr. was from Earth-3, an Earth ruled by villains, the Arrowverse may be using Earth-2 (Supergirl‘s world) as a substitute. Of course, not everything will be recreated exactly from the comics, so Supergirl’s Lex Luthor could be an unwilling pawn in saving the multiverse in the coming Crisis.”
The season finale of each show has given a hint at the Monitor’s initial chosen individuals: Green Arrow, Lex Luthor, Malefic J’onzz, and the Legends. It’s obvious that Flash will be chosen seeing as the paper has always said he would vanish in the crisis, as well as Supergirl. I would also assume that many of the supporting characters for each of the teams will be brought in to help the fight. This also means…
4. There Are A Lot Of Deaths
Hundreds of characters died in the Infinite Crisis, so I would expect that a fairly decent sized number of deaths will occur on the show. To work like the comics, there need to be at least two high-profile deaths, like in the comic. I highly doubt it will be Flash and Supergirl, even though there was a nice nod to that in Elseworlds. The Flash is by far the Arrowverse’s most popular show and Supergirl has had an improved, strong following. We know that Oliver will now be one of those. I had speculated this a while ago, but the season finale of Arrow all but confirmed this. Not only did the Monitor take him, but he told both Oliver and Felicity that the emerald archer would not be making it back, and we saw Oliver’s grave in the flash forwards which showed that 2019 is the year he died. Of course, this could all change with a unified Earth, but I highly doubt it as we all know that next season will be Arrow‘s last, and Oliver’s conversation with the Monitor appears to show that he will be making the sacrifice for many others.
Legends is the other group I see dying in the Crisis. Maybe not all of them, but there is a good chance a majority of them will die, if not all of them. There isn’t a ton of substantial information here, but as the CW’s Pedowitz claimed in an article from TV Line:
“Crisis on Infinite Earths will be the biggest and most complicated [crossover yet]. I can’t tell you if it’ll follow the comic book version, but it’ll take some big swings…It is ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths and if you know the history, things collapse.”
Yes, that could mean anything, but by saying he can’t tell us if it’ll follow the comic book version more than likely refers to many of the characters that the CW show does not have at their disposal which would need to be replaced by characters they do have. Legends were left out of last year’s crossover event, and their inclusion leads me to believe that they will be needed not only for time travel, but as casualties as well.
Legends have been one of the surprises for the CW, as many fans have stayed constant to the show because it is fun and stays true to itself, but, as the Google Trends chart below shows, it has taken a dip in interest, which could also mean it is on its way out to make room for the CW to focus on other shows:
Even though many would miss the cast of Legends, I would still assume there would be one more high-profile death to accompany Oliver, and that has been rumored the be the Man of Steel himself. Last seen in Elseworld, Superman is not only retired, but expected as well. Let’s be real, there is no way Superman would actually sit out a fight to save the world, right? Combine that with the love fans have for Tyler Hoechlin’ wonderful portrayal of the character, his death would definitely make a strong impact on the viewers. Imagine a reversed picture of Supergirl holding Superman’s body much like the opposite in the original comic.
ScreenRant was one of the first to share this speculation writing:
“Despite him feeling that Kara is more than capable of replacing him as Earth-38’s chief protector, it seems highly unlikely that Clark would sit on the sidelines with all of reality at stake during “Crisis on Infinite Earths.” It seems likely then that he and Kara will trade roles with their comic-book counterparts and that Clark will sacrifice himself to save Kara from The Anti-Monitor.”
While many want a Superman spinoff, I feel that this combined with Oliver’s death would be two of the most impactful outside of The Flash. Superman because of their love for the character, the actor playing him, and the fact that he “retired” and became a father. Oliver because of the connection fans have had with him all these years and to see him come full circle only for him to never actually be able to enjoy his family in the ways his parents abused.
Lastly, this provides an opportunity for anyone on any of the shows to step away if they would like. There would not have to be any worry about recasting, but a genuine, believable removal from the universe.
RELATED — Crisis On Infinity Earth Crossovers Will Be Five Episodes And Take Place Over Two Quarters
Yeah, it is a lot, but I think it is the right move to focus on one shared universe. Obviously, the CW has not established all the characters that were used in the comics, but they do have some major players. Are you looking forward to Crisis on Infinite Earths? How do you think their interpretation will look? Who do you think will live and who do you think will die? Leave your thoughts in the usual spot, and thanks for reading!
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Sources: ScreenRant, HollywoodReporter, TV Guide, Screenrant, TV Line, Comicbook.com, The Wrap, ScreenRant,TV Line
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