TV REVIEWS: FTN Reviews Legends of Tomorrow Season 03 Episode 05: Compromised

I seriously think that Season 02 of Legends of Tomorrow could go down as one of the best season of superhero television ever. And it’s not hard to see why. They’re making full use of their time traveling gimmick, and using it to make compelling character stories AND tell a nice overall arc for the season. Tonight’s stop? The 80’s!

The very nice Miami Vice style opening set the tone for the period, and add in the fashion, the Cold War reference and freaking Kenny Loggins! And you got a perfectly set time piece episode. “I hate the 80’s!”

But what made “Compromised” special was the focus on how the journey through time was affecting everyone. Jax, still riddled by what he saw last episode, was having a change of heart about how to use the Waverunner. Amaya was having regrets about leaving the JSA to find Rex’s killer. Ray was still in doubt about what good he was to the team. Mick was still feeling grief over the loss of Snart, Stein was forced to face an unexpected truth about himself, and Sara found herself reverting to her assassin ways to get revenge on Damien Darhk. And that was all in one hour!

While that may seem like a lot to cover in like 48 minutes (commercials…), it was handled really well. Because often, they fused together with others stories to become a very compelling narrative. Ray and Mick’s story was equal parts hilarious and mature. Amaya got some much needed character depth as she reconnected with one of her JSA members and learned their fate. Sara and Martin’s were very close, yet very distinct, it was great to watch.

But also, this episode showed the effects of the aberrations they’ve been trying to stop. Stein finding out that his younger self wasn’t where he remembered, and was in places he had never been to before, proves that they are having effects on the timeline. How far these will go is anyone’s guess right now, but the fact they are showing it is very telling.

Special shoutout to the two Stein’s again meeting each other. This storyline could’ve easily been the weakest, but instead, it was one of the strongest as it showed the love Martin has for Clarissa, as well as his regret that he was anything like his  younger self once upon a time.

Which of course brings us to the true rise of the Legion of Doom. Damien Darhk and Eobard Thawne were in top form tonight, and seeing them interact is a joy on many levels. And seeing them blast off to the future (or past) together was equally thrilling.

I will say this though, there was one big flaw in logic (yes, just one, don’t overthink) that happened during the episode. Sara basically told Damien his ENTIRE future, aka 2015/2016 Arrow Season 04. Having heard ALL of that, how would he not change his plans significantly? Maybe not even do it at all? Not get married? Etc. etc.? Given, I know that was a great way for Sara to get revenge while saving the timeline…but I can’t help but feel that would’ve ruined the timeline in a big way.

Yes, it led to Darhk embarking on his quest with Eobard, but it still felt weird to me.

Regardless, “Compromised” showed once again that when Legends of Tomorrow hits its stride, it really works. With it now getting 17 episodes this season, I look forward to seeing what other adventures are in store. After all…there’s an Invasion coming soon….