[7.3/10] The second part of “War World” sands down and simplifies a lot of the interesting things the first episode set up. THat’s no big deal, you do have to bring these world-shaking events to a conclusion in twenty minutes or so, which is tricky. But the finish isn’t quite as strong as the start.
That said, I appreciate some of the choices made here. For one, the early half of the episode mainly belongs to Green Lantern and Hawkgirl. Watching them already bickering like an old married couple is a treat, and the pair reconciling a bit and eventually working together to save the day is a nice beat.
I was also a fan of Draaga’s arc and shading here. Learning that he too wanted to change things after becoming War World’s champion, only to relent when Mongul threatened his planet with a doomsday weapon, makes him a more complicated character than just the “fighting honor” brute he starts out with. Even then, his desire to regain his honor by defeating Superman, turn to focus his rage on Mongul,and refusal to wear the War World crown gives his honor-fascination and interesting dimension. Superman provides the episode’s moral -- hoor is about life not death -- and it’s a sound if simplified lesson to leave the character with.
Frankly, the skirmish over the doomsday weapon that precedes it is one of the weakest parts of the episode for me. I understand that you need some kind of plot device for why Superman would keep fighting in the games, and Mongul’s planet-destroying cannon fits the bill. But it shows up very late in the story to the point of feeling like a contrivance, as well as a means of giving GL, Hawkgirl, and Martian Manhunter something to do while the other characters rumble.
Otherwise, there’s some nice little touches here as well. Martian Manhunter saving Superman's skin by getting the crowd to chant for him is an interesting rendition of the duology’s “people power” theme. John and Shayera’s interlude with folks at the garbage dump is weirdly entertaining. And while Mongul branding himself with a makeshift “S” is a little odd, it makes an impression, if you’ll pardon the expression.
Overall, this episode closes a little more conveniently and tritely than I might like, but still finds interesting things to do with the gladiatorial premise.
Shout by Caleb PetersBlockedParentSpoilers2023-09-08T05:50:34Z
While the ending to this is good, the execution kinda sabotages the amazon queen's actions in the Paradise Lost arc.
Why would she bury some random sea captain who saved a single girl yet banish the heroes who saved the entire world? It really undermines what was already a flaws ideology (which hawkgirl even points out - stating the Aresia is only taking their doctrine to its logical conclusion).
Having a man save her is a good way to undermine her terrible logic, but at the same time makes the queen seem like an uncaring asshole rather than holding up a terrible yet somehow all-powerful legal requirement.
I'm sure the reason is just because this was written way after Paradise Lost and thus the writers just forgot about or didn't consider it - but it still bothers me.