why is Riddler in Belle Rasve? He has no powers
this was great. i can't imagine who the Light really is. how ALL of these villains bow to this entity? oh, and no girl deserves a boy with anger issues, even when they're cute together. at the end, i was hoping icicle jr. joined the team. he's not a villain, he's just out of place, like other heroes were in the past.
Great Episode! I love everything about this one!!! Killer Frost. Riddle, Mr. Freeze, Amanda Waller and Hugo Strage!!!!! Seriously, this episode brought some really cool villains from DC Comics! I really liked Miss Martian and Superboy in this episode! Their relatioship was awesome. I enjoyed Icicle Jr. too. Very enjoyable episode!
"Really that's all you need, someone who sees the psycho that you are and likes you anyway." - Icicle Jr.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParentSpoilers2022-04-21T02:52:41Z
[7.8/10] Another strong episode. I love how much economy the episode uses in establishing Bel Rev and its players as its own unique ecosystem. We immediately understand the power dynamics and the characters. That, combined with Superboy and Miss Martian’s undercover mission, give this one instant color.
My two favorite parts are this one is the unlikely camaraderie between Superboy and Icicle Jr. over their shared daddy issues, and Conner realizing his feelings for M’Gaan. WIth the former, it’s a little awkward since Supes Jr. is playing Icicle Jr., but at the same time, he’s a model for someone trying not to live or die based on his dad’s approval. The two of them bond over it, and despite Icicle Jr.’s misdeeds and Conner’s deceptions. You kind of wish they would find some way to maintain the friendship after all of this.
Icicle Jr.’s other big contribution is providing Conner the insight that helps him appreciate Miss Martian. It’s a little reductive, but the idea of looking for someone who sees the ways in which you’re not quite right and loves you regardless is an oddly wholesome one. Conner realizing that M’gaan has shown that kind of grace and kindness to him, freaking out when he thinks she’s been lost in the big skirmish, working hard to get to her, and kissing her when he finally has the chance is a big moment for the two of them, and I’m here for it.
I also appreciate the way this one established plenty of other players. Amanda Waller, Hugo Strange, Icicle Sr., and Riddler all make their debuts and cut strong figures for the show to revisit. The whole concept of the ice baddies reuniting inside Belle Reve and trying to break out of the unbreakable prison fuels the episode on concept alone, even when the character dynamics are worth the price of admission.
Hugo Strange seeming like the nicer guy compared to hardass Waller, while turning out to be working with the inmates and The Light, is a cool twist. The show makes the most of the various secret identities here (which are more secret than usual) with the added tension of Conner and M’gaan having to pretend to be villains themselves before things hit the fan.
Overall, this one had the requisite amount of thrills, and a stellar premise, but also the endearing and layered character work that makes us give a damn about Superboy’s daddy issues and even made me invested in the relationship between him and Ms. Martian.