Every week, Fangirlish writers will be discussing new episodes of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and sharing their thoughts, feelings, and speculation about the hour’s hot topics in a little something we like to call Fangirlish Roundtables.
Today, we’re breaking down episode three of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, “Fail-Safe” where we discuss Snart and Rory’s newfound team dynamic, Sara’s humanity, and whether or not Vandal Savage is a worthy villain.
What were your overall thoughts on “Fail-Safe?”
ALYSSA
While Legends of Tomorrow is far from perfect I feel like it’s found its lane. The show might’ve seemed a little lost and wandering in the first couple of episodes, but I feel like it’s grown as a result of its characters. The characters are easily the strength of this show, and I’ll be damned if every time I’m praising this show it’s because of the sensational performances and intriguing character dynamics that really let the show shine. “Fail-Safe” was perhaps my favorite episode to date – and it’s easy to see why when you notice how each episode seems to be getting better. I loved this episode because it raised the stakes for our team. This was the first time that our team was divided and there was a significant threat because of it. It’s a reminder that while this world of time travel can be fun and games that there continues to be that threat that keeps them on their toes and keeps the show grounded.
LYRA
I loved it! Every week they focus less on Vandal Savage and more on the team dynamics. It makes the show stronger and more interesting in the long run. I also loved Snarts outfit. Can we have them outfitted in new clothes every week? Legends of Tomorrow Fashion Week. I can get behind that.
There’s always been a Snart-Rory first dynamic between the two, but we saw both begin to realize that they should embrace this team dynamic. What were your thoughts on that? Do you think Snart and Rory will ever fully be able to put the team first before themselves?
ALYSSA
If there’s one thing that’s certain – and everyone from the fans to the characters on that time ship know – it’s that Leonard Snart and Mick Rory are a packaged deal. It’s a dynamic that we saw a little of on The Flash but one that has beautifully been able to explore on a show like Legends of Tomorrow where there’s this team dynamic. From the start, we’ve seen Snart and Rory on this journey, helping out, but they’ve always gone with each other and backed each other up. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s always felt like they were more a team themselves than a part of a bigger team with the rest of the group.
One of the my favorite things about this episode was getting a focus on that where both of them began to rethink their stance on “us first” and began to embrace this idea of being a part of this team. It showed in the way they cared about someone other than the other – for Rory it was Ray, who had shown Rory that he was selflessly willing to protect him, and for Snart is was Sara, who we saw talk down from the edge and save both Stein and Sara in the process. You know that phrase, “people change people?” That couldn’t be more relevant in this instance. We’re seeing how these people are affecting Snart and Rory. They’ve always been insistent that they aren’t nor will they ever be a hero, but I don’t think they ever expected to be affected by a group of people like this. And it’s something that we’ll continue to witness evolve.
LYRA
I think Snart and Rory have slowly been giving into working with the team and valuing them. They’re not the cold and heartless people that they believe themselves to be. And the more they spend time with everyone else the more they see that these aren’t just heroes. These are people who are barely making it through their days but keep on fighting for the greater good. This episode proves that they would go the extra mile for Ray and Sara and that they already consider these people their friends. There’s no going back to them being criminals or people up for hire. (Well a smaller chance.)
Sara faced perhaps her most difficult challenge yet when she was pressured to kill Stein to preserve the future. What were your thoughts on her dilemma and how she handled things? Do you believe that her humanity is still there?
ALYSSA
Sara’s humanity has most definitely been preserved and you know by her choice to stand down and not take the shot at Stein even with a future of gloom teasing her. What I love about Sara is that no matter how much darkness she faces she never stops fighting to take back control of her life. While Sara might be questioning whether or not her humanity remains intact – following death then resurrection by the Lazarus Pit – the fact that she alone is questioning that shows that her humanity is very much present. Those lacking what Sara believes she lacks don’t question that. The fact that Sara is worried about that is all the proof you need. Sara’s humanity is definitely there. It’s more about Sara having faith in that.
But that doesn’t negate the situation that Sara is undergoing. For Sara, it’s all about controlling the darkness within her and embracing that humanity with everything she has. While we might know that her humanity is still there, there are times when Sara doesn’t believe that and she needs to have faith in herself. But that’s why being on this team is so important for Sara: she needs people that are going to remind her of the person that she is not this person that she thinks she is, like Snart did when he reminded her that she’s not that person anymore. That’s the beauty of this show – the whole “people change people” thing.
LYRA
Her humanity is definitely still there. She wouldn’t be struggling with her decision to kill Stein if it was gone. I love that Sara is slowly peeling back her own layers and recognizing that the Pit and the League have done a crazy amount of damage. It doesn’t mean that it can’t be healed though. Her looking at and acknowledging her faults and struggles will give her a chance to be more than just an assassin.
In this episode we saw Stein and Jax come to an understanding where they feel lucky to be matched with each other. What are your thoughts on that?
ALYSSA
Well, after Stein was forced to be Firestorm with Valentina Vostok and survived that literal nightmare literally anyone else would be a welcome relief. I kid, I l kid…about the last part. One of the things I love about Stein and Jax’s relationship is that it’s like any relationship where they have clashing personalities and beliefs, but they have to work together to find a common ground. And over the course of these last two episodes we’ve seen them learn from their mistakes and come to appreciate each other. I feel like Stein and Jax as Firestorm have evolved from being two parts of a whole into two people who truly care about one another and are stronger together. That’s the beautiful thing about their relationship is that despite their differences – whether in age or personality – they are literally a perfect match for each other.
LYRA
I think they’ve taken the first real step into becoming Firestorm. Merging was easy. Putting on that suit was child’s play. But actually accepting each other and the role they have in each other’s lives…well that’s a whole different thing. That’s the final step that makes them a force to be reckoned with. With this duo set they can work on helping the rest of the team.
Let’s talk about Vandal Savage. Do you find him to be a particularly good villain that instills fear within you?
ALYSSA
Sadly the answer is, no. You know that saying some things are better on paper? Well, Vandal Savage is a villain that on paper sounds absolutely chilling and terrifying, but in person he’s just a letdown. I don’t fear this man, which if he was real I might be lying just a tad. But for an immortal that’s supposedly responsible for the destruction of the entire world in the future, I just don’t buy it. It’s funny because I feel like us three have this conversation every week about Legends – we just don’t buy Savage as this terrifying big bad. Like there are other people on this show that I fear more. I don’t know if it’s the execution of it all or the way he’s written, but I have a hard time believing anyone would be terrified of this guy. But is this correctable? Of course, but that’s something that needs to start in the writer’s room. At this point, I’m more terrified of Damien Darhk and Zoom than Savage.
LYRA
No. He’s boring and breaking into the creepy stalker category. You know what, he’s in that category already. Every move he makes is about global destruction because he’s out of things to do until his bae accepts his affections. Well surprise surprise Vandal. She’s never going to accept your love and you need to move on. Please tell me he will. I don’t know if I can watch an entire show based on a stalker gone egomaniac.
At the end of the episode our team found themselves in Star City that was the site of destruction and came across a Green Arrow that wasn’t Oliver Queen…but Connor Hawke. What do you think happens next and what would you like to see?
ALYSSA
Here’s the thing, crossovers like this where you can explore beloved characters in the future – or a possible future, as is being set up – is what I am here for with Legends. This show exists on the predetermined familiarity of these characters – minus Rip – that all come from Arrow or The Flash and our connection with them. Throw in the time travel element and the ability to get to see characters like Oliver Queen 30 years from now or possibly introduce a character into the universe with Connor Hawke, and I’m already guaranteeing this “Star City 2046” will easily be the show’s best to date.
Considering it was Connor that our Legends came into contact with and not Oliver, I expect Connor to attempt to silence our friends considering the destruction that has overtaken Star City in a world where our Legends never stop Vandal Savage. As for what I’d like to see, well, we already know Oliver Queen will appear, and we’ve already gotten a little Easter egg with Smoak Technologies. But honestly what I’d like to see is more teases about Arrow, Star City, and our favorite characters that populate it. But considering this is a world where they never stop Savage, something tells me that this world is not going to be one we like. And judging by the destruction of Star City, I have a feeling that in this timeline Oliver and Felicity aren’t together – considering every time they break up the world is literally destroyed (hey, it’s legit canon). This is the first episode of Legends that I’m really amped up for because of that personal connection as a fan. And that’s what makes crossovers meaningful.
LYRA
I have no idea who Connor Hawke is or why Oliver’s sporting that ugo beard. (Part of me thinks it’s SA’s punishment for saying he’d never do the beard.) What I do know is that Olicity breakup eventually ends with the world going to hell. Yup. The pain is coming for that ship.
What are your thoughts on “Fail-Safe?” Sound off in the comments to keep the discussion going!
Join us for another Legends of Tomorrow roundtable next Wednesday! Legends of Tomorrow airs Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW.
