Legion of Superheroes "Sundown, Parts 1 - 2" Talkback (Spoilers)

[The Penguin]

Legion of Superheroes wraps up its first season with a two-part finale!

http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/wfboards/losh.jpg

Episode #12: Sundown, Part 1 - First Season Finale
Original Airdate - April 28th, 2007
The Legion is put to the ultimate test when an ancient weapon known as a Sun Eater comes to life. The Legion mounts a heroic defense, but the Sun Eater proves too powerful. Now at full strength, the unstoppable Sun Eater sets its sights on Earth...

Episode #13: Sundown, Part 2 - First Season Finale
Original Airdate - May 5th, 2007
With the Sun Eater on a direct course for Earth's sun, the Legion has no choice but to ask bitter enemies for help to stop it. Superman meanwhile has his toughest battle yet when he discovers the stealthy alien controlling the sinister machine. In the end, the Legion triumphs... but at a terrible cost.

Comments?

[CapdCrusader376]

Good episode overall one of the better ones this season, but still not as good as Chain of Command, but was a good ep overall, and cant wait till next week.

[sdp]

I have to admit i didn't pay all my attention to it but I still wasn't that interested, it kind of dragged to make it a two parter? hopefully the next part is good.

[StormBlue]

I enjoyed it overall. I'm glad someone questioned WHY the flash drive didn't work when they needed it to. Having the Legion actually fail was great. I'm looking forward to the fallout of Part 2.

[CyberCubed]

Decent episode but I think the problem with this show is it drags too much. Most of the ep was pretty dull.

[A.J]

Ok, I gotta ask this since Ive never seen a episode from this show, but, is this show any good? Is Teen Titans better than this? How about this season finale episode? Is it worth it?

[mr jinx]

Ok, I gotta ask this since Ive never seen a episode from this show, but, is this show any good? Is Teen Titans better than this? How about this season finale episode? Is it worth it?

After the untimely end of Teen Titans, I hoped this show could step up to fill that void for me. I really tried to like this series, but I have pretty much given up on it. It has some interesting takes on classic Superman villians, but most of the time the episodes just seem to drag. It lacks that comedic zip of Titans and the action packed zap of JLU, plus it uses way too much pastel.

[Razor]

I'm gonna have to disagree. I think it succeeds at being a decent action cartoon - not too humorous and not too heavy. And when it makes a play at being serious, it doesn't try to hard and come off as feeling artificial as the JL series did.

[90'sCartoonMan]

I'd say LOSH is as good as Teen Titans season one. TT usually took a character to give a spotlight episode to while LOSH has been dealing with encounters with aliens, robots, and creatures on different worlds. The shows don't have too much in common, but I think they're about equal in entertainment value.

As for this episode, I liked the massive problem everyone needed to solve. The beginning was good because we got Bouncing Boy's doubt and his little scene with Triplicate Girl. We see him not being the best leader just yet, but he's trying and considering the threat they faced, he's going as good as can be expected.

Love the Sun Eater reveal right before the act break, and they juggled the large cast pretty well here. It seems like everyone except Matter Eater Lad appeared. There were lots of moments where it seemed like everyone was in real danger, the way Saturn Girl died in the simulation, Superman losing his suit, etc. I hope next week keeps things moving.

[PeterFries]

A.J., I'd also say that this episode is about as good as Teen Titans season 1, which seems appropriate. They're already trying to juggle a fairly huge cast who for the most part are secondary characters to "young Superman" -- the farther you get from the core three-four heroes, the more vague the characters seem to get.

It's maybe not as revolutionary (or divisive) as the animation style of Teen Titans, and it also seems a lot closer to the comics continuity than TT (or Justice League, or Batman/Superman animated) was, though maybe it only seems that way because Legion continuity changes every five years or less, now. I guess what I'm saying is that it manages to be modern while also retro, incorporating/retaining a lot of the Silver Age fun of the concept.

There's plenty of room for the show to improve, but I like it so far. I think, like Titans, it kind of suffers for having so few episodes out of the starting gate.

[bigddan11]

I was glad to see they are trying to train Bouncing Boy as a leader, but this entire robot that eats te sun was highly stereotyped and predictable.

[BCVM22]

I was glad to see they are trying to train Bouncing Boy as a leader, but this entire robot that eats te sun was highly stereotyped and predictable.

Legion "foe" from the late 60's, just like everything else on this show that people try to pass of as "stereotyped" and "terrible."

[AdamYJ]

I was glad to see they are trying to train Bouncing Boy as a leader, but this entire robot that eats te sun was highly stereotyped and predictable.

Well, the Sun-Eater is actually an old part of the Legion of Super-Heroes comic book canon. This story is actually based on a rather popular Legion story from years past.

Poor Bouncing Boy really has some confidence problems with this whole leader thing. When he snapped at the team at that one point and started barking orders I felt bad for him. He clearly thinks he's not doing a good job. Hopefully, he'll get it in time.

[CyberCubed]

Legion "foe" from the late 60's, just like everything else on this show that people try to pass of as "stereotyped" and "terrible."

Well, what about dated? Stories from nearly 50 years ago may not fly today, even if they're updated and revamped. I'm not saying this was a bad episode, but it was certainly not exciting enough to be a season ender.

[BCVM22]

Well, what about dated? Stories from nearly 50 years ago may not fly today, even if they're updated and revamped. I'm not saying this was a bad episode, but it was certainly not exciting enough to be a season ender.

One could also argue that it was only the first half of a season ender.

[Link]

I didn't enjoy this episode much. It just dragged out, the action seemed dull, and I don't know but I just wasn't into it. To tell the truth I haven't been all that impressed by this series so far but I will keep watching it anyways. It might get better sooner or later.

[Brainatra]

Well, what about dated? Stories from nearly 50 years ago may not fly today, even if they're updated and revamped. I'm not saying this was a bad episode, but it was certainly not exciting enough to be a season ender.
Reply With Quote

...said on a forum about characters who date from the Depression (yet still "fly" today)... ;-p

I enjoyed this episode, and await to see what part two will bring...

-B.

[danreyes1]

Funny. I read this week's JSA, which included more history on Starman, so today I thought "I wonder if Starboy will ever appear in this show" and bam, there he is for about 3 seconds.

Call me crazy, but I thought that Star Eaters were organic in the comics. Then again I'm not too keen on the cosmic stories of the DCU.

[Ian]

Yes and maybe. While latter versions (such as the one used in DC's '96 Final Night Crossover) were indeed fully organic, the original Sun-Eater was also a Controller weapon, as here: while it seemed organic enough and was always treated that way, there's nothing to say that it wasn't technological in origin.

Anyway, I thought this was a rather great episode, despite not beeing able to see it very clearly (I recorded it on an used tape, with less-than-optimal results). Most team shows seem to take a while to effectively juggle large casts, but this show has done so better than most: we got development on Bouncing Boy and Ferro Lad; some nice scenes with Triplicate Girl, Brainy, and Superman; a new threat and a partial introduction to a second one; and fightin'.

If I have one complaint about the episode, it's that the initial, "Oh my grife, Bouncy! You killed the Legion!" is that it was far too long. Had it been shorter--had it given viewers less time to think about it--it would probably have been more effective, and probably established Bouncing Boy's insecurities just as well as this did.

[Tinytooncrazy]

Spoiler ( Thsis will have do for now)

Recnely saw the second part of this in the U.K and there's nice homage to the leion of superheroes comic , also there is a major death which is complety unexpeted ,

Edited By Stu: If you don't know how to use spoiler boxes, don't post spoilers. Ask and learn how, then post. You've probably just ruined the second part for a great number of people.

[creativerealms]

It was obvious to me that the beginning was a simulation so I would not have minded if it was shortened a bit.

[rueroyale]

I thought it was a good episode, though The Batman immediately after it overshadows it so it doesn't seem as good.

There was a part where all of a sudden these other Legion members appeared from nowhere (Sun Boy?) so I was sort of confused. But I liked the episode nevertheless.

[Ultra8]

It was a fun 1st-part. I found their fight with the de-powered sun eater a laugh, thing's gotta be strong if a bunch of capes get the butts handed to them by a floating mechanicle football.
Looking forward to nextweek to see how exactly they stop something that even it's on creators couldn't stop.

[adoptedBatpuppy]

It was a nice episode although predictable... at some points. :sad:
I knew that Bouncing Boy would have his doubts being a group leader.

[shadowspiderider]

ferro lad will die in losh 's sundown pt 2 ep

[PeterFries]

Thanks for the 40 year old spoiler. :rolleyes:

[Stu]

The next person who spoils next week's episode without a spoiler box will be warned on the spot. Learn to use the forum properly or you won't be allowed to use it.

Clear?

[SpongeBobnopants]

Legion is getting good I wish I could catch up on a few episodes.

[Freedom Fighter]

I think I better get my two cents in before Part Two comes around...

I agree that carrying the opening 'simulation' past the theme song was too long for being so predictable - though it did establish Bouncing Boy's continued hesitance at learning how to be a leader.

Though I also agree the episode was a good bit on the dull side, the writers still managed to keep some element of surprise with the Legion's fight to take out the Sun Eater and them almost succeeding.

I'd be lying if I said I'm looking forward to next week's conclusion... but hey, maybe Legion will surprise me and at least end Season One on an encouraging note.

"Sundown, Part 1": 2.5/5.

[Christo]

For the record, I think that Season One of LSH has been far better than Season One of Teen Titans was.

Buuuuut ... I'm older, and remember many of these stories fondly, and love these characters and Superman is my favorite character ever. So it appeals to me on a level that it doesn't to many people. Titans changed far too much for it to me 'my' Titans ... LSH is much closer to the vision of the Timm-verse, which mirrored the DCU much more closely and that works for me.

But just because it works for me doesn't mean it works for everyone. The show never feels 'dragged out' to me, and I think the character interactions are genuine and far less forced than in Titans.

And it beat the first part of The Batman season finale for me hands down. Now that seemed dragged out and forced.

Different strokes, I suppose ...

[danreyes1]

For the record, I think that Season One of LSH has been far better than Season One of Teen Titans was.

Buuuuut ... I'm older, and remember many of these stories fondly, and love these characters and Superman is my favorite character ever. So it appeals to me on a level that it doesn't to many people. Titans changed far too much for it to me 'my' Titans ... LSH is much closer to the vision of the Timm-verse, which mirrored the DCU much more closely and that works for me.

Precisely the way I felt. I didn't like Teen Titans at all. They changed way too much from the comics for my taste. With LoSH, I have no preconcieved notions of who these people are. That's a big plus there. There also isn't such an emphasis on humour as in Titans, which bugged me alot.

[creativerealms]

Precisely the way I felt. I didn't like Teen Titans at all. They changed way too much from the comics for my taste. With LoSH, I have no preconcieved notions of who these people are. That's a big plus there. There also isn't such an emphasis on humour as in Titans, which bugged me alot.

Besides the radical character changes and the original villains some of the stories and scenes have actually been close to the comics. I don't Teen Titans ever had any scenes close to the comics.

[duncanvw]

For the record, I think that Season One of LSH has been far better than Season One of Teen Titans was.

Buuuuut ... I'm older, and remember many of these stories fondly, and love these characters and Superman is my favorite character ever. So it appeals to me on a level that it doesn't to many people. Titans changed far too much for it to me 'my' Titans ... LSH is much closer to the vision of the Timm-verse, which mirrored the DCU much more closely and that works for me.

But just because it works for me doesn't mean it works for everyone. The show never feels 'dragged out' to me, and I think the character interactions are genuine and far less forced than in Titans.

And it beat the first part of The Batman season finale for me hands down. Now that seemed dragged out and forced.

Different strokes, I suppose ...

I agree completely. I'm a little older, and I read LOSH comics religeously as a kid. The fact that the writers have stuck to the original story lines as truly as they could is what I really enjoy about this show. But, I can also see how it might be tedious if you're not familiar with the original stories. I would love to see DC make a serious effort at re-publishing some of the older LOSH stories with modern art, etc. But, that's what dreams are for...

[The Penguin]

The second part of the two-part finale airs today!

http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/wfboards/losh.jpg

Episode #13: Sundown, Part 2 - First Season Finale
Original Airdate - May 5th, 2007
With the Sun Eater on a direct course for Earth's sun, the Legion has no choice but to ask bitter enemies for help to stop it. Superman meanwhile has his toughest battle yet when he discovers the stealthy alien controlling the sinister machine. In the end, the Legion triumphs... but at a terrible cost.

Comments?

[Razor]

That was great.

You know, I almost wonder if the Controller will come back as the Time Trapper.

[tb4000]

I figured Ferro Lad would be the one. So I guess Supes will return next season after chilling for a while back home at Metropolis.

[shadowspiderider]

i wait see legion of sh season 2 and super man will back with leigon of sh very soon or not

[CyberCubed]

I thought they were going to erase Superman's memory before they send him back? Clark knowing he's Superman ruins a lot of things, I would have preffered them to wipe his slate clean like they promised.

Otherwise a great episode and MUCH better than last weeks. So they kill off one of the Legion that most of us couldn't care less about in the first place...um, ok. I think maybe if they killed off a more important character it would have a bigger impact.

[Razor]

I don't see why setting a character back to stage zero is a good idea. O_o

[AdamYJ]

Long Live the Legion!

[tb4000]

I thought they were going to erase Superman's memory before they send him back? Clark knowing he's Superman ruins a lot of things, I would have preffered them to wipe his slate clean like they promised.

Otherwise a great episode and MUCH better than last weeks. So they kill off one of the Legion that most of us couldn't care less about in the first place...um, ok. I think maybe if they killed off a more important character it would have a bigger impact.
Do a search on Ferro Lad in the DC universe. It wasn't exactly a shock.

[ShadowGUN]

I thought they were going to erase Superman's memory before they send him back? Clark knowing he's Superman ruins a lot of things, I would have preffered them to wipe his slate clean like they promised.


It doesn't ruin anything. He doesn't know he from Krypton or that Kryptonite hurt him. He only knows he gonna become a great hero someday and that pretty much it. Besides he coming back next season so what would be the point of erasing his memories.

[Jack Frenzy]

Wow! the Death of Ferro Lad animated.

Never thought I'd ever see it -- and it was cool.

You know, I almost wonder if the Controller will come back as the Time Trapper.

It's possible. The first (Controller) Time Trapper was this Controller's mentor. They could decide to just combine characters. It all depends on whether they want to make their version closer to the first version or the second (True) Time Trapper.

A few quibbles:

The "Long Live Ferro Lad," part of Superman's speech was rather strange. I guess that it, and the unclear shot of Ferro Lad's body on the asteroid, were thrown in to give the ending enough ambiguity to please the censors.

Looks like "The Ghost of Ferro Lad" story might be off limits.

[Razor]

It's possible. The first (Controller) Time Trapper was this Controller's mentor. They could decide to just combine characters. It all depends on whether they want to make their version closer to the first version or the second (True) Time Trapper.


well, it'd be easier, narrative-wise, to combine them. And most (but not all) versions of the LOSH characters have been focused on the Silver Age versions.

[Anarky]

decent finale, doesn't change my overall indifference to the program though

[creativerealms]

Do a search on Ferro Lad in the DC universe. It wasn't exactly a shock.

But since it's a kids show and they kept it well it sort of is.

[Simpler Simon]

A few quibbles:

The "Long Live Ferro Lad," part of Superman's speech was rather strange. I guess that it, and the unclear shot of Ferro Lad's body on the asteroid, were thrown in to give the ending enough ambiguity to please the censors.

I had no idea what I was looking at there. His charred remains on the asteroid? His petrified body (ala Terra)?

Good episode. I've only tuned into this series occasionally since the premiere, but this was definitely an improvement. I guess the understanding the Legion has with Superman is that he'll return for more adventures, otherwise they would've erased his memory. The final scene was probably written as a bit of closure in case the show wasn't picked up for season 2.

[adoptedBatpuppy]

It was okay, I was expecting a better ending! :sad:

[Hades]

Did anyone else think the controller guy looked more like a Monitor?

It was a decent finale, but I finally figured out what my problem is with this series, I HAVE NO IDEA WHO ANYONE IS!! I know Superman, obviously, and I know the characters from STAS and JLU, but other than that, I have no idea who any one is, what their origins are, who is who, etc. All I know about them in the comics is that Supergirl was supposed to be a part of their team.

[AdamYJ]

Did anyone else think the controller guy looked more like a Monitor?

It was a decent finale, but I finally figured out what my problem is with this series, I HAVE NO IDEA WHO ANYONE IS!! I know Superman, obviously, and I know the characters from STAS and JLU, but other than that, I have no idea who any one is, what their origins are, who is who, etc. All I know about them in the comics is that Supergirl was supposed to be a part of their team.

Well, look it up! :p

Or at least read some Legion comics. The current series Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes is actually quite good, though at some points quite a bit different from the older Legion stuff that the show is drawing from.

[Undrave]

Did anyone else think the controller guy looked more like a Monitor?

It was a decent finale, but I finally figured out what my problem is with this series, I HAVE NO IDEA WHO ANYONE IS!! I know Superman, obviously, and I know the characters from STAS and JLU, but other than that, I have no idea who any one is, what their origins are, who is who, etc. All I know about them in the comics is that Supergirl was supposed to be a part of their team.

Neither do I... but instead of being a detterent it actually piques my curiosity so I want to watch more and learn more.

[Tempest]

Did anyone else think the controller guy looked more like a Monitor?

It was a decent finale, but I finally figured out what my problem is with this series, I HAVE NO IDEA WHO ANYONE IS!! I know Superman, obviously, and I know the characters from STAS and JLU, but other than that, I have no idea who any one is, what their origins are, who is who, etc. All I know about them in the comics is that Supergirl was supposed to be a part of their team.

It's quite understandable because I am a long time comic reader and even I'm not well versed on the Legion in depth like I am with many other comic entities (Hence why was it chosen to be animated???). I think the problem for me with the Legion of SH in the comics was I couldn't take it serious because it has no continuity with the rest of the DCU. It's set in the distant future and for me it's too removed from the DC/JLA characters in terms of crossovers so I dismissed it as subsidiary fluff when in fact I should've been more open minded but I just didn't have the time for it.

And again I don't find their characters varied enough in personality to grab me. From what I know about LoSH through this show and a little comic exposure is that it seems like all of them can just say each others lines and it wouldn't matter.

P.S. One things for sure is the team needs a hand to hand martial artist expert like Karate Kid to set up shop. All the current Legionnaires have the same powers and abilities and no one seems adept at hand to hand combat and acrobatics besides maybe Timberwolf.


P.S. But I'm curious for all you old school Legionophiles, how close is the show coming to capturing the comic book spirit in accuracy and characterization so far?
Admittedly I don't know the comic that well to judge for myself right now.

[Undrave]

P.S. One things for sure is the team needs a hand to hand martial artist expert like Karate Kid to set up shop. All the current Legionnaires have the same powers and abilities and no one seems adept at hand to hand combat and acrobatics besides maybe Timberwolf.


I dunno but I thought what little fighting Triplicate Girl did in the first episode was SWEET and pretty unique. It's just that she never did it again -.-

[90'sCartoonMan]

That was a pretty good season finale. We're introduced to Shrinking Violet (who only appeared on a monitor before), Bouncing Boy gets the upper hand on the Fatal Five, and Brainy sends Superman away not for an important task but to keep him safe. I also liked Ferro Lad's sacrifice, I just wish we hadn't met him 2 or 3 episodes ago.

I also liked the Alexis cameo! I'm sure she'll come back in some way or another next season.

[Brainatra]

I enjoyed this episode... knew about the death of Ferro Lad from the comics, but was wondering (like the poster above) what was up with the remains of him on that asteroid; were they just going to leave him there? Or give him a proper burial?

Was pleased to see Shrinking Violet as well.

Re: erasing Clark's memory:

In the original Superboy/Legion comics, Superboy was given a post-hypnotic memory-implant-thingy that made him forget anything specific about his own future (Supergirl, the existence of a Superman Museum, the fates of Ma and Pa Kent, Lois Lane, etc.) once he returned to his own time-era, but did remember the Legion itself (and his adventures with them, the teammates, etc.). Maybe his return to Smallville in this episode had a similar setup thanks to Saturn Girl, and he'd just forget things like the Superman Museum (or what he saw there)?

-B.

[JThree]

Dream Girl also made a quick cameo (blink and you'll miss it) at the end.
No speaking part either

JThree

[Freedom Fighter]

Part 2 was definitely better than Part 1. It somehow manages to bring the Legion and the Fatal Five together for a common cause while, simultaneously, giving Superman some face time with the Controller without making it seem excessive or that the episode's ending depended completely on what he did.

Oh, and if you gotta go out, go out atone for mistakes. Fero Lad couldn't get the job done in Part 1, but he made sure to finish it in Part 2. He's gonna be missed...

I was also a little surprised by the ending... Supes returning home to his time. Like the writers were prepared if the show only lasted one season.

Speaking of which, the show's gonna have to pick it up a notch and be more exciting, more thrilling, and more action-packed to keep me around in Season 2.

"Sundown, Part 2": 3.5/5.
Legion of Superheroes, Season 1: 3/5.

[spidl]

It was a good episode. I am glad they showed the difference between the Legion of Superheroes and the rest of DC is that death is always an option with these characters. The one thing I did not get was what was in it for the Fatal Five. I am not up on the Legion, but are any of them even from Earth?

[Project:Cadmus]

Well done episode, though I think they should have introduced Ferro Lad earlier on so we could have gotten to know him bettter and make his death more meaningful.

Still, in the short time he was there I kind have got to like the guy, and I loved the legion's reaction to his death (Superman's particularly).

One thing that seemed wierd though was Superman's leniency toward the controller. I know they couldnt have killed him, being a children's show and all, but with the "there can always be more suneaters" thing, you think Superman would have arrested him at least.

Oh and I hope the Fatal Five never come back. They are easily one of this shows blandest and least intersting villians (in comparison Dr. Londo's relationship with Timberwolf, Drax's connections to Superman, ect).

[Ultra8]

One thing that seemed wierd though was Superman's leniency toward the controller. I know they couldnt have killed him, being a children's show and all, but with the "there can always be more suneaters" thing, you think Superman would have arrested him at least.


The Controller was beyond United Planets jurisdiction or prosecution, Supes' can stop him but he can't arrest him for anything.

A pretty good episode. I wasn't too surprised by Ferro Lad biting the big one since that's what happened to him in 1st series atleast according to my clifnotes. Most of my knowledge of the character comes from the Post-Zero Hour 2nd timeline where he didn't die.
The only problems I had with the episode was the fact that other than the Legion we didn't see any type of assistance from the UP, you think something trying to gobble up the sun would attract the attention of more than one ship.
The Controller looked like a human version of a Dominator.
Judging by the asteroid corpse I wouldn't put it past them trying to resurect him for something next season.

[ouvi_dizer]

I also liked Ferro Lad's sacrifice, I just wish we hadn't met him 2 or 3 episodes ago.

I also liked the Alexis cameo! I'm sure she'll come back in some way or another next season.

I'm not sure Ferro's down for the count (he did appear in a scene after the explosion, crashed into an asteroid).

Alexis's cameo was good, she could be the Lex Luthor of the Legion Superman.

[duncanvw]

The reason I'm enjoying this show so much is the same reason a lot of people are either unsure about it. I absolutely LOVE seeing the LOSH comics I enjoyed so much as a kid brought to life on screen. I always believed that Batman and Supeman would be around in one animated form or another, but to see some of the more obscure Legionaires brought to life is a treat I never thought I'd enjoy.

The Sun Eater LOSH arc were the first comics that really "hooked" me. I loved super heros and comics before then, but those stories, and especially the scope of the Legion, it's rules and very nature, excited me more than other comics I had read up to that point in time.

I completely accept that the reason I enjoy the show is the reason some viewers are frustrated by it. It plays to fanboys in some regards moreso than the Timmverse shows or The Batman.

I also like how BB is beginning to play a similar role to that of the Martian Manhunter in JLU. I just hope we don't get shortchanged when it comes to seeing him in action. One of my favorite aspects of the show is the way they portray the use of superpowers, such as BB or Trip Girl. Remember in "Chain of Command" when Colossal Boy made himself smaller to avoid being hit by a meteor? Very cool. Or Saturn Girl using her powers to calm the people of Winath. Or B5 being smart enough to send Superman out of harm's way on a fool's errand to seek the Controller, and BB being sharp enough to realize B5's plan. Or Timberwolf being a good engineer who likes to bake. (Well, that last one didn't really apply, but you get my drift...)

Has anyone else noticed that, culturally speaking, the time is absolutely right for an episode like the two-part season finale? Not to speak politics, and I don't have a particular political leaning, but consider this:

The Controller - a being so powerful that the needs and wants of others are inconsequential. Life is worthless compared to the desire for chaos. He should run for President. Or be the leader of a terrorist sect. And why do those two positions seem eerily similar???

Ferro Lad - a soldier who, just after enlisting, sacrifices his life for the cause. Despite the fact that we just met this character, it's obvious that his devotion to the cause is deep and his character was forged long before enlisting in the Legion.

Bouncing Boy - A General fighting a war he didn't expect, forced to make command decisions with incomplete information under such deadline pressure that he is unable to come up with a suitable back-up plan or strategy for retreat, and he's not sure why the war started in the first place.

The Fatal Five - What's this? Our enemies are our friends now? I'm confused...just like in real life. Didn't Iraq used to be our friends? Then they were our enemy? Since Saddam is gone, are they are friends again? What about China? The Soviets? Our own government?

Superman - Sent on an intelligence mission well after the decision to fight the war was already made. No one expected him to come back with any new information, but he was never told that.

The Science Police -where the heck where they? What, are they all French or something?

The United Planets - worthless to impose laws or morality on the Controllers. Unable to interveen in the conflict. Generally invisible except to get in the way.

The big difference is that the Sun Eater started out as a weapon whose master we couldn't find. Saddam was a master whose weapons we couldn't find. Unless you compare the Controller to Bin Ladin, in which case Superman's difficulty in locating him seems perfect.

My point is that the time is right for some stories to hit the screen and not for others. Can you imagine that Hal and Ollie traveling the country righting social wrongs would have flown in the Wall Street/Gordan Gecko culture of the 1980s? Not likely, but the stories were perfect for post-1960s America.

[Wolf Boy2]

Knowing nothing about the Legion outside their two DCAU crossovers (and having watched so little of this show), I was thouroughly shocked today when I saw Ferro Lad die.

I had heard the commercials imply a death would happen, back when it first aired. But I didn't believe them anymore than I believed Supergirl would die in "Far From Home."

WOW. I still haven't quite recovered from this. How did this kiddie show get away with a hero death on Saturday morning that the much more adult JLU could not get away with on Saturday night?

[Tempest]

The reason I'm enjoying this show so much is the same reason a lot of people are either unsure about it. I absolutely LOVE seeing the LOSH comics I enjoyed so much as a kid brought to life on screen. I always believed that Batman and Supeman would be around in one animated form or another, but to see some of the more obscure Legionaires brought to life is a treat I never thought I'd enjoy.

The Sun Eater LOSH arc were the first comics that really "hooked" me. I loved super heros and comics before then, but those stories, and especially the scope of the Legion, it's rules and very nature, excited me more than other comics I had read up to that point in time.

I completely accept that the reason I enjoy the show is the reason some viewers are frustrated by it. It plays to fanboys in some regards moreso than the Timmverse shows or The Batman.

I also like how BB is beginning to play a similar role to that of the Martian Manhunter in JLU. I just hope we don't get shortchanged when it comes to seeing him in action. One of my favorite aspects of the show is the way they portray the use of superpowers, such as BB or Trip Girl. Remember in "Chain of Command" when Colossal Boy made himself smaller to avoid being hit by a meteor? Very cool. Or Saturn Girl using her powers to calm the people of Winath. Or B5 being smart enough to send Superman out of harm's way on a fool's errand to seek the Controller, and BB being sharp enough to realize B5's plan. Or Timberwolf being a good engineer who likes to bake. (Well, that last one didn't really apply, but you get my drift...)

I'll tell you I'm starting to come around a little more to season 1 after making my own DVD+R DL of the full season w/ JLU's "Far From Home" and STAS "New Kids in Town". Though I'll never be fond of these character designs (Superman/boy's is the worst ever for my eyes). They're tooooo kiddified angular for me and it's tough take serious for a straight up action show with comedic rim shots. BUT a few worked for me and as much comics as I've read in my day LOSH wasn't really one of them. I never had time for it or was turned off by the future aspect, found the hero names hacky/corny, and the fact they were too removed from the contemporary DCU. But I've changed, had a DC super hero catharsis.

That said, I love that YOU love the fact James Tucker and co kept it faithful to their silver age roots and provided us novices a basic blueprint intro to what the core members were and their deals. I've always been for keeping it AS faithful to the comics as possible and it sounds like season 1 did just that. So now I've taken it upon myself to become a Legionophile because of this series and the upcoming kick&%$ 2nd season. I'm currently surfing wikipedia, DC.com etc and learning their powers, origins, alias, skills, and characterization because it was quite frankly missing from DCU repertoire. AND "Sundown" (with "Chain of Command") seems to be a glimpse of what's to come in potential evolution. GREAT FINALE!