By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)
*Spoiler Alert
The premise of the latest episode of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, “Turncoat,” has the potential to be a commentary on the “problems” with the state of troublesome affairs going on in the States. What’s said would have been spectacularly great when considering how influential Rory was the first president. I’m sure some people are wondering what’s going behind a certain new president’s head, and who shaped his philosophies … but instead, this latest story creates a diversion, a trap, for the Legends team who are out to save history yet again. The Legion of Doom wants them out-of-the-way so they can reshape the world.
At the same time, this late entry is also the Christmas episode. To see this episode nearly a month later after the day feels odd. We can blame the broadcasters than the show creators, but this is a holiday episode. Sara Lance said we’re supposed to be at our best during the yuletide season and I liked this moment of clarity. Jax wanted to go postal, but thankfully he’s not the type to commit cold-blooded murder.
With George Washington, he believes a code of conduct must always be observed. I had to laugh when the Brits are seen as dishonourable and unsophisticated. This turn is unusual when back home, how they fight amongst themselves is different. But when the war for independence is on, some moralities are tossed out the window. When Washington is seen fighting for freedom over tyranny (aka the British Empire), I wondered how bad were they back then? I feel Rory represents the decay of society and this episode spotlights him as the true everyman. I have to chuckle, nod and laugh at how he views American society. When he coaches the yet to be president, I’m hearing satire in his words.
Rory’s banter with Washington sums up everything he believes in. However, this chaotic personality is still going through the motions of figuring out if he’s a hero or not. He seems to be in control with his interactions with the ghost of his former partner, Snart (Captain Cold), but I do not think he’s dealt with his demons fully either. When each episode deals with something specific for particular individuals, not every detail can be followed through episode to episode.
At least Nate’s feelings for Amaya comes to the fore where they have to deal with their feelings towards one another. Their intimacy felt forced. I’m more curious to see how Nate will pick up the pieces now that Amaya decided that having relationships with fellow teammates is generally a bad idea.
Another detail I’m left looking at is in how often Doctor Fate’s helmet appears. Although I lost count, I believe this instance it at least the third. When a camera is framed to bring viewers back to the episode after commercials, I could not help but notice that this shot must mean something. This hero might get introduced sooner than later because even I doubt Gideon / the technology contained in the Waverider can restore Rip Hunter back to his former self. While she can perform medical miracles, I can not believe she can rewrite neural pathways which define an individual’s personality. Maybe a sip from the holy grail might help, and I’m looking forward to next week’s episode, “Camelot 3000” to see what’s to happen next.
