As exciting and intriguing as the new seasons of The Flash and Arrow have been, there’s been an underlying sense that both shows have been at least somewhat devoted (or perhaps distracted) by setting up CW’s new superhero show, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. But now, the foreplay is essentially out of the way and the big payoff is ready to launch.
If you had any questions as to what Legends of Tomorrow may have been about — especially with that diverse, seemingly unconnected cast of characters and a time travel premise — a new trailer for the show lays it all out pretty clearly. Check it out:
Based on the trailer, the scale of this show is far larger than what we’ve seen on The Flash and Arrow. While Arrow is a relatively insular show, even when the story goes to places like Hong Kong, Lian Yu or Panda Narbat, the action stays somewhat small. The Flash takes place in a bigger world with the metahumans that populate Central City and this season’s entry into multiple timelines and universes.
But Legends of Tomorrow appears to be going to all sorts of different periods to follow the time-traveling villain, Vandal Savage (played by Casper Crump). We see a post-apocalyptic future, as well as what looks like ancient Egypt. In addition, there may be a heavier sci-fi element with the vehicle that the team, led by Rip Hunter (Arthur Darvill), uses to chase Savage through time. The trailer shows many special effects, such as with Atom and Firestorm’s powers, along with the wings used by Hawkman and Hawkgirl. Will the series be able to maintain that level of action?
Regardless, the producers and writers certainly seem intent on exploring a bigger world. The references to “Men of Steel” and a “Dark Knight” aren’t accidental, though Superman and Batman aren’t going to be seen on this show.
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow premieres on the CW Thursday, Jan. 21.