DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: 13 best episodes ranked from worst to best

DC's Legends of Tomorrow: 13 best episodes ranked from worst to best

As a long-time fan of the Arrowverse, I must say that the episodes which truly stand out for me are those that not only advance the plot but also delve deep into the characters’ development. The episode from “Legends of Tomorrow” Season 3, Episode 8: Crisis on Earth-X, Part 4, was a masterpiece in this regard.


In contrast to the prominent series like The Flash within the Arrowverse, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow has historically been somewhat overlooked. Nevertheless, for those who did tune in, it offered a unique perspective on various themes that other shows in the universe couldn’t, given their generally serious demeanor.

Throughout its broadcast, the show has had a few underwhelming episodes, but an impressive 43 out of 110 episodes have garnered an IMDb rating of 8.0 or higher. This is one of my favorite shows in the DC CW series because it dared to delve into fresh perspectives from the comics, maintaining a logical narrative flow without shying away from the complexities of time travel, magic, and other intriguing aspects.

One fascinating aspect of Legends of Tomorrow is its consistent use of the idea that solving one issue often triggers another. To illustrate, vanquishing a demon might open the door for more magic in the world. Opting to save one individual could turn the one left behind into a formidable adversary.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at how this philosophy has crafted some truly impactful episodes. The choices our Legends make come back to bite them, creating moments that are both thrilling and heartrending. This show excels in maintaining a perfect balance between light-hearted, absurd storylines for each episode and deeply moving, season-long arcs. Each aspect enriches not only the characters but also the broader DC universe, making every moment count.

As a devoted fan, I’ve handpicked the 13 most outstanding episodes from the series “Legends” to underscore the extraordinary brilliance of a superhero show that dares to break the mold. These episodes demonstrate what happens when the unusual is embraced, rather than being shoehorned into conventional norms.

Season 2, Episode 9: Raiders of the Lost Art

Growing up as a passionate admirer of genre-bending television shows, I must confess that while not the most acclaimed episode, this particular installment of Legends has always held a special place in my heart. You see, for me, art is more than just entertainment; it’s a reflection of our shared human experiences and emotions. And when media like this one pays homage to the rich tapestry of genres that have shaped our collective cultural consciousness, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to it. As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of storytelling, I find immense joy in witnessing creative expressions that not only tell captivating tales but also pay tribute to the very foundations upon which they are built.

what if George Lucas had never remained in the entertainment industry? The more tech-savvy team members find themselves stripped of their powers, as they wouldn’t have become heroes without iconic franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones not being created under Lucas’ guidance.

In this latest game session, things are shaping up quite nicely. For once, my teammates are actually collaborating effectively, which is a refreshing change of pace. And let me tell you, bringing in some popular baddies from other Arrowverse shows and pitting them against each other? That wasn’t as crazy an idea as I initially thought it might be! All in all, it’s been an entertaining episode that’s left quite the impression compared to earlier episodes of Legends. It’s clear they weren’t kidding when they said we’d be diving into some over-the-top moments!

Season 4, Episode 8: Legends of To-Meow-Meow

Initially, the early seasons of Legends of Tomorrow focused on the cast maintaining the chronology, but by season four, they tended to disregard this requirement. Yet, as a character, Constantine is tormented by guilt, so altering the timeline was bound to lead to catastrophic consequences.

As a long-time fan of the show “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow,” I must say that this episode was a fun and entertaining diversion from the more serious storylines we’ve seen so far. While it may not have advanced the overall plot much, it provided a welcome break and offered some intriguing insights into the characters, particularly Constantine. The episode featured a rotating group of Legends, including Charlie, Zari, and Constantine, working together to save Constantine’s lover and preserve Charlie’s powers without causing catastrophic damage to the universe or wiping out half of the team.

From my perspective, this episode significantly deepens Charlie and Constantine’s characters, setting them up for more significant roles within the team in the future. The journey to reach that point is utterly madcap, but it’s an enjoyable ride. The quip about bypassing the “annual crossover” is subtly meta, acknowledging their absence in the Elseworlds crossover without seeming complaining or grumbling.

Season 5, Episode 4: Slay Anything

The TV series “Legends of Tomorrow” is renowned for fully embracing a particular theme, and this quality shines brilliantly in the episode titled “Slay Anything”. This episode playfully mimics classic slasher flicks by introducing a resurrected serial killer named Freddy Meyers who aims to eliminate the survivors from his high school days. But fear not, the Legends are on hand to turn the tables in an unconventionally exciting manner!

This particular episode is one of many delightful episodes from this series, but it could easily veer off course in a different show. The idea behind it isn’t particularly original, and including Ava as a horror/true crime podcaster doesn’t add much beyond the “Scream” TV series. However, the plot is effective due to its clever use of Nora.

Though Nora’s fairy godmother role might not have been the strongest plotline for the series, it offers an ideal foundation for this episode. In this installment, Nora encounters a tormented spirit who has strayed towards darkness, mirroring her own past struggles. Meanwhile, Ray’s mission to rehabilitate villains aligns perfectly with Nora’s life experiences, providing her the chance to demonstrate how optimism can be practically applied in this situation – ultimately saving a potential killer and demonstrating that redemption is possible.

Instead of being hailed as the greatest episode ever, it undeniably isn’t. However, given my affinity for slasher films, I find it immensely enjoyable and a perfect choice to revisit when seeking entertainment that showcases the genre-blending prowess demonstrated in Legends.

Season 1, Episode 15: “Destiny”

In the first season, Legends of Tomorrow didn’t quite reach its peak performance, but it doesn’t imply that every episode was mediocre. Interestingly, the second-to-last episode of the season shone particularly brightly as it might have served more effectively as a season finale than the actual one did. This is because it encapsulated the climax of each character’s journey and set the stage for the significant transformation in the universe that would be at the heart of the subsequent season.

In “Destiny,” the Legends discovered that all their actions during that season were orchestrated by the Time Masters, much like the MCU’s Time Variance Authority (TVA). Despite this manipulation, the characters demonstrated their defiance by standing up to them, even when victory seemed unlikely. This courage empowered them to confront Vandal Savage in the following episode.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say this latest episode was jam-packed with some fantastic character development, especially for Rory and Snart. They demonstrated their unwavering loyalty towards each other, and we could truly see how they had evolved over their time on the Waverider – it was clear as day when they were ready to lay down their lives for the cause.

Season 2, Episode 10: The Legion of Doom

In a story, it’s often engaging to shift focus from the heroes to the villains for an episode, and “The Legion of Doom” effectively demonstrated this approach. This group of supervillains from the Arrowverse consistently outsmarted the Legends during the season, making it intriguing to learn their strategies and identify potential weaknesses in their alliance.

The episode trailed the antagonists in their pursuit of knowledge about the Spear of Destiny from the man who used to be Rip Hunter. This quest, however, seemed more aimed at providing amusing villainous banter than serving a significant purpose. Merlyn and Darhk were frequently exchanging jabs, yet their squabbles paled in comparison to the mounting animosity they harbored towards Thawne.

As a fervent fan, I must say this installment was chock-full of captivating insights into the villains’ backgrounds, their driving forces, and the Spear of Destiny itself. Yet, it skillfully balanced these serious revelations with some dramatic, albeit entertaining, villain takedowns that kept things far from monotonous. Rather than being a potentially routine episode for the season, it transformed into one of the standouts, due to its authentic portrayal of the Legion of Doom’s daily camaraderie and interactions.

In many shows within the Arrowverse, villains are often used primarily as story elements rather than fully-developed characters. However, this episode gave depth to these villains, poked fun at their peculiarities, and even made viewers cheer for them. It offered character development, added to the backstory, and was packed with plenty of humorous references about the series itself. What’s not to enjoy?

Season 7, Episode 10: The Fixed Point

When it comes to any series that involves time travel, it’s essential to understand what aspects can be altered and which ones remain constant. The concept of a “fixed point” is generally accepted, as altering the entire course of time would lead to a chaotic and confusing narrative. However, imagine a tavern where time travelers unsuccessfully try to modify these fixed points in a manner reminiscent of the movie franchise Final Destination. That’s something only the adventurous Legends of Tomorrow could manage to pull off.

The team determines that the best approach to facing the formidable enemy is by averting World War One, a strategy that aligns well with the Legends’ unconventional yet effective approach (“That’s so unorthodox, it could just work”). As spectators, we are treated to thrilling battle sequences featuring Sara, and an intriguing return of a past adversary to the screen.

Beyond the primary storyline, Ava assists Gwyn in preventing his lover from perishing during World War One, which adds genuine emotion to an otherwise lighthearted installment. Their partnership effectively delves into the complexities and contradictions that arise when one has been taught that their love is unacceptable, considering both time-travel aspects and personal biases.

As a member of the LGBT+ community, I appreciate the effort this show has made to represent our experiences accurately and sensitively. It’s refreshing to see characters like Sara and Ava whose identities are not defined by their relationships or struggles, but rather by their personal growth and development. On the other hand, seeing Gwyn grapple with his feelings and religious conflicts resonates deeply with many of us who have faced similar challenges in our own lives. It’s important to see these complex portrayals on screen, as they help to normalize and validate our experiences.

There are certainly some weak spots in this episode, but that doesn’t take away from everything it does right. It’s a classic example of Legends mixing time travel insanity with emotional character beats, and it’s especially impressive that they can still pull that off this late in the show’s run.

Season 2, Episode 16: Doomworld

One strength of the series “Legends of Tomorrow” has consistently been crafting thrilling alternate reality episodes, and “Doomworld” is a prime example. In season two, the villainous alliance known as the “Legion of Doom,” comprising Eobard Thawne, Damien Darhk, Malcolm Merlyn (alongside Leonard Snart), aimed to seize the powerful Spear of Destiny and alter history. This episode vividly depicts the grim consequences if they succeeded in their mission.

As a long-time fan of this show, I must say that this episode was particularly captivating for me. With my background in character development and storytelling, I found myself appreciating the intricate layers of both the heroes and villains in this installment.

“Doomworld” is enjoyable from start to finish and seems like the pinnacle of the Arrowverse so far. It’s expertly done, making the awareness that Thawne’s dream will be reversed irrelevant to the fun. This demonstrates how powerful an idea can become when everyone is determined to make it a reality.

Season 5, Episode 7: Mr. Parker’s Cul-De-Sac

Initially, the team-up of Ray Palmer and Nora Darhk in Legends of Tomorrow seemed unexpected, but over time, it has become a standout aspect of the series. It’s not surprising then, that an episode centered around them would rank among the show’s finest.

As Constantine searches for the Loom of Destiny, Ray intends to pop the question to Nora. However, this idyllic scenario is disrupted when her erratic father miraculously returns from the dead. For a time, Nora weaves a web of deceit to meet her father’s demands, but eventually confesses her truth in hopes he’ll be content with her newfound sense of belonging. Unfortunately, things take an unexpected turn when one of Nora’s wards wishes for everyone to be whisked away into a sham version of the beloved Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

Although it appears to be a playful installment at first glance, this episode ranks among the most emotionally resonant in the series’ run, as different character duos tackle their issues using classic children’s TV motifs. There were plenty of comedic antics, but the underlying message was how much these characters have evolved since season 3, and it proved to be a powerful narrative.

As a devoted fan, it’s astounding to think that the Damien Darhk in today’s episode is the same villain who took Sara’s sister on Arrow. Yet, it’s one of the many intriguing twists that Legends of Tomorrow excels at. Almost any antagonist can find redemption here because the Legends delve deep into their reasons and present alternative paths. Although I was sad to see Ray and Nora depart, this storyline felt fitting, given the exceptional way it was executed.

Season 5, Episode 14: The One Where We’re Trapped on TV

On yet another surprising turn, the series Legends of Tomorrow veers off in an unexpected path. After consistently being defeated by the Fates, Charlie makes a deal with her sisters: she’ll collaborate, but only if the Legends are spared. Meanwhile, the world transforms into an eerie resemblance of 1984. As for our heroes, they find themselves displaced across various television shows, each given the opportunity to fulfill their deepest desires.

In this latest gaming adventure, I found myself navigating through an array of familiar territories, a blend of humor reminiscent of “Friends”, the elegance of “Downton Abbey”, and the sci-fi vibes of “Star Trek”. It was quite intriguing to see how these diverse genres complemented the complex character dynamics in our game. But what really stood out was when some Legends, instead of fighting against them, chose to embrace the traps as a sanctuary from the raw emotions and hardships they deal with in their real lives. This twist turned an ordinary episode into something deeply impactful.

In this case, Astra and Constantine are prepared to suppress their individual identities and disregard reality altogether, just for the sake of happiness with Natalie. The extent to which Constantine is ready to atone for his past mistakes significantly shapes his character. Moreover, the allure of their show magnifies the impact when they ultimately decide to walk away from it.

In “The One Where We’re Trapped on TV,” I was truly captivated by the stellar performances of the entire cast. Tala Ashe masterfully portrays two distinct versions of Zari, a skill that really resonates with Behrad’s poignant resurrection. The emotional turmoil of Charlie, fighting to save the Legends, is surprisingly relatable and adds depth to their chaotic situation. Each character gets a chance to either bring on the humor or reveal their heart, making for an engaging episode that caters to both comedy and drama enthusiasts alike.

Season 2, Episode 17: Aruba

Long-time enthusiasts of the TV series Legends of Tomorrow are well aware that the Legends often grapple with time’s strict order. However, this wasn’t always the case. For most of the initial two seasons, they prioritized safeguarding the timeline, even when it hindered their ability to thwart villains. But in “Aruba,” they broke free from these set rules for the first time, driven by the devastation they witnessed in “Doomworld” under the Legion of Doom’s rule.

The team travels back in time to World War One, as this is where they had previously misplaced the Spear of Destiny to the Legion. Their goal is to prevent the spear from falling into the wrong hands, but doing so means interfering with their own past, a clear violation of time travel rules. As both good and evil factions start altering the timeline, they must hurry to establish the course of future events while navigating through time, reality, and adversaries.

In this episode, one standout moment occurs when Sara engages in a conversation with her past self, offering an insightful portrayal of her intricate personality and the reasons behind her exceptional leadership. Her inner turmoil remains palpable, particularly following her encounter with Damien Darhk, so soon after Laurel’s tragic demise. This scene serves as a deep dive into her character, escalating the tension for the episode and setting the stage for the tumultuous events of season three.

The actions of the characters significantly influence the course and their involvement in the timeline, but what truly matters is the transformation undergone by these characters themselves. Sara embraces her darkness as well as her strength, while Nate confronts his feelings. Moreover, the consequences of the villains’ fates become even more profound due to their decisions and the deplorable acts they are compelled to commit.

In this particular installment, it might be said that it encapsulates the fundamental concept of time-traveling superheroes and antagonists better than any other. Although I may contend that other episodes are superior for the series in totality, this one is undoubtedly among the finest from the early seasons.

Season 3, Episode 11: Here I Go Again

It’s only fitting that a time loop episode should appear in a series such as this one, yet “Legends” distinguishes itself by moving past the cliche and utilizing it to foster a connection between the reserved newcomer, Zari, and the rest of the team.

So far in season 3, I’ve found myself quite resentful towards my team members for having the ability to travel through time, yet choosing not to use it to combat tyranny and oppression. Granted, this viewpoint was understandable, but it made collaborating with the group challenging. However, disregarding Sara’s instructions led to a catastrophe – the Waverider being trapped in an infinite loop of destruction. Now, I’m left with no choice but to learn to cooperate with my teammates if we ever hope to return our ship to normal functioning again.

As Zari explores teamwork, viewers simultaneously delve deeper into the personalities of other characters – a clever approach for this episode. Repeating similar situations can become monotonous, so discovering that Mick is penning a romance novel or that Nate and Amaya are attempting to forget their past relationship adds depth to the supporting cast.

In essence, the intrigue isn’t primarily in breaking the time loop itself – given its predictable resolution – but rather in following Zari’s methodology and uncovering fresh insights throughout the process. This episode distinguishes itself not only within Legends of Tomorrow, but across the entire Arrowverse, for this very reason.

Season 3, Episode 8: Crisis on Earth-X, Part 4

In my usual approach to rankings, I don’t include crossovers because they are more standalone events than regular episodes of a series. But there’s an exception for “Crisis on Earth X,” as it had significant impact on the future of Legends of Tomorrow. If you’re planning to rewatch the best episodes of Legends of Tomorrow, I strongly recommend watching the entire crossover event.

To sum up, the main storyline in “Crisis on Earth X” involves an alternate Earth where the Nazis triumphed attacking Earth-One, which happens to be during Barry and Iris’s wedding. In the initial episodes, there is significant development of characters, particularly Stein desiring to depart from the Legends to spend more quality time with his family. This decision creates difficulties for Jax, as it essentially means losing his physical counterpart.

In this scenario, it’s crucial to focus on the Nazi invaders, as they are actually transformed versions of Supergirl and Oliver Queen. These altered superheroes have conquered most other heroes, leaving them imprisoned in a concentration camp on Earth-X. Eventually, they join forces with the Earth-X resistance fighters, led by Leonard Snart, also known as Citizen Cold.

In the latest episode of Legends, a significant moment unfolds with profound effects on future episodes. Yet, what truly captivates fans is the conversation between Stein and Jax, where they discover their familial bond. Tragically, in their quest to leave Earth-X, they are compelled to part ways, resulting in Stein being severely wounded with multiple gunshots.

Not only did that scene tug at our heartstrings, but Jax managed to momentarily rescue Stein, albeit at the cost of his own wellbeing. Owing to the remedy for their bond, Stein was able to repay Jax’s life-saving act, but at the price of sacrificing his own existence. This character’s death in the Arrowverse ranks among the most emotionally taxing, and I stand firm on my feelings about it.

In this outstanding crossover event, every series was given equal attention, which is a refreshing change from other instances where The Legends often take a backseat to the main Arrowverse characters. This time, however, their stories were beautifully woven into the narrative. There were entertaining interactions between Sara and Alex, thrilling action sequences, and ample character development for everyone involved. Fans of other shows will also find much to enjoy, but I must acknowledge that this crossover showcased some exceptional storytelling on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.

Season 7, Episode 3: wvrdr_error_100 not found

Although not as widely recognized as other shows within the Arrowverse, Legends still reached its 100th episode. This milestone allowed for a reunion of beloved characters from the past and delved into the rich history and impact the series has created over time.

In this episode, the main concept is as whimsical as anything else in the series. When Gideon, now a human, collapses due to overthinking, Spooner and Astra venture into her mind to revive her. Instead of being a simple showcase of self-praise, it surprisingly delved deep into the essence of humanity. Each flashback scene wasn’t just for nostalgia but also to enrich the series’ background and convey the lesson Gideon learned from each experience.

It’s quite appropriate that Gideon played a central role in this episode, given that she is the sole character aside from Sara who has appeared in every installment. For a long time, she has transcended her AI status, and it was fascinating to witness not only her perspective of the team but also how she navigates the world as a whole. This exploration was truly enjoyable.

In this episode, there’s so much to appreciate when it comes to nostalgia. From recognizing old logos in the opening sequence to seeing familiar faces again. Plus, having Caity Lotz as the director certainly added to its charm. However, what truly made it stand out was the heartfelt exploration of a computer learning to love and dealing with loss and uncertainty – making this one of the best episodes Legends has ever produced.

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2024-08-01 03:03

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