JLU Review

If it's Tuesday, then it must be time for my weekly Justice League Unlimited review. As the last new episodes of the series wind down, I feel it necessary to chastise Cartoon Network for pulling the plug on one of the best superhero cartoons in history. Yes, I know it's expensive to produce, and yes, I know that it really doesn't reach CN's juvenile demographic. But really, wouldn't you rather be producing more episodes of JLU than garbage like Ed, Edd and Eddy? There are so many more stories to be told, especially now that nearly all of the heroes and villains of the DC Comics universe are at the creators' disposal. A major part of the reason that I've enjoyed JLU is to see second and third tier heroes like Green Arrow, Doctor Fate, The Question, Stargirl and Red Tornado, to just name a few, have their moment in the sun. Anyway, onto the review.

This week's episode (number 8 in season 5 for those of you scoring at home) is entitled "The Great Brain Robbery" and revolves around the Flash and Lex Luthor accidentally swapping brains and the havoc that ensues because of it.

Some of the episodes this season have been hit or miss (the recent Deadman episode comes to mind), but this episode features many of the things that make JLU so good: action, humor and tension, all well-balanced.

So what's good? The wonderful voice acting of Clancy Brown (as Luthor/Flash) and Michael Rosenbaum (as Flash/Luthor) comes to mind. Hearing Luthor use the Flash's trademark quips, referring to himself in the third person, and saying "Dude" was worth more than a few laughs as was the explanation "Luthor" gives Dr. Polaris why he didn't wash his hands before leaving the mens room ("Because I'm evil!"). And that also begs the question: who knew that the Hall of Doom even had a mens room?

For his part, Rosenbaum manages to not turn Luthor-as-the-Flash into a caricature of the Lex Luthor he plays on Smallville. Perhaps the most amusing bit is when "Flash" looks at himself in the mirror of the Watchtower's mens room, and upon seeing Wally's reflection remarks, "I have no idea who he is".

Also well-played are the interactions between the faux Luthor and the rest of the Secret Society, notably Luthor's paramour, Tala (voiced by Juliet Landau). Tala is quite pleased by how attentive and enthusiastic "Lex" is, and when the real Luthor returns at the end, her disappointment is evident.

As far as the action goes, Luthor gives the small group of heroes on the Watchtower a tough time as he quickly adapts to the Flash's powers, using them in ways Wally can't or won't. In the end, it's the brains of Mr. Terrific that ultimately outsmart Luthor, allowing Doctor Fate to fix the mind swap, but not before Luthor runs roughshod over Green Lantern and Red Tornado.

What's not so good? Well, the whole set up of the episode really forces one to suspend disbelief. It was kinda hard for me to swallow that at the exact same time Luthor is probing Grodd's brain for info about Brainiac, Doctor Fate is trying to locate Grodd through the connection Grodd and Wally once shared. The subsequent feedback causes the brain swap. Just too much of a coincidence for me.

I also didn't buy Doctor Polaris as a rival to Luthor. Of all the villains to choose, writers Dwayne McDuffie and Matt Wayne chose Doctor Polaris (at best, a 3rd string Green Lantern villain), and his pursuit of the leadership of the Society felt forced to me. Sinestro (who is heavily featured) would have been a much better choice. Also, Luthor's quick mastery of the Flash's abilities (which extend far beyond being able to run fast), seemed a bit too convenient to me.

Overall, though "The Great Brain Robbery" was a highly entertaining and amusing episode, easily the best JLU since it returned from its way too long hiatus last month. I give it 3.5 stars (out of 4).

Next week's episode should prove to be interesting as the ladies of the JLU take center stage in "Grudge Match."

I'll be back tomorrow with more Scribbling goodness. Later, kids.

~Sara