DC Has Changed In the Blink of Flashpoint

WARNING THIS CONTAIN SPOILERS TO THE END OF DC’S FLASHPOINT.

Everything you know will change in a flash. That’s what Geoff Johns promised his readers with summer’s blockbuster event from DC Comics. Not other words spoken were ever truer. Soon after the start of Flashpoint DC announced that they were revamping almost all of their titles. After years of reading comic books I knew they weren’t just going to hit the reboot button. The New 52 was going to be the aftermath of Flashpoint.

In 1986 Barry Allen sacrificed himself to save the world in Crisis on Infinite Earths. Barry was lost to a whole generation of comic readers until he appeared once again in 2009’s Final Crisis. It was like readers were getting a brand new Flash, but one that already knew how to be a hero. Little did everyone know Barry’s return would signify the end of the DC Universe as we know it.

Barry wakes up one day in his office and is no longer the Flash. His mother is alive, Aquaman and Wonder Woman are battling for control of the Earth, and Cyborg is the only hero interested in saving it. Barry is stumped as to what has happened so he turns to the world’s greatest detective for answers. Only Bruce isn’t the man behind the cowl anymore, his father Thomas Wayne is Batman. The two soon embark on a mission to gather the world’s superheroes together to try and put things back the way they were. Along the way they find out Superman has become a government lab rat, Captain Marvel is a gang of teenagers, and Lois Lane is helping lead the resistance to stop the coming war.

Barry finally gets his powers back and catches up with his arch-enemy, Professor Zoom. Barry demands he tell him what moment in time he changed so that Barry can go back and fix it. It was then that Zoom revealed that he did nothing, Barry did. Barry went back in time to save his mother and in returned he killed Bruce Wayne and his mother, made sure Kal-El was never found by the Kents, and turned Aquaman and Wonder Woman into bitter ex’s. Barry had to make a choice. It was either the life of his mother, or the life of billions of people. Since the Flash is a super-HERO I think we all know what option he went with.

The pay-off of this miniseries really didn’t come till the last issue. I have never questioned Johns genius, and even though the story lagged most issues, he stayed true to his abilities in the end. Flashpoint was an alternate reality story, but it was the details that made it enjoyable. I didn’t read any of the many spin-off miniseries of Flashpoint so I can only tell you what I like about the main series. Changing Batman from Bruce to Thomas Wayne was a nice touch. It gave a us a whole new Batman to learn about, and a whole new way he does things. His and Barry’s relationship was really the meat of Flashpoint I thought.

Thomas Wayne had been living in his own personal hell until Barry showed up and gave him a way to bring his son back. Barry is so hopeful while Batman is so bitter. It was great for the ying-and-yang to play off each other. Barry Allen’s decision at the end of issue #5 was also a great moment for the Flash. Barry said one goodbye to his mother before he technically killed her. It showed that it’s not hard being a hero. This whole story Barry was worried about when he went back to change the past other things would change. Well he got his wish because when he went back in time to stop himself from saving his mother he brought several parallel universes together, creating the New 52. He also brought back something for Bruce as well; A note from his father.

Overall Flashpoint wasn’t anything too special. It had a few good moment, but most of them being in the last issue. I guess I enjoyed most knowing that the New 52 isn’t a reboot, it’s the next chapter in the DC Universe, one that all fans can enjoy. I don’t know what will become of DC, but as a long time reader I’m willing to give it a shot. If it will help rejuvenate comic books in main stream media while giving us fresh stories with the same characters I think I may like it. But something also occurred to me after I was done reading Flashpoint and I thought about the new comics to come. Where the hell is Wally West? If you don’t mind I’m going to go take some deep breaths, remember that I trust Geoff Johns, and read Justice Leaguer #1.

My Top 5 TV Shows Returning This Fall

I remember when I was a kid, I would go back to school at the end of summer and I was excited to see my friends. I would learn what they had been up too all summer and what adventures they had been on when I wasn’t watching. Well the same can be said about the Fall TV line-up. After almost four months of being away I’m always anxious to see what has happened to my favorite TV characters, how they’ll escape the troubling events of last year’s season finale, and what romances will bloom in the Fall and wither come Spring. WARNING! If you haven’t watched the season finale of these five shows you should not read any further. That means you Lisa! We will watch all of Chuck, season 4, before the new season starts, so don’t spoil it for yourself.

5) The Big Bang Theory

The fourth season of BBT ended with all kinds of drama. Leonard’s relationship with Priya is on the rocks after he learns that she is moving back to India and decided not to tell him. Howard and Bernadette are engaged, a wedding that Howard’s best friend, Raj, is not looking forward too since he is in love with Bernadette. This drives Raj to go drinking with Penny, who is also saddened by the Leonard/Priya relationship. The next morning the two wake-up in bed together and walk out of the room to find everyone eye-balling them.

This last season was better than ever with the new additions of Melissa Rauch as Bernadette and Blossom star Mayim Bialik as Amy Farrah Folwer, the female version of Sheldon. But as the season progressed we saw that Amy is not like Sheldon. She wants to have human connections such as friendship and romance. This was evident when she got drunk and gave Sheldon his first kiss, in which Sheldon replied, “fascinating.” Penny now has her own entourage of girls to hang out with and is no longer dependent on her four nerdy male friends. This has brought a whole new aspect to the BBT and made it that much more entertaining. Sheldon and Penny’s interactions were some of the funniest part of the the show, and now with the addition of Amy Farrah Fowler it only gets better.

I know nothing will come of Penny and Raj’s one night stand, but I’m curious if Priya leaving will make way for a Leonard/Penny reunion. And if Howard and Bernadette actually make it down the isle I can only imagine what that wedding party will be like. Although I do look forward to a hilarious dissection of cultural wedding traditions by Sheldon and Amy.

4) Parks and Recreations

As a young man who grew-up in the cornfields of Indiana I look forward to seeing how the state is surviving without me. Thanks to this NBC show I’m able to remember just how weird life in the crossroads of America can be. Leslie has great political ambition beyond Assistant Parks Manager of Pawnee, IN. But her secret relationship with Ben may get in the way of that. Meanwhile her officemate Tom is leaving P&R to help start a multi-media group with his friend, Jean-Ralphio. Of course the best part of the season finale was the mention of Ron’s first wife, whose name sent his second wife screaming in horror. Seeing how horrible Tammy II is, played by the actor’s real-life wife, Megan Mullally, I can only imagine what Tammy I is like.

Ron Swanson is quickly becoming one of the great philosophers of the 21st century. The man loves his meat, believes in hard work, and laughs when the government he works for collapses. Just look at his Pyramid of Greatness and you’ll see that Ron has an answer for everything. Throw in a quirky cast, lead by Amy Poehler, and guest starring Rob Lowe, and you’ve got a show that will keeping you laughing for thirty minutes straight.

3) Supernatural

Over the years Sam and Dean have seen it all. They found and killed the demon that murdered their parents, only to later find out he chose Sam and Dean for a purpose. Sam was to be the vessel of Lucifer come Armageddon, and Dean was to be the vessel of Michael, the angel who would kill Lucifer. With a little help from the fallen angel, Castiel, the two prevented the slaughter of billions, and pissed off heaven and hell in the process. At the beginning of last season Dean was living in suburban bliss when his supposedly dead brother showed up at his doorstep. Eventually we find out how Sam escaped hell and how Dean needed to get Sam’s soul back so he’d stop being a prick. Once Sam was soulful again the two moved on to the bigger picture, the civil war in heaven. The Winchester Bros. had to help Castiel win the battle against Raphael for control of heaven. Castiel then became strong by absorbing millions of souls from Purgatory and now this moody angel has named himself the new God. Oh dear Lord.

With every season this show just keeps getting better and better. It took me almost to the end of season 2 to really get sucked in, but once I found out heaven and hell had big plans for these brother it’s been a great ride ever since. They drive around in their classic muscle car, listen to classic rock, and kill monsters. The show first started focusing on Sam, but now I feel like the focus is on Dean. Dean had a shot at a normal life, and in the end he had to make his new family forget him if they were going to stay safe. It’s tragic, but in the end all the Winchester Bros. need are each other, and maybe their suito-father figure, Bobby.

2) Hawaii Five-0

Lt. Steve McGarret spent the whole season trying to unlock the mystery his dead father left him. McGarrett found a trail that linked Hawaii crime boss, Wo Fat, to the Hawaiian governor, the woman who told McGarrett to put together a special team to fight criminals like Wo Fat. Now the governor is dead and McGarrett is being blamed for it. Meanwhile his partner, Danny, has got his family back and has to choose whether to return to New York with them or stay and help his colleagues. The rest of the Five-0 team isn’t doing to hot either.

This remake has more style and sex appeal than an Usher music video. The people in bathing suits, the beautiful scenery that makes you want to move to Hawaii, and Alex O’Loughlin’s ability to kicking ass, are just a few of the many reason this show is a hit. I personally enjoy the banter between McGarrett and Danny, played by Scott Caan. Hawaii Five-0 has to perfect blend of action, drama, and comedy. I’d stop watching it, but it’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to a vacation to Hawaii.

1) Chuck

If you’ve ever had a normal job and a normal life you probably thought about what it would be like to do something more; something extraordinary. Well Chuck Bartowski is living that dream for all of us. He has this computer program in his head that knows government secrets, intel, and moves for kicking ass. Last season Chuck lost this Intersect and thought his spy girlfriend, Sarah, wouldn’t be with him without it. Lucky for him he got it back, but only to lose it again. Chuck and Sarah are married now, and are no longer working for the government. Along with their friends, Casey and Morgan, they’re starting their own spy agency, and they’ll able to handle anything, especially since Morgan accidentally got the Intersect stuck in his head. “Guys, I know kung-fu.”

This show is a hidden gem of television. Ask any good critic and they’ll tell you how much this show rocks. It’s every young man’s fantasy and Yvonne Strahovski as Sarah is every young man’s fantasy hottie. This season will be the last for Chuck with only 13 episodes left till we say goodbye to the crew at the Buy More, Agent Carmichael, and Captain Awesome. Chuck has struggled each season to stay alive, but now it’s is going out on its own terms. It’s full of great characters that are funny, lovable, and highly relatable. Most of the credit I think goes to the show’s star, Zachary Levi. He makes us all believe the dorky, average, guy can get the hot, badass, spy into bed. Check out the first season of this show on dvd and if you’re not hooked by the end I’ll pay you $10.  Or I’ll give you season 2 to watch and tell you that you have bad taste.

My Top 5 TV Shows to Watch this Fall

My people, I have returned. Sure I haven’t written a blog in almost a month, but like the little child on summer vacation I got lazy, ate a lot of cheese balls, and probably gained ten pounds. But my passion for writing has returned with excitement for this year’s Fall TV schedule. In the last few weeks I almost lost my TV due to “cut-backs” but both parties were able to reach a compromise and still trim some spending off the budget. I think I should run for president after the debates I’ve had. I lost my HD channels and a few I never really watched, but on plus side I also lost the stupid Time Warner Cable DVR and brought back my old friend, TiVo! I missed the sounds it makes most of all.

Everyone knows I love TV; way more than I like movies. Each year you get a new sequel every week.  The characters change, evolve, grow-up, and are always there waiting for you after a long day. Sadly enough my top 5 new shows to watch from 2010 were all cancelled, and half of them for good reason. Let’s hope this year’s freshman class has better luck.

5) Once Upon A Time (ABC) Sundays 8/7c:

From the executive producers of Lost comes a weird and kind of creative story on ABC. Jennifer Morrison (House) is Emma, an independent woman who years ago gave up a baby. Now that child, Henry, has sought her out and tells her she comes from a different world, one where she is actually the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. Emma is all set to return Henry to his home town of Storybrooke, a town full of magic. This town has legendary characters like Sleeping Beauty and Jiminy Cricket, only they don’t remember who they are. Is Emma going to stick around long enough to figure out if she’s fairytale royalty?  Some of you may think this sounds lame, but it also sounds pretty creative. It’s been a while since I watched a show on ABC so I figured I’d give it a whirl. Knowing a little bit about Lost I imagine it’ll have a few good twist and turns in it. I just hope there is no smoke monster.

Preview:

http://abc.go.com/shows/once-upon-a-time

4) Unforgettable (CBS) Tuesdays 10/9c:

Carrie Wells has an air-tight memory. She can remember every moment of her life, except the day her sister was killed. When a neighbor is murdered Carrie gives up using her gifts for gambling and starts helping the police solve some cases, maybe even her sisters. Carrie is played by Poppy Montgomery who recently starred as J.K. Rowling in a TV movie called Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story.  I’m a little unsure about this one but I had a spot in my line-up on Tuesday nights. Plus Dylan Walsh from Nip/Tuck stars in the lead male role, and I can’t say no to Sean MacNamara. CBS has been putting out some pretty good crime shows lately like The Mentalist and Hawaii Five-O, so why not give them the benefit of the doubt.

Preview:

http://www.cbs.com/shows/unforgettable/video/?pid=JdV9yiOvfuBok5bcaD759QXQ041VKd_x&vs=Default&play=true

3) Whitney (NBC) Thursdays 9:30/8:30c:

Comedian Whitney Cummings stars in her own show based on her stand-up routine. She’s a sassy, single, girl living with her boyfriend, Alex. They’ve been together for a while, but she refuses to get married. This is about how her ways get her into trouble and hopefully make us all keeping laughing after The Office is over.  I first saw Whitney Cummings on Chelsea Lately, and then caught her comedy special, now on Netflix. She’s got that jaded personality that is pretty hilarious and pretty true. She doesn’t sugar code life, but we’ll see how her comedy does when it gets put on prime time and it’s under the FCC microscope. Good luck Whitney!

Preview:

http://www.nbc.com/whitney/video/get-a-little-too-comfortable/1327544/

2) Up All Night (NBC) Wednesdays 10/9c:

TV veterans Will Arnett (Arrested Development) and Christina Applegate (Married with Children) both had shows this last year that failed to take off, but now they’re back teaming up together to show you what parenthood: year 1 is like. Applegate plays Reagan, a career driven woman with a crazy boss, played by Bridesmaids star Maya Rudolph. Reagan is trying to adjust to motherhood with her new child and her stay at home husband Chris, play by Arnett. The two quickly learn that their lives have changed and, as much as they fight it, they’ll never be the same people they were.  I like all three of these actors, especially Will Arnett. My wife said if she had one new show she was going to watch this Fall this will be it. What could me more funny than all the mistakes first-time parents make, right?

Preview:

http://www.nbc.com/up-all-night/video/new-up-all-night-parenting-tips/1348151/

1) Grimm (NBC) Fridays 9/8c starting Oct. 21st:

The executive producers of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel step back into the world of monsters with a character named Nick Burkhardt. Nick is a detective and soon discovers that he is a descendant of the famous Grimm Brothers. Nick begins seeing hidden monsters everywhere he goes, and it’s up to him to stop them from making stories like Hansel and Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood, repeat themselves. Grimm will start later in the season, just in time for Halloween.  It also follows a show I’m already planning to watch, Chuck. No need to even touch that dial.  This show seems like it has the right people behind it, decent graphics, and could lead to some storylines I’d usually see on Supernatural. I just hope Nick doesn’t start blasting classic rock because that might lead to copyright infringement.

Preview:

http://www.nbc.com/grimm/video/once-upon-a-crime/1327541/