DC’s Legends of Tomorrow Review: I, Ava (Season 3 Episode 16)

Ava is NOT a robot, Nate does something stupid, and Mick gets a little totem training on Legends of Tomorrow Season 3 Episode 16, “I, Ava.”

I admit to not feeling much excitement going into this episode, mostly because I am not terribly invested in the Sara/Ava relationship. However, I am happy to say Legends of Tomorrow absolutely delivers a great storyline for both characters, as well as a really important (and sad) development for Amaya and her granddaughter, Kuasa.

First, pairing up Ray, Sara, and Gary works really well. Gary is always a trip but sometimes the hilarity of his interactions with the team can clash with the overall tone of an episode (looking at you Legends of Tomorrow Season 3 Episode 15, “Necromancing the Stone”). Fortunately, that is not the case for this little adventure to the future to find Ava.

It sounds horrible to admit to enjoying watching all the characters make fun of Gary, but it really is delightful and funny. Especially when it involves Gary’s plan to wear a wig and put on a pants suit to cover for his missing boss.

Oh, Gary. Never change.

Putting Sara in a situation where she literally sees her ex everywhere, or at least a clone of her ex, is really clever. Who hasn’t split up and had that feeling of being unable to escape the memory or presence of a former significant other?

Not only is Sara learning Ava is not who she seems, but she also ends up surrounded by Ava’s clones and then fights her way through them. It’s as if everyone’s worst break-up nightmare came to life.

The Sara/Ray dynamic is always fun. The characters have nice chemistry and Ray is unsurprisingly a great buddy for Sara to have around as she deals with her choice to break-up with Ava. He’s an effective teammate, while also being a supportive friend.

A big highlight is Sara’s interrogation of Ava’s parents. The entire sequence is just so true to her character, from her immediate suspicion (despite the allure of freshly baked snickerdoodles) to the moment she pulls out a knife and threatens Ava’s fake!Dad. Plus, it’s all really funny.

It’s these types of character moments that always make Legends of Tomorrow enjoyable to watch, even when the plots start to become convoluted or even a little too silly.

This is also a great episode for Ava. While I may not be as attached to her character as I am the Legends team, it is pretty easy to feel for her as she discovers the truth about her origins. Jes Macallan really sells Ava’s disbelief and sadness.

Seeing her struggle and then overcome her doubts before kicking some clone butt with Sara offers a very satisfying end to this storyline.

And now for poor Amaya. This one hurt — in a good way.

Nate clearly catches a case of The Stupids last seen infecting Ray on Legends of Tomorrow Season 3 Episode 13, “No Country For Old Dads.” However, the tragic outcome of Kuasa standing up to Mallus!Nora is neither his nor Amaya’s fault.

Kuasa’s arc is one of the better storylines to carry across Legends of Tomorrow Season 3. As a villain, her motivation is understandable and personal to Amaya. This makes all their interactions more exciting and adds a level of interest lacking in Damien and Nora Darhks.

In the end Kuasa proves herself a hero, much like her grandmother. Seeing Amaya, who is a bit on the stoic side and always does the right thing, risk returning to the past to save her village is a really powerful moment for her character.

Instead of her breaking into sobs to display her grief, the act of her breaking the rules of time is what shows viewers how painful losing her granddaughter is to her. The scene as she leaves the Waverider on a forbidden mission to her own past is very well performed by Maisie Richardson-Sellers.

Closing Observations

What is happening to Damien Darhk? When did he turn into such a whiny, boring bad guy?

Zari is the best teacher ever! Mick Rory the totem trainee talking back? Just tornado spin him around as punishment and then make him eat a salad.

It also cannot go without saying that Zari’s scene explaining why she chooses to observe Ramadan is a great moment for her character and for the representation of diverse religions on primetime television. More of this please!

What did you think of this episode of Legends of Tomorrow? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Legends of Tomorrow airs Mondays at 8/7c on The CW.

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