DC’s Legends of Tomorrow Review: The Good, the Bad, and the Cuddly (Season 3 Episode 18)

The Legends use their totems to make a giant Beebo and finally defeat Mallus on Legends of Tomorrow Season 3 Episode 18, “The Good, the Bad and the Cuddly.”

Legends of Tomorrow may occasionally stumble a bit throughout their seasons, but this is a show that DELIVERS on their finales. This episode is no exception and, really, this might be their best finale yet.

“The Good, the Bad, and the Cuddly,” is the show at it’s zaniest best, offering up everything from character deaths to the magic totem version of a Care Bear stare and more. Also, the writers carefully establishing the many, many story threads that make up Season 3 results in a lot of great pay-off in the finale.

Not only are there a lot of returning characters (Jax, Jonah Hex, Helen of Troy, Kuasa, and several of the season’s one-off villains) but also fun call-backs to previous adventures and just a ton of hilarious pop culture references thanks mostly to a high-as-a-kite Nate.

There is non-stop action from beginning to end, which does not leave much time for resolving some of the relationship and character arcs featuring in the last few episodes. Normally, this would be a drawback but as many of these arcs are not set-up well (Sara and Ava, Damien Darhk suddenly becoming reformed, etc.) it is better to deal with them quickly.

Losing Rip is sad and Damien Darhk’s sacrifice does feel earned, but it is long past time for the show to move on from both characters. And, although I will miss Amaya and her steadying presence on the Waverider, her decision to return to her home village is not surprising.

However, for all the screen time and attention the show gives to Nate and Amaya’s great romance in Season 3, their final goodbye feels a bit lacking. This is not a big issue for me because I am not very invested in their relationship, but it would be understandable if some viewers find it disappointing.

The only very small hiccup with this episode is that the writing seems to be setting up Sara’s feelings of unworthiness as the culprit behind the Legends inability to use the totems together. Unfortunately, the resolution to this build-up is a short pep talk from Ava which goes by so quickly Sara’s change-of-heart falls a little flat.

This minor quibble is most likely the result of the writers needing a reason the Legends are unable to defeat Mallus until the very end. So, it is written for the sake of the plot and not the character.

I am willing to forgive it though because the climax of Legends of Tomorrow Season 3 ends up being a battle to the death between a winged demon and a giant, fluffy BEEBO.

*re-watches fight again*

*laughs until eyes water*

Given the episode’s title, an appearance by the blue ball-of-fuzz toy viewers first meet in Legends of Tomorrow Season 3 Episode 9, “Beebo the God of War,” is not a shock. However, the manner of Beebo’s return is one of those amazing moments of television where you end up laughing and shouting at the screen as it happens.

It is the perfect level of ridiculous for this show and it is exactly that wacky sensibility that keeps me watching from week-to-week.

Next season viewers will be seeing more of Constantine, which I am not so sure about . . . Although, I enjoy Matt Ryan’s performance. Until then, let’s do a rundown of some of the finale’s best moments!

Best Moments

Sara telling Ray multiple times to not to do something stupid. After which he immediately does something stupid.

Everything Nate says while high on Amaya’s hallucinogenic tea.

The first attempt the team makes at joining the power of the totems’ together is absolute gold. From Mick’s, “Are we making a baby?” to everyone’s horror at the weird blob creature they end up creating.

The arguments over how to correctly pronounce Mallus.

Everyone shouting encouragement from the sidelines during Beebo’s battle with Mallus.

Beebo’s entire battle with Mallus. I’m still laughing!

Rip’s death feels both true to his character and offers a deserving send-off for one of the show’s original cast members.

Likewise, the general air of shell-shocked sadness the crew exhibits after Rip’s death is very well-done.

Even though Damien Darhk’s turn from enemy to friend is a little quick, his final sacrifice to save his daughter is a nice place to leave the character. (Please, no bringing him back again!)

It is nice to have Jax back and to give his character better closure. Plus, he named his very cute baby, “Martina.” *tear*

 

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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