DC's Legends of Tomorrow Season 2 Episode 11 Review: Turncoat
Carissa Pavlica
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Mick was finally given an episode to shine!
Not only did Mick shine on DC's Legends of Tomorrow Season 2 Episode 11, he forged a friendship with George Washington, that was later forged in steel, and was considered a true American by our honored forefather.
While Mick was working hard to earn his keep, two others were interested in a little afternoon delight and those on the Waverider were battling the former captain of the ship. WTH?
When the Legends discovered a time aberration in 1776 on Christmas Eve, they immediately set about making jokes about saving, well, everybody.
Nate: Saving a nation, a president and Christmas.
Amaya: And Rory.
Nate: That was implied.
As usual, the entire group thought they'd have to rally around Mick to keep him safe because the guy can't do much for himself. Well HAHAHA. He proved them wrong this time.
This time, and AGAIN, I should say, because it certainly isn't the fist time he's done a stupendous job.
Yet the jokes persist.
As the gang soon discovered, they needed more than all hands on deck up against a mind-ravaged Rip Hunter. He was not only given some help from Eobard Thawne to get started, but a laundry list of revenge items to check off.
Despite the fact he's still not himself, Rip now knows his history, and enough of it to recall he's a loser. He had a mission to save his family and lost.
He's angry. But he's not angry enough to be a bad guy all season long, which would have worked for me a lot better. Instead, we're going to get this half-arsed let's try to save Rip garbage, when we know he's coming back.
Jax: But Rip, it's Sara. It's Sara!!
Rip: You say her name as if it's supposed to matter to me. It doesn't.
Even if he's restored to himself just in time to die, the dude is coming back. Sara's name did mean something to him, you could see it in his eyes.
Meh. That part of the story wasn't all that fun.
Back to Mick. Because Mick and Georgie were getting along fine.
Mick: Listen you fop, you can give it to her yourself, or are you too much of a pansy?
George Washington: I've been a soldier since I was 20 years old. But our cause is the cause of all men, to be treated equally regardless of hereditary privilege. We must prove to the world that you don't need a title to be a gentleman. The British may be dishonorable, but I am not. By my death, I will prove to the crown what it means to be an American.
Mick: You don't know the first thing about what it means to be an American. We're misfits, outcasts, and we're proud of it. If they attack in formation, we pop 'em off from the trees, if they challenge you to a duel, you raid their camp at night and if they're gonna hang you, you fight dirty and you never, ever, give up. That's the American way.
Did Washington have a discussion like that one at some point in his career?
Maybe, but it was probably at his urging. You don't become a valued general without having some understanding of how to defeat your enemies.
Still, it's cool to think outside the box and realize that Mick's thought process might fit in a lot better with the American fight for independence than the America he was living in 2000 years later.
What I didn't like so much about the whole thing was how Nate and Amaya later snickered when Washington complimented Mick.
George Washington: Your rebel spirit, your steadfastness, your crass yet effective use of language...you, Mr. Rory, represent the best of what our new nation can be. [Nate and Amaya snicker]
Mick: Yes, yes I do.
Those two weren't all that helpful when it came down to it, and spent a good portion of the night proving they were, as my friend put it, the show's new "falcon man and woman replacements...only not lame."
At first I thought she was talking about Falcon and the Snowman and was totally lost, but then realizes she was referring to the Hawks!
If it was the first time I was popping my head into the show in a while, I could see how that would make sense. Especially since they were hitting the sheets together.
Instead of doing their jobs, they were more concerned with nookie, which wasn't like either of them. They're usually very concerned about what's happening to history.
Laughing at the result Mick received for a job well done felt cheap. As do most of the pot shots on Mick.
Nonetheless, does anybody really think they are going to stop their relationship at this stage and take it no further? No.
It would be unfathomable to think Amaya would say yes to sex but no to a relationship based upon their work status given the time she's from. Girls from that time didn't have sex without a relationship.
The whole story is backwards. It's rushed and unnecessary, but we knew there was going to be a relationship on board the Waverider sooner or later. I kind of wish it hadn't been the most obvious pick.
If it ruins their stories with other characters, I'm going to have to put my foot down.
Rip's attempts to get into the Waverider, while successful, were comical. Sara's life being in danger never felt worrisome even for a moment, but it was a nice opportunity for Jax to step up to the plate as acting Captain.
Jax: I told him. I told him where to find the piece of the Spear, but he killed her anyway.
Stein: Where are you going?
Jax: I'm going to kill him.
We haven't had enough scenes with Jax as an adult without Stein operating in tandem, and his character came out of "Turncoat" better for the effort. He may not have liked the responsibility, but if Sara falls again, I'd trust Jax at the wheel.
It's when Stein and Jax can't merge that Jax is at his best, so booo Firestorm. I know a lot of people like that character combined, but I really like Jax and welcome more of him on adventures both on and off the ship.
In the end, Jax could have killed Rip, and I wouldn't have cared.
Well, I would have cared. It would have been an amazing turning point for Jax and stunning for the story. But it was Christmas, and Rip had that sullen "I don't really feel anything" look on his face.
Of course nothing was going to happen.
"Turncoat" was full of wonderfully written lines, but overall, went nowhere. The story is clawing at the air with nothing but the chemistry and panache of its characters to cling to at the moment.
The desire for a more serialized plot is sometimes understandable, but when you think of the magical standalone episodes in contrast to the those dependent upon coming back week after week, the difference is palpable.
Standalone villains win every time. The plotting doesn't get as tired as swinging and missing week after week. Maybe there will be a happy medium discovered during Legends of Tomorrow Season 3.
A final note: If the Legends can pop by my house next Christmas and decorate, I'd be grateful. Beautiful set design, and amazing table wear. I want to live in the decorated main area.
And Mick got the rat as a gift from Ray? Score! Pet rats are the best. A truly lovely Christmas.
What did you think of the hour? Agree or disagree with my thoughts on pacing, standalone hours and watch DC's Legends of Tomorrow online
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
