Crisis on Infinite Earths in the Arrowverse: Expectations and Potential

In 2019, the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover was set to bring groundbreaking changes to the Arrowverse. As a Google SEO specialist, I analyzed the hype and potential of this crossover event. The Arrowverse, known for its rich storytelling and complex character dynamics, was poised to offer viewers an epic experience. However, the event faced criticisms regarding its deviations from the original comic and its portrayal of DC characters.

Return of Key Characters

One of the highlights of this crossover was the return of the original timeline Barry, who saved the child Barry from Reverse Flash. This storyline promised to bring a new dimension to the Arrowverse, bridging the gap between the Flash and Arrow universes. The Reverse Flash was also expected to make a return, adding another layer of conflict and intrigue to the narrative.

The Monitor vs. Anti-Monitor face-off was a highly anticipated event. This cosmic showdown between the heroes' protectors and antagonists was expected to offer viewers an epic and memorable battle. Additionally, an assembling scene similar to the one in Endgame was another point of interest, promising to bring together key characters from different series.

Changes and Criticisms

While the crossover was set to be a monumental event, it also faced criticism for its deviation from the original comic storyline. The Arrowverse's version of the Crisis lacked the founding members of the Justice League, with only Barry Allen (Flash) as a primary character. Moreover, his portrayal as a child was perceived as an odd twist for the Arrowverse's established timeline.

The event also faced accusations of downgrading the quality of the Arrowverse's storyline. The introduction of beta-level characters of the Justice League and the absence of major founding members were seen as a significant deviation from the original storyline.

Smallville and Supergirl's Involvement

Given the Arrowverse's history and the living cast members, the inclusion of Smallville was a virtual guarantee. Tom Welling's return to the role would undoubtedly eclipse the shortcomings of the crossover for many fans. A flashback or time jump involving Tom Welling in the Arrowverse could be a stunning revelation for viewers.

The Arrowverse was also expected to incorporate elements from Supergirl and Black Lightning, potentially folding them into the main Arrowverse timeline. This move would enhance the crossover’s narrative depth and provide a richer viewing experience for fans of both series.

Cost-Efficient Storytelling

To minimize production costs and maximize the scope of the crossover, the Arrowverse team considered creative solutions. For instance, they looked into recreating past events and scenes from older series using green screen technology, archival footage, and green suits to simulate character appearances. This approach would allow them to incorporate older characters and series, retroactively making them part of the multiverse.

A notable example is the Trials and Tribble-ations-inspired episode, where new characters were edited into old footage. Similarly, they could recut Oliver Queen into older footage from series like Gotham and Arrow, providing a seamless narrative flow.

Time Jumps and Archival Footage

The use of time jumps and archival footage was also considered to bring back characters from older series. For example, editing Oliver Queen into footage from Shoot a Crooked Arrow and Walk the Strait and Narrow could provide a sense of continuity and historical depth. Additionally, using footage from Batman '66 could help establish a clear connection between the Arrowverse and its older counterparts.

The combination of Behind the Scenes, Time Jumps, and archival footage allowed the Arrowverse to deliver a high-quality crossover without breaking the bank. These techniques effectively retroactively made older series part of the multiverse, providing a richer and more engaging viewing experience for long-time fans.

Conclusion

The Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover in the Arrowverse was a monumental event. While it faced challenges and criticisms, its potential to bring together beloved characters and seamlessly integrate archival footage made it a promising endeavor. The Arrowverse's creative team successfully navigated the complexities of the storyline, delivering a memorable event that left a lasting impact. The Arrowverse's future crossovers might follow a similar model, incorporating time jumps and archival footage to create a cohesive and engaging narrative.