DC's Legends of Tomorrow
By Edie Nugent,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Cartoonish but violent battle through time with DC's heroes.
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DC's Legends of Tomorrow
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Based on 12 parent reviews
Very good, but iffy content.
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Diverse Cast and entertaining show
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What's the Story?
In the year 2166, Vandal Savage has used his immortality to amass enough strength to rule all of Earth in DC'S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW. His world domination doesn't sit well with Rip Hunter, a former Time Master whose wife and child were coldly murdered by Savage during the second London Blitz. Hunter gathers a group of heroes (and a few thugs) who are inconsequential to history to harness their team potential and battle Savage. It's the Bad News Bears of comic-book teams, rising to the occasion and becoming more than the sum of its parts.
Is It Any Good?
Kids and teens will be interested in this series, as it features yet another team of fighting heroes drawn from comic-book lore -- it's too bad that something feels a bit off. The stakes are made very clear early on: The bad guy murders women and children for seemingly no other reason than his thirst for power. With the depth and character development that's been going into other recent comic adaptations, it's disappointing not to see the same level of care here.
But the main problem with DC's Legends of Tomorrow is that the scripting, pacing, and, largely, the acting don't do this rather boilerplate premise any favors. As the team is made up of second- and third-tier DC characters (especially in terms of their modern appeal), this makes justifying the rather violent battles and fistfights more difficult, especially for younger fans of comic-book adventures. Still, there's relatively little blood, and the ethical thrust of the series -- a team of unlikely heroes save the earth from a murderous dictator -- is a positive thing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of superheroes like the one in DC's Legends of Tomorrow. Why do you think they're still so beloved?
Families can also talk about good versus evil and the blurred lines in between. Some superheroes circumvent the law or fudge the truth, claiming the greater good is being served. Under what circumstances do the ends potentially justify the means?
How do the characters in DC's Legends of Tomorrow demonstrate courage and perseverance? What about empathy and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 21, 2016
- Network: CW
- Genre: Action
- Topics: Superheroes , Adventures , Space and Aliens
- Character Strengths: Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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