Review: Legends of Tomorrow 5×07 – “Mr. Parker’s Cul-De-Sac”
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Director: Ben Bray
Writers: Keto Shimizu and James Eagan
Starring: Brandon Routh, Caity Lotz, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Tala Ashe, Jes Macallan, Courtney Ford, Amy Louise Pemberton, Nick Zano, Dominic Purcell, Matt Ryan, Olivia Swann, Shayan Sobhian, Adam Tsekhman Neil McDonough
Reviewed by: Tony Farina
Summary
Legends of Tomorrow 5×07 – “Mr. Parker’s Cul-De-Sac” is the penultimate episode for Ray and Nora. Ray plans a date night for him and Nora, but all goes awry when an Encore shows up making the team think on their feet and create a lie to keep the Encore at bay. While trying to fool the Encore, Ava learns what Sara was really doing while she was away and confronts her. Charlie and Constantine make a deal to work together, which will benefit both of them. Meanwhile, Rory is upset when he gets negative comments about his book, so Zari helps track down who the critic is, and Rory gets more than he bargained for.
Positives
The best thing about this episode is that it’s entirely about Ray and Nora. The B story about Mick is really good and has a lot of legs, but the A story is the story. The whole team is together to help Nora try to fool her dad, who is back for an episode as an encore. The quirky, dorkiness that is this show is on full display. The Mr. Parker show is just icing on the silly cake.
Each week we imagine what the world would be like if the CW decided to make a stand alone Superman VI with Brandon Routh (Superman Returns is technically Superman V). This week is no exception. Routh’s charm is turned up to eleven. The electricity between him and his real life wife and now TV wife (SPOILER) Courtney Ford is crackling. Throw her into that movie as a new love interest for Clark set in the world after the events of Crisis and you have a winner. Seriously, CW. What are you waiting for? The ratings would be simply extraordinary.
There are other things that went on this week, but really, let’s all toast Ray and Nora. Wipe that tear away.
Negatives
Gideon isn’t on this episode. Really, this is the only negative thing to say. This is really the best show of this series.
Verdict
The theme song to another zany but lovable show goes “Just repeat to yourself it’s just a show, I should really just relax.” I had to keep reminding myself with this episode. These people are NOT real and yet, the thought of Ray and Nora leaving is upsetting. I know they have one more show in them, but really, this should have been the last one. Not only was it beautiful, not only does Neal McDonough remind us why he is one of the best character actors working, but it was a love letter to Mr. Rogers, which of course, is the person Routh has been channeling for his six years as Ray Palmer. Bravo everyone.
