Long before Marvel's Disney+ shows and even before the DC Universe attempted to merge its movies and TV series into a single continuity, The CW's Arrowverse made television history. Now, over a decade later, it remains a stellar example of how to organically grow a shared universe. Starting with the grounded 'Arrow,' the franchise gradually introduced more fantastical elements with 'The Flash,' eventually evolving into a multiversal saga featuring dozens of heroes. But here's where it gets controversial: was the Arrowverse truly the first to master the art of interconnected storytelling, or did it simply capitalize on a trend already in motion?
One of the Arrowverse's crowning achievements was its annual crossovers, which delivered bold, high-stakes stories that rivaled major comic book events. Among these, 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' stands out as the most ambitious, adapting one of DC Comics' most iconic storylines. And this is the part most people miss: while it’s a crossover, it’s also a deeply emotional and transformative event for the characters involved.
However, navigating 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' can be tricky. Since it spans multiple shows with different season start dates, knowing the correct order is crucial—unless you’re up for binge-watching every Arrowverse show in chronological order. For those who just want to experience this epic event, here’s the correct sequence:
- Supergirl — Season 5, Episode 9: 'Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One'
- Batwoman — Season 1, Episode 9: 'Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Two'
- The Flash — Season 6, Episode 9: 'Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Three'
- Arrow — Season 8, Episode 8: 'Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Four'
- Legends of Tomorrow — Season 5, Special Episode: 'Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Five'
There’s only one way to truly experience 'Crisis on Infinite Earths,' and it’s not just about the order. While the Arrowverse shows are largely standalone, crossovers like this require a specific sequence to make sense. The episodes form a cohesive five-part narrative, and skipping around could spoil the carefully crafted plot. That said, you can watch 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' without seeing the rest of the Arrowverse, but you’ll miss out on key setup from previous crossovers like 'Elseworlds' and ongoing storylines in 'Arrow' Season 8 and 'The Flash' Season 6.
Let’s dive into each part, shall we?
Part One - Supergirl: The crisis begins here, with the sky turning red across multiple universes—including nods to 'Titans' and Tim Burton's 'Batman' films—as an anti-matter wave consumes them. Harbinger (Audrey Marie Anderson) assembles a team of heroes, including Barry Allen (Grant Gustin), Kate Kane (Ruby Rose), and Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell), to aid Supergirl (Melissa Benoist) on Earth-38. This episode sets the stage, establishing the stakes and the multiverse's impending doom. It’s also the start of Oliver Queen’s emotional arc, as he alters his prophesied death by helping evacuate Earth-38.
Part Two - Batwoman: If Part One sets the table, Part Two delivers the feast. This episode is packed with jaw-dropping cameos, including Brandon Routh reprising his role as Superman from 'Superman Returns' and Tom Welling returning as a world-weary Clark Kent from 'Smallville.' Most notably, it features the late Kevin Conroy as an aged Bruce Wayne, inspired by the 'Kingdom Come' comic. This is also where the concept of the seven Paragons—beings capable of stopping the Crisis—is introduced. But here’s a thought-provoking question: did these cameos enhance the story, or did they distract from the core narrative?
Part Three - The Flash: For comic book fans, this episode is a treasure trove of references to the original 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' event, including a Flash’s sacrifice and the death of a Kryptonian. But it’s not just a rehash; it reimagines these moments for the Arrowverse, with characters swapping roles from the original comic. And yes, the cameos continue, with Tom Ellis reprising his role as Lucifer Morningstar. This episode marks a turning point, setting the stage for the finale. Is this the best example of how to adapt a comic book event for TV, or does it rely too heavily on fan service?
Part Four - Arrow: The Arrowverse began with Oliver Queen, so it’s fitting that he’s at the heart of its transformation here. This episode showcases how far the franchise has come, from a guy with a bow and arrow to Oliver becoming the Spectre—a powerful DC hero deserving of his own movie. This is the emotional climax of the crossover, and it relies heavily on the buildup from previous episodes. It also provides an origin story for the Anti-Monitor, setting the stage for the grand finale. But here’s a controversial take: did Oliver’s sacrifice feel earned, or was it a predictable conclusion to his arc?
Part Five - Legends of Tomorrow: 'Worlds will live, worlds will die, and nothing will ever be the same.' This episode delivers on that promise, soft-rebooting the Arrowverse and introducing a new Earth-Prime. It features one of the best portrayals of Lex Luthor (Jon Cryer), heartfelt goodbyes, and a strange new world full of heroes and villains. While the Arrowverse began to wind down after this event, 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' concludes with an action-packed battle against the Anti-Monitor and the formation of a new super-team. But here’s the question: did this event live up to the hype, or did it leave you wanting more?
Altogether, 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' is a blockbuster epic that spans not just the Arrowverse but the entire history of DC adaptations. It’s a love letter to these characters and their world, and nothing has been the same since. So, what’s your take? Did 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' redefine crossovers, or is it just another ambitious attempt that falls short? Let us know in the comments!
