Article contributed by Erin Fagan
Every season, Legends of Tomorrow raises the stakes with emotional depth and goofy antics. There seems to be no limit to the wacky ideas that they come up with and it’s one of the elements that make the show so great! As we wait excitedly for season 6 to premiere on May 2nd, let’s take a look back at some of the best moments of season 5. It was so hard to narrow down this list because basically every episode is filled with gold but here are some moments that were particularly emotional, funny, or just totally epic moments that make Legends of Tomorrow stand out!
Episode 5.02: Ava’s Performance
Ava’s becoming a Legend! After struggling to figure out her place on the Waverider she and Mick are in charge of creating a distraction at the Blue Iguana Bar. Drunkenly, she begins to perform what she believes is a showstopping 40s style rendition of Bell Biv Davoe’s “That Girl is Poison” complete with backup singers and an adoring crowd. In reality, she has driven everyone from the bar away with her terrible singing. It’s an absolutely hilarious scene and she deserves to let loose in the most Legends way! Extra points to Sara being the most supportive girlfriend defending Ava’s singing.
Episode 5.06: Mr. Parker’s TV Show
A wish made by Nora’s newest charge sends the Legends onto Ray’s childhood favourite show, Mr. Parker’s Cul De Sec to come to life. Some parts are absolutely ridiculous, like Gary, the unspeakable train abomination, and seeing the return of the puppets. I love the way they juxtaposed serious conversations like John and Charlie’s debate about the implications of the loom of fate with the image of Puppet Sara and Ava teach about communication and cooperation. Nora is also finally able to stand up to her dad and express how much her trauma of being raised in a demon cult had on her. It’s such a weird scene but also the perfect way to move forward and force them all to work through their problems? Absolutely brilliant.
Episode 5.06: Ray and Nora’s Wedding
After everything they’ve been through, Ray and Nora deserved an extra special celebration. The entire ceremony was beautiful and in true Legends fashion, Gary was the flower girl and Sara officiated. As much as I hate Damien Darhk and am glad that he’s finally gone, having him walk Nora down the aisle was a nice way to wrap up their storyline and show Nora’s character growth and ability to make her own happiness. Plus they don’t usually get to celebrate weddings like this so it was nice for them to enjoy this moment before the chaos began again.
Episode 5.07: Ray and Nate’s Goodbye
Ray and Nora’s departure from the Waverider was bound to be emotional as they are both such important members of the team but watching Ray and Nate say goodbye to each other really pushed it over the edge. These two had a deep bond throughout the show that was celebrated in these final moments together. Their goodbye was paralleled with Zari and Constantine reciting a beautiful scene from Romeo and Juliet which made it even more emotional and full of love. They both were devastated and it really drives home how important their relationship is. I teared up watching them hug right after Zari as Juliet sums it all up with the famed Shakespeare line, “parting is such sweet sorrow”.
Episode 5.08: Zari Meets Zari
When Zari Tarazi starts to have flashbacks of the previous timeline, her brother teaches her about totem quests. She goes into her totem to meet with her ancestors but instead is greeted by Zari Tomaz, the previous version of herself. It is emotional and funny as the differences between the two are clear. Zari Tarazi has the life that Zari Tomaz dreamed of, with her parents and brother still alive but even though she is stuck in the totem after living a dystopian life, she is content knowing that her sacrifice was worth it and that they could have a better life and still be connected to the Legends. Both Zaris are so fun and Tala Ashe’s acting is incredible in this scene, emulating both of them so well and making them so distinct.
Episode 5.08: Mick Gets To Know Lita
When it was revealed that Lita was Mick’s child, we were as shocked as he was! It was a big surprise for this tough loner to suddenly have a family and just adds another layer to an already complex criminal turned bestselling romance novelist. He tries so hard to get to know her after she grew up resenting his absence. As he and Ava travel back through Lita’s history to make up for all the events he missed, they create a hilarious montage that is destined to not work but still is a sweet gesture. Lita was such a great addition to the show and it was also great to see Mick and Ava’s friendship developing!
Episode 5.11: The Beer Pong Challenge
I mean how could a beer pong showdown between Sara and Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, ecstasy, and parties, for a cup of immortality not be epic? He might have been undefeated but Sara’s reflexes, natural beer pong skills, and precognitive abilities that allow her to predict his every move made it a quick victory. The tension was high, the stakes were huge, and it’s just a really fun way to save the day.
Episode 5.13: The Star Trek Kiss
Every television show that Charlie stuck the Legends into to save their lives was absolute gold and the whole episode was one of the best. However, that final moment between Sara and Ava before they escape the Star Trek parody was particularly epic yet grounded. They would be re-entering a world where they just died, a world where they don’t always win and that was terrifying but important. Sara’s speech was inspirational as always and became this emotional climax that ended in an epic kiss as the whole ship exploded. Kirk and Spock were also a significant queer ship that never came to be, so it also feels so significant to see them represented by this new canon queer relationship. I got chills.
Episode 5.14: Thong Song Battle
Although nothing may top the season 3 finale fight between Beebo and Mallus, this came very close. It was one of the most bizarre fights ever as the Legends used random objects from the Museum of Bad Ideas to fight Encores (the shake weights were particularly funny). This happened all the while set to Sisqo’s early 2000’s spring break classic, “Thong Song”. This fight sequence really gives everyone a chance to shine and feels so classically Legends.
Episode 5.14: Charlie’s Rock Performance
What a fitting way to end the season and Charlie’s time on the show. After saving the day and dealing with the heartbreak goodbye of Zari Tomaz, the team goes back to 1970s London to attend a concert by Charlie’s band The Smell. The band has been resurrected and they’re singing a rock version of “Mr. Parker’s Cul De Sac” which no one in the audience seems to question. The whole team is letting loose and just enjoying themselves, especially Charlie who finally has her freedom and found family. This is where Charlie started but she’s no longer running and she’s basically singing about how she’ll always be a legend. It’s goofy but heartfelt, just like the entire show.
