Barry and Oliver wake up in each other’s lives. And it isn’t even Tuesday…

Oh this is fun. From the opening scene to the closing reveal on Batwoman this feels like one of the more assured crossovers the CW has done. It sets up a problem, refuses to let that be the only thing that happens, has some fun with it and then sets up a bigger problem and the first Gotham-based hero we’ve seen in these shows. Oh and critiques both The Flash and Arrow. Not bad for 42 minutes.

Amell and Gustin are clearly having a blast. Gustin’s Green Arrow is a little calmer than Amell’s but still works pretty well and he gets to break out a note perfect ‘WHERE ARE THEY?!’ Batman voice, much to Kara’s amusement. But Amell steals the show here. Whether it’s enjoying himself with the Speed Force or how weirdly fussy Oliver gets in these crossovers (His ‘…MOVE’ to Barry before running off killed me) his tetchy comic timing is note perfect.

That’s also true of the way the show skewers its first two leads. Team Flash being super emotionally aware isn’t new. Oliver being in a position to go ‘thank you but no’ is. Likewise the four year long callback to their first meeting and the way their roles are reversed. The fight here feels emotional and real precisely because both shows are so different and that’s embodied so well here.

The Super family get a little short shrift but what there is is great. Tyler Hoechlin’s Clark remains an endlessly calm joy while Melissa Benoist’s Kara is the massively enthusiastic spiritual sister to Oliver and Barry who loves them both and lets them get away with nothing. Best of all though is Elizabeth Tulloch’s debut as Lois Lane. Smart, switched on, an equal partner not a damsel in distress. Surprisingly handy with a wrench in a combat situation. She’s great. Plus she calls Clark ‘Smallville’ which, combined with the use of the Smallville farm set and theme tune warms the cockles of my heart.

Verdict: From the surprisingly high end Amazo fight to the closing reveal, this is a bouncy, tight, fun script that sets up even better to come. Next stop, Gotham City. 9/10

Alasdair Stuart