Superman on Television

Justice League Action: Episode Reviews

Season 1 - Episodes 43: "It'll Take a Miracle"

Reviewed by: Marc Lax

Justice League Action Originally Aired: November 4, 2017 (U.S.)

Written by Jeremy Adams
Directed by Jake Castorena

CAST:
Kevin Conroy as Batman (voice)
Jonathan Adams as Darkseid (voice)
Roger Craig Smith as Mr. Miracle (voice)
Cloris Leachman as Granny Goodness (voice)
Laura Post as Big Barda (voice)

3Rating - 3 (out of 5): Batman tracks down Mr. Miracle to bring him to Apokolips per Darkseid's request. The "famous" escape artist is performing in Vegas to unsold out crowds when the Caped Crusader finds him and tells him he's needed in Apokolips. Mr. Miracle is very reluctant to go back knowing the fate he'd probably suffer upon return. After escaping Batman's many attempts to capture him Miracle and Batman are blindsided by Granny Goodness and her minions. After rumbling with the villains and some false escapes Mr. Miracle gets away only to be found by Batman. Batman tells Miracle he must go back to Apokolips but Miracle explains that Darkseid doesn't want him he wants the magical sphere he uses which is a piece of the Anti Life equation, a powerful device which can give Darkseid power over the universe. Batman finally tells him that Darkseid is holding Big Barda, Mr. Miracle's girlfriend, hostage until his return, so he finally agrees. Meanwhile on Apokolips Darkseid holds reign in his "throne room" while Barda is trapped above him. Batman and Miracle arrive and are greeted by Darkseid who calls Miracle the prodigal son. Miracle quickly explains that he was "adopted" and it's a long story and leaves it at that. Darkseid tells him he wants the device he stole so he can get control of the Anti Life equation. Being the quick artist he is Mr.Miracle steals Darkseid's Mother Box while conversing and surprises him by using it and sending Darkseid away. With that the heroes free Barda and are confronted by Granny and company. Will our heroes get away with the device before Darkseid's return?

I may have mentioned before that I've always enjoyed the New Gods. Jack Kirby upon leaving Marvel came to DC wanting to create his own characters and not necessarily take over an A list character's book. He was given Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen. He essentially was given free reign to create new characters. Some of those new characters were the New Gods which were eventually given their own book. Through the years the New Gods became integral to the DCU. To this day Apokolips and New Genesis and their denizens our major players on the board. While this show always goes for the laughs they've done some justice to Kirby's characters. But the limitations of this show still doesn't give the characters enough development. They're portrayed well but ultimately it comes down to one big brawl like this episode. They're basically playing a rough game of catch with the magic sphere. Not much more than that. Visually this episode is done well with the acrobatics and sleight of hand. I just wish there was a little more than just a game of catch.

After a brawl with Granny Goodness and the gang which involves Mr. Miracle pushing Granny into a fiery pit (she gets better) the heroes finally catch the sphere. Just then a rumble and explosion occur and Darkseid returns. In the ruckus the sphere slips through Batman's hands and Darkseid catches it. With Parademons on their way and Darkseid's victorious return Batman tells Mr. Miracle to use the Mother Box to get them home even though the sphere is in Darkseid's possession. Back at the Watchtower Mr. Miracle apologizes to Barda for not coming to her rescue sooner. He mentions to Batman that Darkseid still has the sphere. Batman being a quick change artist himself shows him that he still has the real sphere. Mr. Miracle asks what does Darkseid have if the real sphere is in the Watchtower. Cut to Apokolips where Darkseid gleefully places the sphere into the box that will activate the Anti Life equation only this time he gets a colorful light show. Seems Batman exchanged the sphere with one of Miracle's fancy show spheres he uses in his act. Darkseid screams!

All in all an enjoyable episode even though it's thin on plot. Still entertaining. More New Gods please.



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