With the trailer for next week's episode of The Flash, "Monster," focusing heavily on the threat of a Kaiju-like beast and Earth-19 Harrison Wells - and understandably so - I find it quite refreshing that this generous bounty of promotional stills offer a glimpse at another major running plot thread.
It's certainly no secret that Gotham juggles many characters from the Batman mythos and next Monday's episode, "Mad City: Red Queen," is set to further many plot threads, not just the Mad Hatter/Jim Gordon one that was the primary focus of the trailer.
If last night's episode of The Flash reaffirmed anything, it's that critical new elements can be introduced on any given week. Not only did Caitlin Snow take another generous stride toward becoming Killer Frost, but Tom Cavanagh continued to flex his acting muscles by playing more alternate versions of Harrison Wells.
I really have to hand it to the producers of Gotham for taking a character such as The Mad Hatter - who hasn't appeared in live action for nearly fifty years, mind you - and giving him his due by making him one of the primary focuses of the first half of season 3.
I must say that Arrow certainly isn't pulling any punches this year. In an effort to rebound from a divisive fourth season and to keep up with sister shows such as The Flash and Supergirl, the series has not only returned to its visceral roots, but also culled together several characters that are appearing in live action for the first time.
Regardless of whether or not you liked Suicide Squad, we can all likely agree that it's been a veritable merchandising monster and pop culture phenomenon, likely due in no small part to the inclusion of Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) and The Joker (Jared Leto), Gotham City's deadliest power couple.
With the recent reveal of Mera still fresh in our memories, director Zack Snyder is not one to rest on his laurels and tweeted a new look at Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman in his upcoming Justice League film.
Just last night, I was reflecting on how Arrow spawned such a rich universe - now a multiverse - from its humble beginnings as an unrelated followup to Smallville. With timelines being rewritten and characters appearing in live action that we previously never thought possible (Wild Dog, anyone?), we truly are living in a golden age of fandom.
Given recent news that the 100th episode of Arrow will not only function as part of a crossover but also pay tribute to everything that has preceded it, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the following episode will dig up the past, yet it strangely does.
It comes as no surprise that The Flash continues to astonish in what has so far been a thoroughly entertaining third season. And, if this newly released extended trailer for next week's episode, "The New Rogues," properly reflects how awesome that offering may be, then it's probably safe to say the trend will continue.
