When a new Encore presents themselves, Ava — Captain in Sara’s absence — must figure out how to stop her on Legends of Tomorrow season 5, episode 5. Meanwhile, Constantine, Gary, and Charlie have their own problems to fix.
When a new Encore with a very familiar face pops up, and Sara’s away in Star City, on Legends of Tomorrow season 5, episode 5, Ava struggles to take her Time Bureau management skills and apply them to the Legends and their zany way of doing things.
We, obviously, had a chance to view the episode early, and have put together a few teases about what’s to come! As always, if that’s not your thing, feel free to scroll to the bottom to read our spoiler-free review of the episode!
‘Legends of Tomorrow’ season 5, episode 5 screener secrets
Ava vs. Zari 2.0
On Legends of Tomorrow season 5, episode 5, with Ava as the Waverider Captain on this mission, there’s a very interesting clash with Zari, who is not yet a Legend. As we know, Ava has always been very strict when it comes to the rules, though she has loosened up since her romantic relationship with Sara began.
But while she’s loosened up, being put in charge basically undoes all of her progress, leading her back to a technique her team used when facing a threat at the (obviously unsuccessful) Time Bureau.
With Instagram influencer and famous-since-she-was-6 Zari Tarazi aboard the ship and tagging along on the mission, she really takes the opportunity to put Ava in her place, and the two clash on, well, just about everything… even Zari’s phone. On this episode, the new Zari is more annoying than she’s been in the last two episodes combined, so I can’t really blame Ava for the tension between them… she’d drive me crazy, too.
However, it may just be left to Ava and Zari to save the day, so how will these two put their differences aside to stop the Encore? Of course, not in any conventional way.
Lovesick Mick
After their last mission, Mick can’t eat, can’t sleep, and his heart hurts. He’s worried that, wait for it, Ali gave him an STD when they hooked up in 2004, but it takes a little intervention from Ray and Gideon to help him realize what’s actually happening: He like likes Ali.
Constantine and Charlie
At the end of the previous episode, Constantine undid the seal on the door where the ghost of Astra’s mother resides in his manor. On Legends of Tomorrow season 5, episode 5, it isn’t long before his plan goes awry, with a little help from Gary and a spell gone wrong.
Taking Charlie along, Constantine revisits, almost literally, key moments from his past with Astra and her parents, giving us a glimpse at the relationship they shared and what went wrong all those years ago.
Plus, surprisingly, we learn something about Charlie that connects her with the overarching story (though don’t expect to find out how old she is anytime soon).
Nora Darhk and Marie Antoinette
As seen in the promotional photos for Legends of Tomorrow season 5, episode 5, Courtney Ford will also be appearing in this episode as Marie Antoinette, which intrigues Ray when out on the mission. However, it also captures Nate’s attention too… but that’s all part of what makes her such a threatening Encore. (There’s a funny reason why certain characters are not susceptible to her charm.)
As for Nora, she’s not around very much, as she’s out being the world’s best fairy godmother, but that doesn’t stop her and Ray from taking another step forward in their relationship.
‘Legends of Tomorrow’ season 5, episode 5 spoiler-free review… plus, what are they doing with Sara Lance?
Legends of Tomorrow season 5, episode 5 is an enjoyable episode. I wouldn’t say it’s anything remarkable, but it’s fun, light, and when it comes to Constantine’s story, does a good job of driving the season’s arc forward. I love that they’re developing Ava and Zari 2.0 (and Charlie, at least a little bit), and every actor is giving some of their best work this season.
The Encore is acceptable, but nothing special, even though Courtney Ford is wonderful in the role. I have to say that my favorite part of the episode is probably at the end, when Zari attends one of her promotional events that goes completely awry. Tala Ashe is killing this new Zari, even if part of me wants to put her on mute half of the time because this Zari is just so annoying. (Like, annoying in a funny way. I still love her.)
My main concern this season is how they’re treating Sara. Sara has become, basically, a secondary character to Ava, who has had room to develop in every episode thus far. I expected a few episodes to be light on Sara content later in the season, from when they were filming “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” but even when Sara’s here, she’s not really more than just a supportive girlfriend. For the leader of the team (and show), that’s unacceptable.
On Legends of Tomorrow season 5, episode 5, Sara is almost completely absent. She’s around to tell Ava she’s taking over as Captain while Sara goes to Star City, to give her more support and encouragement, and then checks in on Ava about halfway through the episode. We have no idea what she went to Star City for, nor is it important for the overall story, and Sara is left out of the two main plots within the episode entirely.
As much as I love Ava, her development shouldn’t come at the cost of Sara’s time on-screen. Sara is the leading hero of Legends of Tomorrow and shouldn’t be treated as the supportive secondary character to Ava’s main character. Ava even appears first in the new introduction, which seems a little disrespectful to Caity Lotz for playing the role that has kept Legends held together, successful, and connected to the larger Arrow-verse over the last four years.
With how they’re treating Sara, it seems like they’re prepping Ava to take over as the leader of the Waverider to write Sara off (though there’s no indication that’s the case). So what’s going on, and why does Sara have to be diminished or written off entirely so Ava can shine?
I want to see both of these women shine, develop, and grow as individuals and a couple, but Sara is the main character. She’s the Captain. Let’s not forget that.
Legends of Tomorrow season 5, episode 5 airs Tuesday, February 18 at 9 p.m. ET on The CW!
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