This was the hardest to rank of all three seasons, as the quality was the most consistent. There was no clear top episode or clear bottom episode, and it was pretty hard to remember exactly what happened each episode. I have seen every episode 4 times, and had time to think this through, so here are my rankings.
I have been sitting on the rankings for a while, since it took a long time for the DVD to come out, which I needed for the proper screenshots.
13- Infinity Inc Chapter 1 (7). Very good episode and for the second time I can find no bad episodes in a season. The comedy was great, I was amazed at how much better and funnier Jade’s acting was, and the interactions between Shade, Jade, Stargirl and Pat was a major highlight. Hourman and Dr. Mid-Nite got plenty of great banter between them. The reason for it being at the bottom is after last episode’s dark ending I just think a more lighthearted one part episode would have been better, and the episode is mostly set-up for the next one.
12- Infinity Inc Part 2 (8). A well made episode that has the problem of never being surprising other than some stuff to set up the spin-off. I have no problem with setting up Infinity Inc, since it makes a good “The Adventure Continues” for us to imagine how it could have gone.
Two major highlights were Mr. Bones and the hooded figure who was also in last episode. I and several others had plenty of fun overly analyzing the hooded figure and trying to tell who he was.
11- The Murder (1). This was a very hard pick to make, and I went back and forth on it. On one hand it is not that interesting of an episode and is almost all set up. On the other hand I love seeing such a large cast in this episode and the happy tone that slowly gets more and more hostile.
10- The Last Will and Testament of Sylvester Pemberton (12). Great title that threw so many people off. This episode was full of major twists. It is not too interesting on a rewatch.
My biggest highlight is Stargirl’s speech to Sylvester early in the episode. The opening flashback is another big highlight.
9- The Suspects (2). Plenty of great small character driven scenes like Tigress saying how she would have killed The Gambler differently, and the Shade/Sylvester/Stargirl dynamic making for some great scenes. I love this episode.
8- The Haunting (11). On a rewatch this is probably at the bottom, but the first time it was fascinating trying to figure everything out and how this is leading to a final battle, especially with the ending with Dragon King and Icicle.
I think the biggest highlight is Cameron trying to both figure out who his dad actually is and trying to play peacemaker.
7- The Evidence (4). This episode moved all over the place on my rankings and could have been both way higher and lower. Fittingly it is in the middle.
There is not much of an ongoing plot for it, but it advances many smaller plots piece by piece like Stargirl and Cameron’s romance which advances heavily, Humanite becoming Starman again, and more pushing Shiv out.
The little character interactions are great this episode like Humanite and Charles’s scenes and Crusher loving his beer.
6- The Thief (5). In reverse of the haunting this is the most improved on a rewatch. This episode is Humanite cashing in on his success getting what he wants out of Rick, Beth, and Yolanda. On a rewatch it is such a work of art seeing him get his way. Last season Eclipso did this because it is fun and went in guns blazing. In contrast Humanite is now very slow and methodical with his methods with each action working to multiple greater purposes (which I maintain include stacking the deck against Icicle and Dragon King for a planned future fight with them that never came).
I have to hand it to Meg DeLacey and the entire crew’s work on Shiv this episode. Her comic relief really elevate this dark episode.
5- The Blackmail (3). Again many great small character moments like Tigress threatening mean boss and the Rick/Cameron feud. I remember how great first seeing Cameron shoot his tire was.
The Supermarket fight is very different from the past big fights. Before they were made to be exciting, but this is much slower, more vicious, and scary for the viewer, and it really can feel like he is actually going to kill them.
Pay attention to Humanite’s speech to Pat at the end. This is when he discovers how to play Sylvester, not as a crazy and laidback uncle type, but a wise father type (who still has some PTSD issues). His portrayal gets notably more convincing after this (thanks for spilling all those details Pat).
4- The Betrayal (6). Artistically this is the best episode of the season, but it is so dark I enjoyed other episodes more. Last episode was Sylvester getting his way. This episode is the result with what happens to the JSA and all the problems this will make for them the rest of the season.
3- The Killer (10). A wonderful episode as Tigress and Crusher show how far they have come. It is refreshingly simple breather episode compared to the ones that sandwich it and how dark they are.
2- The Monsters (9). Another uncomfortably dark fight, and I love it. It feels so different form the other big brawls due to Cosmo not being there, and it is the most brutal fight in the show.
Some major highlights include Sofus saving Rick, Mike and Jakeem finding Dragon King, Paul’s scene, and Crusher and Pat discussing Mike’s mom.
1- The Reckoning (13). The finale is the best. A fast paced and action packed opening followed by a slow and heartfelt second half to wrap up everything while still leaving plenty of mystery for us fans to think of their future adventures.
My top highlight is the recreation of the Justice League of America #10 cover.
Next time- Justice League War.
The Animation Historian 