The first episode of “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” the epic Arrowverse crossover event, is titled “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One,” and it aired on December 8, 2019, as part of the Supergirl series (Season 5, Episode 9). This initial installment served as the catalyst, introducing viewers to the impending annihilation of the multiverse and setting the stage for the heroes’ desperate fight for survival.
A Multiverse in Peril: The Dawn of Destruction
The “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover was an ambitious undertaking, bringing together heroes from Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, Batwoman, and Black Lightning (albeit briefly) to confront a threat unlike any they had faced before: the Anti-Monitor. The first episode on Supergirl plunges viewers directly into the chaos. We witness Earth-38, Supergirl’s home, as it begins to succumb to the antimatter wave unleashed by the Anti-Monitor.
This episode masterfully establishes the stakes. Key characters like Supergirl (Kara Danvers), Superman (Clark Kent), Lois Lane, and the Monitor (Mar Novu) are immediately front and center, reacting to the unfolding catastrophe. The episode also skillfully introduces new elements, such as the Paragons – individuals destined to play a crucial role in the multiverse’s salvation. The destruction is not abstract; we see it happening, tearing apart cities and lives, grounding the cosmic scale of the threat in personal terms.
The initial moments are filled with tension and despair as Alura Zor-El, Kara’s mother, sacrifices herself to save Argo City, a Kryptonian colony. This sets a somber tone for the rest of the crossover, demonstrating that even the most powerful beings are vulnerable in the face of the Anti-Monitor’s destructive force. Moreover, the appearance of Harbinger, corrupted by the Anti-Monitor, adds another layer of complexity to the situation, creating a sense of urgency and uncertainty.
Setting the Stage for Interdimensional Warfare
Crucially, “Part One” is not just about destruction; it’s about gathering the troops. The Monitor dispatches Harbinger to collect the heroes from across the multiverse, bringing them to Earth-38 to stand against the encroaching antimatter wave. This act initiates the crucial team-ups and character interactions that define the crossover’s appeal.
We see the seeds of doubt and resilience planted. Superman grapples with the loss of Argo City, while Supergirl confronts the weight of her responsibility to protect her adopted home. The episode skillfully balances large-scale action sequences with smaller, character-driven moments, allowing viewers to connect with the heroes on an emotional level and understand their motivations for fighting. The ending, with the destruction of Earth-38 looming, leaves viewers on a cliffhanger, eager to witness the next chapter in this epic saga.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One
What date did “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One” originally air?
“Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One” originally aired on December 8, 2019.
Which Arrowverse show featured “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One”?
“Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One” was part of the Supergirl series, specifically Season 5, Episode 9.
Who is the primary antagonist in “Crisis on Infinite Earths”?
The primary antagonist is the Anti-Monitor, a cosmic being who seeks to destroy the multiverse.
What is the role of the Monitor in “Crisis on Infinite Earths”?
The Monitor (Mar Novu) is tasked with gathering heroes from across the multiverse to fight against the Anti-Monitor and save the remaining Earths. He also identifies and seeks out the Paragons.
What are the Paragons, and why are they important?
The Paragons are individuals deemed crucial to saving the multiverse. They possess specific qualities or roles that make them uniquely positioned to defeat the Anti-Monitor. Their discovery and protection are vital to the heroes’ plan.
What is the antimatter wave, and how does it affect the multiverse?
The antimatter wave is a destructive force unleashed by the Anti-Monitor that consumes entire Earths in the multiverse, erasing them from existence. It is the primary threat that the heroes must combat.
Which major characters appear in “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One”?
Major characters appearing in “Part One” include Supergirl (Kara Danvers), Superman (Clark Kent), Lois Lane, the Monitor (Mar Novu), Harbinger (Lyla Michaels), and various other heroes from across the Arrowverse.
What Earth is primarily featured in “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One”?
Earth-38, which is Supergirl’s Earth, is the primary Earth featured in “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One.”
What significant loss do the heroes experience in “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One”?
The heroes experience the destruction of Argo City and the death of Alura Zor-El (Supergirl’s mother). They also face the impending destruction of Earth-38 itself.
How does Harbinger play a role in “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One”?
Harbinger (Lyla Michaels), under the influence of the Monitor, initially gathers the heroes from across the multiverse. However, she is also partially corrupted by the Anti-Monitor, making her a complex and conflicted character.
What is the overall tone and mood established in “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One”?
The overall tone is somber and desperate, reflecting the immense stakes and the devastating losses experienced by the heroes. There is a sense of urgency and impending doom.
How does “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One” set up the rest of the crossover event?
“Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One” establishes the central conflict, introduces the key characters and concepts, and sets the stage for the heroes’ desperate battle against the Anti-Monitor. It lays the groundwork for the team-ups, sacrifices, and eventual resolution that define the remainder of the crossover event. The cliffhanger ending ensures viewers are invested in the continuation of the story.