The last episode of “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” the monumental Arrowverse crossover event, is titled “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Five.” It aired on January 14, 2020, and served as the culmination of the multiversal threat and the beginning of a new, unified Earth-Prime.
The Aftermath: A Universe Reborn
“Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Five” not only resolved the immediate crisis posed by the Anti-Monitor but also fundamentally reshaped the Arrowverse landscape. The episode featured the surviving heroes – Supergirl, Superman, Batwoman, The Flash, Martian Manhunter, White Canary, and Lex Luthor – working together to defeat the Anti-Monitor in the Dawn of Time. Ultimately, it led to the creation of Earth-Prime, merging the separate worlds of the Arrowverse into a single, cohesive universe. This unification allowed for previously impossible crossovers and introduced new narrative possibilities for all the shows involved.
The episode is significant for several reasons, beyond its resolution of the core conflict. It offered closure for characters like Oliver Queen (Green Arrow), who made the ultimate sacrifice to save the multiverse. It also established the new status quo for the Arrowverse, paving the way for future storylines and character interactions. The episode’s ending scene, featuring the heroes around a table resembling the Justice League’s Hall of Justice, hinted at a new era of collaborative heroism. This marked a conscious effort by the showrunners to create a shared narrative tapestry, ensuring that all future developments are interlinked and carry wider consequences for the whole Arrowverse.
Decoding the FAQs: Unraveling the Complexities of Crisis
The sheer scale and complexity of “Crisis on Infinite Earths” understandably left many viewers with questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the crossover event, specifically focusing on its final episode and its lasting impact:
H3 The Ending Explained
1. What exactly happened at the Dawn of Time?
The Dawn of Time is the point in the multiverse’s existence before creation, where the Anti-Monitor could be weakened and ultimately defeated. The Paragons, led by Oliver Queen (Spectre), confronted the Anti-Monitor in his most vulnerable state. While Spectre ultimately gave his life to reignite the universe, the remaining Paragons harnessed their respective powers to create a new, singular Earth – Earth-Prime. This process consolidated the remnants of various Earths into a single reality, eliminating the threat of parallel universes being corrupted by antimatter.
2. Why did the universes need to be merged into Earth-Prime?
The merging of universes was crucial to the long-term survival of the multiverse. The Anti-Monitor had the power to destroy entire realities, and as long as multiple Earths existed, they remained vulnerable to his influence. By consolidating them into Earth-Prime, the heroes significantly reduced the surface area vulnerable to antimatter corruption and created a stronger, more unified defense against future threats. The unified Earth-Prime also facilitated easier collaboration between heroes who previously resided on separate Earths.
H3 Character Fates and Transformations
3. What happened to Oliver Queen/Green Arrow at the end of Crisis?
Oliver Queen initially sacrificed himself in “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One” to save the inhabitants of Earth-38. However, his story was far from over. He returned as the Spectre, a cosmic entity with immense power, and played a pivotal role in the final battle at the Dawn of Time. His ultimate sacrifice involved using his Spectre powers to reignite the universe, solidifying the creation of Earth-Prime. While he is dead, his legacy as a hero and the architect of the Arrowverse remains intact.
4. How did Lex Luthor end up as a hero in Earth-Prime?
Lex Luthor’s “heroic” status on Earth-Prime is a result of him rewriting history using the Book of Destiny. During the final battle, he used his position as a Paragon to alter the events and make himself appear as a benevolent savior of humanity. This alteration effectively erased his villainous past from the public’s memory, allowing him to operate with relative impunity on Earth-Prime. While the other heroes are aware of his true nature, they are unable to prove it and must tread carefully when dealing with him.
5. What is the significance of the heroes gathering at the end in the Hall of Justice-like setting?
The final scene showing the heroes around a table, resembling the Hall of Justice from the comics, signifies the beginning of a new era of collaboration and teamwork. This assembly represents the formal establishment of a superhero team – effectively the Justice League of the Arrowverse – dedicated to protecting Earth-Prime from future threats. It also demonstrates the shared responsibility the heroes now have for the fate of their unified world.
H3 The Multiverse Post-Crisis
6. Are there any other Earths besides Earth-Prime after Crisis?
While Earth-Prime is the primary focus of the Arrowverse following “Crisis,” the existence of other Earths is not entirely ruled out. The crossover hinted at the possibility of other realities existing beyond the boundaries of Earth-Prime, but these realities are less accessible and potentially more dangerous. Shows like “Stargirl” exist within the same interconnected DC multiverse, but are part of a separate continuity than the main “Arrowverse” shows.
7. How did Crisis affect each individual Arrowverse show’s timeline and continuity?
“Crisis on Infinite Earths” acted as a soft reboot for several Arrowverse shows. It allowed the writers to streamline storylines, retcon certain events, and introduce new elements into existing narratives. For example, Supergirl’s Earth merged with the others, allowing her to interact more directly with the characters from the other shows. This continuity shake-up provided a fresh start for many of the series, allowing them to explore new and exciting possibilities.
8. What are the long-term consequences of the Anti-Monitor’s defeat?
The Anti-Monitor’s defeat bought the multiverse (or at least, Earth-Prime) time, but the fundamental threat of cosmic annihilation remains. While he was the immediate danger, the underlying forces that created him, such as the imbalance between positive and antimatter, could potentially give rise to new threats in the future. The heroes of Earth-Prime must remain vigilant and prepared to face any potential crises that may arise.
H3 Specific Plot Points and Lore
9. What is the significance of the various Paragons chosen to save the multiverse?
Each Paragon represented a specific virtue or quality deemed essential to rebuilding the multiverse. For example, Supergirl was the Paragon of Hope, Batwoman was the Paragon of Courage, and The Flash was the Paragon of Love. These virtues were not just symbolic; they represented the specific energies or principles that were needed to counteract the Anti-Monitor’s influence and create a new, harmonious reality.
10. How did the Spectre powers change Oliver Queen and his mission?
Becoming the Spectre transformed Oliver Queen from a street-level vigilante into a cosmic entity with near-omnipotent powers. As the Spectre, his mission expanded beyond protecting Star City to encompass safeguarding the entire multiverse. His knowledge of past, present, and future events increased dramatically, and he was able to manipulate the fabric of reality to achieve his goals. However, the Spectre’s power came at a cost, requiring him to make difficult choices and sacrifices for the greater good.
11. Was the ending planned from the very beginning of the Arrowverse?
While the specific details of the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover may not have been fully mapped out from the start, the groundwork for the event was laid years in advance. Subtle references and Easter eggs throughout the earlier seasons of the Arrowverse shows hinted at the impending multiversal crisis. This carefully planned build-up allowed for a more satisfying and impactful payoff when the crossover finally arrived.
12. What makes “Crisis on Infinite Earths” different from other crossover events?
“Crisis on Infinite Earths” stands apart from other crossover events due to its scale, ambition, and long-lasting impact on the Arrowverse. Unlike previous crossovers that were largely self-contained stories, “Crisis” fundamentally reshaped the entire narrative landscape, merging universes, introducing new characters, and setting the stage for future storylines. It was a watershed moment that redefined the interconnectedness of the Arrowverse and elevated the stakes for all future conflicts. It transcended simply bringing heroes together; it fundamentally altered their world and their future.