This week, the CW offers us during the episode of The Flash a second crossover between the universes of The Flash and Supergirl. And to do even better, we are entitled to a musical episode: Duet ! Our opinion on this episode which is perhaps one of the best musical episodes we have seen.
If there is one thing to remember from this article, it is how perfect we found this episode. It makes you want to sing, dance, smile stupidly, cry, laugh… Like a real musical. He does his job very well, thanks in part to the very talented actors (and who sing really well!) who are part of this series: Grant Gustin (Barry Allen), Melissa Benoist (Kara Danvers), and Darren Criss (Music Mesteir) who have already proven themselves in Glee, but also John Barrowman (Malcolm Merlyn), Carlos Valdez (Cisco Ramon), Victor Garber (Martin Stein), Jeremy Jordan (Winn Schott) or Jesse L.Martin (Joe West).
The plot
In Duet, Barry and Kara are immersed in a dream by Music Meister. Our two heroes being fans of musicals, this dream takes this form. Everything is there to maintain this illusion: the costumes and sets are beautiful, and the musical atmosphere is present. The characters plunge us into this universe: the "fathers" of Iris and Moon-El, 3 gangsters, and Mon-El and Iris who form a forbidden love as in West Side Story. Barry and Kara's reactions when they discover their relationship ("Ugh, fat") is also excellent.
Special mention in this episode:
- The moment Kara insists on breaking the door with Barry. Go girl!
- Barry's reaction when he discovers that Joe and Stein's alter egos are in a relationship: "I love musicals".
- Cisco's reaction when he discovers J'onn's transformation into a Martian: perfect!
- The biggest lesson we learned from this episode: it's so easy to convince people in musicals!
The songs (because that's the essence of the episode, let's not forget)
Moon River
Melissa Benoist, written by Johnny Mercer and portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in the film Diamonds on the Couch (reprise)
What can I say, except that since the end of Glee, we had missed Melissa Benoist's voice ? She interprets this song beautifully, while showing how perplexed Kara is to be there, but also her surprise when she recognizes Barry in the crowd. Congratulations to her for this superb acting and her beautiful voice. This performance is perfect to start the episode.
Put a Little Love in your Heart
Darren Criss, John Barrowman, Jeremy Jordan and Carlos Valdez, written by Jackie DeShannon (reprise)
This song allows Music Meister to reveal its plan to our two heroes (and tease the end of the story?), but also offers us a great performance with the alter-egos of Winn, Cisco, and, probably the most surprising to see, Malcolm Merlyn. Like Barry at the end of the song, you can't help but dance with them!
More I Cannot Wish You
Victor Garber, Jesse L. Martin and John Barrowman, from the musical Guys and Dolls (reprise)
What could be better than a song performed by three great talents of Broadway? The Flash had already featured a moment sung by Jesse L. Martin, but this trio is even better. It may not be the best of this episode, but we will not forget this performance. And above all, it allows Kara and Barry to understand the lesson given by the not-so-bad Music Meister.
Super Friend
Grant Gustin and Melissa Benoist, written by Rachel Bloom of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (original)
One of the most anticipated moments of this episode: the duo Barry / Kara. And we can say that it is a success! This moment is fun, catchy, and filled with small references to both series (the nod to Superman being the best). This performance confirms that the chemistry between the two superheroes is perfect, and that we should have the right to more crossover between them two!
Runnin' Home to You
Grant Gustin, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (original)
This song, written by the two very talented composers of La La Land (who also won an Oscar for this film) is probably the best of this episode. It is the only one that takes place in the "real" world and allows a beautiful moment between Iris and Barry. And what a pleasure to hear the talented Grant Gustin sing! The scene is simple but filled with emotion and allows to conclude the episode in beauty.
Season 2 of Supergirl airs every Monday night on The CW in the US, followed on Tuesdays by season 3 of The Flash.
