Hey, fellow DC's Legends of Tomorrow fans! Let's dive into one of the head-scratching moments from Season 7: Why didn't our time-traveling heroes use couriers and memory flashers more often? It's a valid question, right? Considering their mission to fix anachronisms and protect the timeline, you'd think these tools would be staples in their arsenal. So, why the oversight? Let's explore the possible reasons and have some fun with it!
The Curious Case of Missing Couriers
First things first: couriers. These seemingly simple devices could have been game-changers for the Legends. Imagine this: They need to send a crucial message back in time, maybe to warn themselves about an impending threat or to secure a vital piece of tech. Instead of risking a clumsy time jump or relying on unreliable methods, they could have just used a courier! A tiny package, delivered swiftly and discreetly – it sounds like a time traveler's dream. The lack of courier usage seems even stranger when you consider the tech at their disposal. They have access to advanced technology, so why not build or repurpose these simple devices? Perhaps they were simply overlooked in the writers' room, or maybe there's a deeper, more narrative-driven reason.
One thought that springs to mind is the potential for plot complications. Imagine the Legends using couriers all the time. The season's storylines might become too easy to solve, too streamlined. The tension would be gone. It would also significantly reduce the impact of certain storylines. Think of the stakes involved in time travel. Every choice has consequences, and the Legends often learn the hard way. If the couriers were used consistently, the emotional investment in the story would be lost. Then there is the cost of building and implementing such technology. Time travel is difficult, and building tools that could alter the past would be a monumental task, and it is possible that their access to resources might have been limited. The Waverider, while advanced, may not have been equipped to mass-produce couriers on demand. The Legends have their hands full trying to keep the ship running, and they are dealing with multiple anachronisms each week. Sometimes you have to prioritize. Moreover, the couriers' effectiveness could have been limited by the nature of the threats they faced. Some adversaries, like the villains, could have easily intercepted couriers, leading to unintended consequences and more problems for the Legends. This would add another layer of complexity to the plot.
Finally, let's consider the human element. The Legends, as a team, are more about improvisation and a bit of luck. Couriers are about precision and planning, and the team may not be wired for that kind of methodical approach. It is worth noting that they are not always the best decision-makers, but they make up for it with heart. Sometimes, the best stories are created from the chaos, the missteps, and the unforeseen consequences. In a show like Legends, there is definitely some truth in that.
Memory Flashers: A Tool of the Trade That Went Missing
Okay, let's move on to the memory flashers, right? They are another tech that seemed like a natural fit for the Legends' adventures. Memory flashers can rewrite someone's memory to protect them or to alter events. The ability to erase memories could be incredibly useful in several scenarios. For instance, they could wipe the memory of a person who witnessed something they shouldn't have seen. It could also have prevented certain people from being influenced by their enemies. So, why weren't they used more often? This lack of use is a bit perplexing, especially when you consider the show's penchant for complex storylines and unexpected twists. The show could have used the memory flashers to add a layer of suspense or to create a mystery for the audience. But that didn't happen.
One possible explanation is that memory flashers are not foolproof. As with any technology, they could have glitches or unforeseen side effects. If not used properly, they could accidentally erase crucial memories, leading to a paradox or even worse, leaving a person with mental trauma. This would introduce a whole new set of problems, and the Legends are usually busy enough. In addition, the writers may have preferred to use memory flashers sparingly to create a more compelling storyline, with a sense of danger and high stakes. This might have been done to make the story more dramatic and to give the characters a chance to grow. Overusing the flashers could have cheapened the impact of the story. Another element to take into consideration is the philosophical implications of memory manipulation. The Legends are heroes, and they have a strong moral code. They would have likely had some serious ethical considerations about erasing or altering someone's memory. This is especially important when considering a character's right to their memories, good or bad. Altering someone's memory is a form of mind control. In a world where heroes are all about doing the right thing, that concept might not align with their core values.
Let's consider the practical aspects. Building and maintaining memory flashers would require both time and resources. The Waverider is advanced, but it is not unlimited. The Legends had to maintain the ship while dealing with anachronisms, dealing with villains, and trying to protect the timeline. Time is of the essence, and so, it might have been too difficult to have a flasher ready every time they needed it. Furthermore, the use of memory flashers could introduce plot holes and contradictions. If the characters could easily erase memories, it might become too easy to resolve conflicts, and the stakes would be reduced. The writers want to keep the suspense going, and so using the flashers would risk making the story less exciting and more complicated.
Narrative and Practical Considerations
It's not always about logic, guys. In the world of TV, the narrative reigns supreme. Here are the major factors that probably influenced the absence of these devices. In general, using these types of tools could have significantly altered the show's dynamics, potentially making certain storylines less engaging. If the Legends had easily accessible couriers or memory flashers, many of the conflicts and close calls would have become less impactful. It is possible that the writers wanted to avoid these types of tools to allow the show to develop with more natural conflict. The show often relies on character interactions, tension, and dramatic reveals, and these elements might have been diluted if the heroes relied on tools like these.
Another key factor is the need to balance the show's overall narrative structure. Every episode of Legends has a limited runtime, so the creative team has to be efficient with its storylines. Introducing couriers and memory flashers would have added more complexities, which would take time to develop and explain. This could have made the plot more complicated and less accessible to the audience, disrupting the fast-paced nature of the series.
Also, the writers needed to maintain a balance between their characters and their technological advancements. The Legends are well-known for their improvisation, their quick thinking, and their resourcefulness. Allowing them to use these kinds of devices would have changed their approach to problem-solving, which is a critical part of the show's appeal. Therefore, the exclusion of these devices might have been intentional to keep the characters true to their essence.
It is possible that couriers and memory flashers could have altered the established relationships. Memory flashers could have been used to create or erase relationships, thus changing the dynamics of the team. The same applies to couriers; they could alter who would have lived or died. Changing these character relationships would have changed the essence of the show and would not have worked well.
Conclusion: A Time-Traveling Mystery
Ultimately, the absence of couriers and memory flashers in Legends of Tomorrow Season 7 is likely a mix of creative choices, plot necessities, and the ever-present limitations of TV storytelling. It is very likely that the writers wanted to maintain tension, keep the narrative interesting, and stay true to the characters that the audience fell in love with. Maybe in some other version of reality, they use these tools all the time and the show would become predictable. As fans, we can appreciate the show's decisions and enjoy the adventures the Legends embark on, even if they sometimes make us scratch our heads a little. Anyway, it's always fun to speculate and wonder what could have been, right? And who knows? Maybe these devices will make a surprise appearance in a future season or spin-off! Now, let's get ready for the next time-traveling adventure!
