DC’s Legends of Tomorrow - S3E4 - Phone Home

Previously on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, “Zari”

When Are We? 

1988

The Mission 

History changes when Ray Palmer is killed as a child in 1988. Before time can permanently settle, the team heads to Ray’s childhood home the day before he dies to stop it. They discover he’s befriended a baby Dominator and try to separate little Ray from the alien as the mama Dominator shows up to reclaim her child. The Legends also realize the alien may not be the biggest threat to young Ray since he’s also being pursued by the government agents tracking the Dominators.

Side Missions

Stein’s been acting weird so Jax and Mick do some digging and find out someone’s been sneaking off the ship. Mick’s convinced Stein has been leaking info to the Time Bureau. Really he’s just been visiting his pregnant daughter, and the two arrange it so that Stein can be present for the birth of his grandson. This prompts Jax to seek Ray’s help in separating him from Stein so he can leave the team and be with his family for good.

Mission Report

If you were going through Stranger Things season 3 binge withdrawals, like me, then this episode was a welcome hour. But it hitting the ’80s sci-fi/horror sweet spot isn’t the only reason it’s a great episode. It provided more insight into Ray’s sunny deposition despite the odds. Of course he was the type of kid who thought his bullies were his friends and spent time watching musicals. He sees the good in everything and believes in happy endings. Plus, it was touching to see a man become his own childhood hero.

Nate being mind-controlled into making out with Ray’s mother (who was really the mama Dominator) was funny, but Nate’s actual flirting with Ray’s mother earlier in the episode was tip-toeing in that area where Nate can be a gross dude bro.