The CW's "Elseworlds" crossover is just around the corner, and we're just under a week away from the official debut of Gotham City in the Arrow-verse. With that said, here's a breakdown of some of the things I'm hoping to see during the special and how the iconic comic book metropolis could be used to introduce other key figures or places from the franchise.
Batwoman Being A Badass
Ruby Rose is going to be at a bit of a disadvantage being the newcomer in the "Elseworlds" crossover, but she also has an advantage in being part of a character introduction the fanbase has been waiting for. Now all the Arrow-verse has to do is show a few scenes of Batwoman being the badass audiences expect her to be, and that should win audiences over well enough to make them wait on her series.
Based on pictures and promos that have been released thus far, Ruby Rose will have no problem convincing audiences her Batwoman is hardcore. The rooftop jump in the latest promo alone is enough to give any Batman fan goosebumps, so I can only imagine how the internet will explode when she's throwing punches and using Dark Knight tactics to subdue enemies.
Sidekick Heroes
We know Batwoman is fighting crime in a Gotham City without a Batman, but does that mean she's the only hero doling out justice in town? Batman may be M.I.A., but what about the folks who have helped him over the years and played a part in helping the town develop into a slightly reputable city? Oracle would be a great example of someone we'd like to see, or maybe Tim Drake's Red Robin?
It's possible, although it's been stated that the Arrow-verse's Gotham City has turned into a real armpit in Batman's absence. That's really saying something in a show universe where Star City exists, which might mean Batwoman doesn't have a lot of help keeping the city's criminal activities in check. It could also just be a testament to how effective Batman was at his job, and how even multiple heroes going at it can't equal his effect.
Clues About Batman's Disappearance
We officially know that Batman will not be a part of the "Elseworlds" crossover and that the hero has been missing from Gotham City for three years. The prolonged absence has even led heroes like Barry and Oliver to question his existence, with Oliver apparently suggesting the hero is merely an urban legend. Of course, we know that isn't the case, and we're hoping the crossover reveals more information about this strange situation.
After all, three years is a long time away for a guy who seemingly took less than a month off for a broken back in The Dark Knight Rises. If Batman is gone, something serious must have happened that teases a greater mystery the Batwoman series may explore. All I'm asking for is a taste of what may have happened to hold me over until a series explores the meat and potatoes of what's going on with Batman.
Bruce Wayne
For the record, it was stated that Batman was missing from the "Elseworlds" crossover and Gotham City. While The Dark Knight is missing in action, there's still a chance that the billionaire Bruce Wayne is still hanging around in the city and doing what he can to combat justice. It's a sneaky twist that "Elseworlds" could definitely pull off and truly blow some minds if done correctly.
That said, a secret Bruce Wayne casting is one of those big news items that would be nearly impossible to keep secret. Additionally, casting the man who inevitably plays Batman would be a major task, and maybe not one the Arrow-verse would like to commit to before the Batwoman series is deeper in development. Still, A Bruce Wayne cameo would blow a lot of minds and make the question of why Batman is missing in Gotham City even more interesting.
Lots Of Villain Teases
The "Elseworlds" crossover is going to be jam-packed with heroes and villains alike, so while there's a chance that some of Gotham City's favorite villains will appear, far more will be left out. Having said that, easter eggs are always great for teasing future Batman villains who could appear in the Arrow-verse down the stretch now that the City is officially on the board.
For example, we don't have to see The Riddler, but how about a green question mark spotted amongst some graffiti? Or maybe there could be a business named after one of Gotham's iconic crime families. The Arrow-verse shows have long been fans of referencing heroes and villains in that way, so "Elseworlds" will probably do the same. Arkham Asylum might be the place to watch for these references the most, as one or two famous Batman foes could be locked within its walls.
Iconic Locations
Audiences have seen several different iterations of Gotham City throughout the years and may be more familiar with its locales than even the current Arrow-verse shows. We've been promised a look at Arkham Asylum, but will "Elseworlds" feature a look at some other locations around town? For example, how far is that street where Barry runs into Batwoman way from the Ace Chemicals factory?
While we don't know whether or not "Elseworlds" will take us there or down to Gotham's Narrows, it does seem like we might get a rooftop glimpse of the GCPD. That is unless the Bat Signal has been moved elsewhere after Batman decided to take an indefinite sabbatical from crime fighting. Wayne Manor would also be a cool place to see, although, with Batman nowhere present, we're not sure if it will be worked into the plot.
Bat-Gadgets
We've seen Batwoman's costume, but we have yet to see any of the Bat-gadgets she's been known to wield as a hero. Most of it is the typical standard fare one would see on Batman, as well as a handy utility belt. As impressive as it would be to see a non-superpowered heroine kicking ass with only stealth and martial arts skills, she wouldn't be a bonafide member of the Bat-Family without the gear.
Batarangs would be the coolest and most expected piece of gear to appear in "Elseworlds," but remote detonators would be cool to see as well. It'd also be cool to see some sort of Batmobile or Batcycle, or basically a cool piece of gear that Oliver doesn't have and can be jealous of. Then again, Oliver is The Flash during this special, so he may be jealous that Barry will get to show off his gadgets in this first encounter.
The "Elseworlds" crossover begins on The CW with a special episode of The Flash Sunday, December 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET. For a look at what else is happening on television in the near future, be sure to visit and bookmark our fall and midseason premiere guides.
