21 pop culture moments from 2018 we’re celebrating
By Amy Woolsey
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow — “No Country for Old Dads” — Image Number: LGN313b_0113b.jpg — Pictured (L-R): Arthur Darvill as Rip Hunter, Dominic Purcell as Mick Rory/Heat Wave, Jes Macallan as Ava Sharpe and Nick Zano as Nate Heywood/Steel — Photo: Dean Buscher/The CW — © 2018 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Beebo
After a debut season that a generous person would call uneven, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow has emerged as the most consistent entry on The CW’s slate of superhero series. The show’s success stems in part from its structure. Following a rotating group of B-list characters like White Canary and the Atom as they try to keep history intact, it favors episodic storylines and treats the cast as a true ensemble, creating a refreshingly laidback vibe.
It’s also straight-up bonkers – and not just because the characters interact with historical figures on a regular basis. Season 3 involves at various points a spontaneous tap-dance number; a cameo by John Noble, who voices the villainous demon Mallus, as himself; and the revelation that a major character is a clone from the future. Yet, none of those could prepare one for the season finale, which climaxes with a fight between Mallus and a gigantic stuffed animal named Beebo.
There’s backstory that has to do with Vikings and magical amulets; for the curious, “Beebo the God of War” is well worth your time. Honestly, though, no context is necessary to appreciate the surreal, stupid, breathtaking glory of the fight itself. Just look at the GIFs. In addition to inducing many tears of laughter, it’s a marvel of animation and imagination, putting the tedious, muddled battles that populate Hollywood blockbusters to shame.
Beebo turned out to be so popular among fans that he (it?) appeared at Comic-Con. He also had stints on fellow CW superhero shows Arrow and Supergirl. Still, the Mallus fight was a singular experience. It must be seen to be believed.