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EPISODE REVIEWS - "LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD"

Green Lantern: The Animated Series
Love is a Battlefield

Original Airdate - February 16th

The evil Aya Monitor invades the planet Zamaron, blaming the Star Sapphires for the pain she feels from her heartbreak. The unsuspecting Carol Ferris is summoned to represent Love in a battle against Hate's champion, Atrocitus of the Red Lantern Corps.

Written by Jennifer Keene
Directed by Rick Morales
Review by Neo Yi

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Review:
Aya's personal choices is interesting because it comes with heavy bias. As much as she preaches the fallacy of emotions, she's actually siding heavily with "hate." She can walk the talk all she wants, but when it comes down to it, her entire reaction and current philosophy is driven by that hatred. I think this is made most clear when her reward for Atrocitus is not to kill but free him from his imprisonment. Why not end him regardless if he won or not? He is a creature of rage which is but one aspect of a greater whole that Aya is supposedly working against. It's because like him, Aya is acting on vengeance and wrath to drive her quest. "Hate" is as much of an expression and it's very blatant just how bitter she is. Way, way, waaaaaay bitter. I think this is further canonized by the ending. When she was about to destroy the Star Sapphire planet, she only stops because of Razer's anguish...only to consider an alternate and find a way to destroy/remake the entire universe in one fell swoop. She switched from a quick short term plan (granted, one that would take her a long time to accomplish) to a delayed goal that will ultimately work in long term. However in doing so, she's given the heroes a fighting chance to revert all this. Aya likely didn't intend this, but she is very much affected by emotions and it's this brilliant irony that makes "Love is A Battlefield" and her character so compelling.

I love what they did for Carol's character, too. She's afraid and unable to put up even a decent fight. At one point Atrocitus smacked her straight in the face and I remember cringing because the pain looked so real that you could almost feel it. It makes sense she can't do much, but I'm glad and relieved she didn't end up as some useless bystander. Even before she got her ring back, Carol tries to feign some sense in Aya's head. When she gains the ring, she intervenes constantly by the time Hal arrives. I love that she gets the finishing move and I'm pleased she decided to keep her ring. It's an excellent progression of her character and I'm saddened the cancellation is likely the only hindrance to what could have been for her future as a Star Sapphire.

Speaking of Star Sapphires...wow, did not expect that sacrifice. It is so appropriate and well done, but I really could have done without the Queen's speech about Ghia'ta's heroic demise, especially so shortly after her death. It's one of those scenes that works better when everyone is silent to let the somberness get across. Not to mention it's ridiculously unsubtle on something that was already and obviously told from a visual standpoint. Also, where the heck is Kilowog's girlfriend? I mean, she's not essential to the plot, but not even a cameo? I suppose her exclusion was necessary since it'd likely require Kilowog to react when the episode probably could not squeeze it in.

Overall, another fine episode. I am hoping for an explosive conclusion by the time Green Lantern ends. Both Aya and Razer (who reaches that level of anxiety and desire to help the former; something noticeable absent in "Babel") need their happiness!


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