EDITORIAL: Ranking The ‘Big 5’ Comic-Book TV Shows’ Fall 2014 Performances

EDITORIAL: Ranking The ‘Big 5’ Comic-Book TV Shows’ Fall 2014 Performances

With the holidays swiftly approaching, most network TV shows have hit their winter break. So how have Arrow, Agents Of SHIELD, Constantine, The Flash & Gotham been doing so far? And what is the best comic-book show on TV at the moment? Hit the jump to find out…

Editorial Opinion
By Minty - Dec 13, 2014 12:12 PM EST
Filed Under: The Flash

Two years ago, the only comic-book show on our screens was The CW’s Arrow adaptation. While it was fun to watch, the show hadn’t quite hit its stride yet, halfway through its freshman season. Flash forward two years and there are now no less 5 shows on air – across a broad range of networks (with even more in the works). Naturally, some have been performing better than others – both in the ratings and quality category. Which show is on top? Scroll down to find out!
 
Note - While I’ve tried not to go into too many explicit details, there may be a few spoilers, so skip over the shows you’re not up-to-date with if you don’t want anything ruined!
 


 
5) Gotham, FOX
 

 

 
There were not a lot of expectations going into Gotham’s premiere this September, but many viewers found themselves pleasantly surprised by the opening episode. The writers really nailed the city’s dark and corrupt atmosphere, while Robin Lord Taylor was widely commended for his performance as The Penguin. Sadly, while the ratings stayed strong, the quality did not, and the show quickly slipped into a monotonous procedural-like tone.
 
Many have criticised Gotham’s lack of subtlety when regarding Batman’s famous rogues gallery. The desperate attempts to sneak in as many references as possible on a weekly basis have become more than a little jarring. Furthermore, there appears to be very little plan going forward. Only the gang-war sub-plots have truly intrigued, buoyed by interesting characters such as Falcone, Maroni and, indeed, The Penguin himself.
 
Jada Pinkett Smith’s Fish Mooney is incredibly grating to watch, but she’s also a fun character to love to hate. Ben McKenzie, and in particular, Donal Logue have grown into their roles as Gordon and Bullock over time. It’s the lack of direction with the young Bruce Wayne that has me concerned. What more can the writers do with him, to make his storyline interesting? There’s a strong case that characters like Bruce, Selina, Ivy and Ed should never have been included in the first place.
 
Best Episodes: “Viper”, “The Penguin’s Umbrella”
 
Rating: 7.3
 

 
4) Constantine, NBC
 

 

 
This is the left-of-field choice – the ‘underdog’ of comic book shows if you like. While its fellow freshman comic-book counterparts (Gotham & The Flash) are doing wonders with the ratings this year, Constantine has struggled – thanks, largely, to the handicap of the Friday night ‘death-slot’. It’s a real shame, as Constantine, for the most part, has been a fun, fresh and unique little show to follow and enjoy so far.
 
While not strictly a ‘superhero’ show, the character of John Constantine is deeply rooted in comic-lore, most famously appearing in his own Hellblazer run. The show has largely stuck to the tone of the acclaimed source material – casting the energetic yet cunning Matt Ryan as the lead, and embracing some of the more supernatural elements of the comics (including The Spectre). Hell, they even allowed him to smoke!
 
Aside from being faithful to the character, Constantine has managed to be genuinely quite scary. The visual effects are excellent, helping to craft a spooky atmosphere for a show reliant on monsters as villains. Where it’s lacking is in its overarching story. The characters themselves are likeable, they aren’t developed enough to truly love them, while the threat of the “Rising Darkness” has so far felt very generic.
 
Best Episodes: “A Feast Of Friends”, “The Devil’s Vinyl”
 
Rating: 7.9
 

 
3) The Flash, The CW
 

 

 
2014’s best and brightest freshman show has raced to an excellent start this fall. As well as topping fellow CW counterpart Arrow on the ratings front, some fans have suggested it’s also trumped its sister show for quality too – especially with that magnificent mid-season finale, which ranks as my personal favourite from this year. Story-wise, it’s not quite there yet, but the future is looking very bright indeed.
 
Grant Gustin’s casting as Barry Allen was met with some trepidation when it was announced over a year ago. I think we can now officially say we were wrong. Gustin is the heart and soul of this show, and his likeable performances elevate every scene he’s in. But he’s not the only big performer. Jesse L. Martin and Tom Cavanagh in particular have shone in their roles as Joe West and Harrison Wells, while it’s been great to see John Wesley Shipp back involved with the character he once portrayed.
 
The other element fans have embraced about The Flash is the abundance of comic-book characters on the show. Following in the footsteps of Arrow, the writers have never hesitated to introduce some of DC Comics’ weird and wonderful heroes and villains – portraying them with great guest stars and fantastic visual effects. Finally, the recent crossover with Arrow has proven the possibilities are endless with these shows.
 
Best Episodes: “City Of Heroes”, “Flash Vs Arrow”, “The Man In The Yellow Suit”
 
Rating: 8.4
 

 
2) Arrow, The CW
 

 

 
Last year, Arrow became not only the best comic-book show, but also one of the most exciting shows on TV – period. It was fun, fast-paced and packed with recognisable super-heroes and villains – from Deathstroke, to the Suicide Squad, to the League Of Assassins. While the show’s third season has struggled to top the lofty heights of Season 2, it remains a fantastic example of how to make great comic book TV.
 
Following Slade Wilson’s imprisonment at the end of Season 2, and the loss of Manu Bennett, Arrow needed someone to take the mantle of fan-fovourite character. While new options like Katana and Ra’s Al Ghul have been presented, no character has impressed more than Brandon Routh’s Ray Palmer. Charismatic and relatable, Routh has proven his Superman Returns critics wrong this year. I can’t wait to see The Atom.
 
Plot-wise, the show seems less certain, although this has largely helped increase the mystery and excitement. The increased influence of the League has upped the stakes (particularly during that shocking mid-season finale), while new opportunities for both Laurel and Thea have also helped straighten out some of the weaker characters. Meanwhile, Oliver, Diggle, Roy and Felicity are functioning like a well-oiled machine. Well… they were anyway…
 
Best Episodes: “The Magician”, “Corto Maltese”, “The Brave And The Bold”
 
Rating: 8.6
 

 
1) Agents Of SHIELD, ABC
 

 

 
What a comeback it has been. No longer the butt of every comic book fans jokes (just Josh Wilding’s…), Marvel’s Agents Of SHIELD has matured into an exciting, fast-paced and gloriously entertaining TV Show. Gone are the pointless filler episodes of Season 1, with grating Avengers references and lacklustre plotting (Gotham, take note…). Instead, we have a fully-fledged show that is actually contributing to the MCU – rather than just basking in its success.
 
Arguably the most important move the showrunners made was expanding the cast. In adding new characters, the show not only freshened things up, it also helped take the pressure of the original six, and widened the universe as a whole. Ward has since transformed into one of the best villains on TV, while Skye, Simmons and Fitz have all undergone some excellent character development. This is the show I signed on for in the first place!
 
This time last year, I was debating dropping this show. I now find myself so pleased that I stuck with it. Unfortunately, many other viewers did not – and I can’t blame them back then. While it’s not in any real danger of cancellation this year, the show needs to somehow win back the viewers it disillusioned – especially if it seeks to contribute anymore to the universe as a whole.
 
Best Episodes: “Making Friends And Influencing People”, “The Writing On The Wall”, “The Things We Bury”
 
Rating: 8.7
 


Well, those were my thoughts. Agents Of SHIELD takes the top-spot for the moment, closely flanked by The CW duo of Arrow and Flash.  What do you guys think? I know The Flash is very popular on here in particular, and while it might not be my favourite yet, it’s definitely looking like the best CBTV show in the making! Also, what about Constantine? D’you think it’s going to get cancelled?
 
Let me know your thoughts down below, and hit the big red thumbs-up if you liked this!
 
If you're a fan, why not check out my blog for weekly updates on all of these shows, The Blacklist, Game Of Thrones and more!
 
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fahQman
fahQman - 12/13/2014, 12:44 PM
I agree, AoS is clearly head and shoulders above the rest!
Minty
Minty - 12/13/2014, 12:48 PM
@fahQman - There's very little to choose between Flash, Arrow & AOS at the moment, but for me SHIELD's slightly ahead.

Slightly being the key word there.
Interestein
Interestein - 12/13/2014, 12:54 PM
Stopped watching AOS half-way through season one, but predicted that it would improve vastly in its second season... I guess I was right!

Anyway, loved both Arrow and The Flash finales!
WorstUserNameEver
WorstUserNameEver - 12/13/2014, 1:07 PM
Haven't watched Constantine since the pilot, could not stand Matt Ryan in the role (& I'm Welsh!). Gotham is pretty much everything I expected ('Slightly' gritty CSI with crude Easter eggs for 'the fans'.

Really like The Flash and Arrow this year and I was not a massive fan of the latter's first and second seasons. I think the contradicting philosophies and different stages of their respective development has finally helped Ammell 'find' his take on Queen and the show has improved because of it.

AOS has been outstanding this season and the mid-season finale has probably ensured its place in my top 5 current shows (Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Homeland, American Horror Story and little old AOS (brings a tear to my eye considering the first seasons dismal beginnings). Really hope there is a season 3 (4, 5 & 6 too).
Wolf38
Wolf38 - 12/13/2014, 1:16 PM
At this point, I like Arrow the best.
kinghulk
kinghulk - 12/13/2014, 1:37 PM
WorstUserNameEver- "Haven't watched Constantine since the pilot, could not stand Matt Ryan in the role (& I'm Welsh!)."
ditto havent watched an episode since, i watched the 1st few episodes of Gotham but got bored i went back and watched a few more episodes mainly because i like the penguin.

Flash in my opinion has been great really interested to see where it goes next. arrow has been a little slow but it has some cool fights like arrow vs nyssa vs merlyn that fight was cool. and AOS has been a huge improvement over last season i find myself likeing all the characters more and also really liking the new characters. to bad we have to wait till march to see the other half of the season.
Knightrider
Knightrider - 12/13/2014, 1:51 PM
If I am honest I stopped watching AoS at about the midpoint of season 1. From what I have heard from people is that the change of tone since the Winter Solider tie in episode was a huge leap forward and acted as a semi reboot.

It also appears a lot of the kiddy looking cast has either been replaced or matured. I am landing towards giving it another go.

So, seeing as I can't really comment on AoS I would pick The Flash. It is fun, light hearted and doing some great work on a CW budget, Grant has been great as the character who is both pained by what it takes to be a hero, but loves the fact he is a super hero.
ZeoTV
ZeoTV - 12/13/2014, 1:58 PM
I really hope Constantine gets a second season cuz I recently caught up ith the latest episodes and found that to my suprise I realy liked them because I wasn't a fan of the first two episodes
Superheromoviefan
Superheromoviefan - 12/13/2014, 2:45 PM
Constantine is a bad show. The character is so [frick]ing pethetic it's anoying. This show is for those who like shows like ghosthunters
tonytony
tonytony - 12/13/2014, 2:52 PM
I totally disagree with this. The flash is by far and away the best comic book show on TV. I just watched the man in the yellow suit and it capped off a stunning season so far. I am left gasping for more with each episode. With AOS i tried and stopped i will prob give it a go again, but its nowhere near as good as the flash
3DWitchHunt
3DWitchHunt - 12/13/2014, 4:22 PM
I'm almost done with season one of AoS and [frick] me, is it still lame. Flash wins, by a mile, for me.
HulkOnion
HulkOnion - 12/13/2014, 4:25 PM
I agree with @3DWitchHunt.
I haven't watch anything in Season two except the Midseason final.
I'm not interested at all as of yet.
MrBender
MrBender - 12/13/2014, 4:42 PM
Flash should be number 2 if not a close number 1.
BarKells
BarKells - 12/13/2014, 4:52 PM
Top shows overall
1. Flash 9.5
2. Arrow 7.9
3. Agents of Shield 7.2
4. Gotham 6.7
5. Constantine 6.5

Mid season finale/cliffhanger
1. Arrow
2. AOS
3. Flash
4. Gotham
Didn't see Constantine's
Blaquaman
Blaquaman - 12/13/2014, 5:18 PM
The Viper was the worst episode of Gotham. Really can't see why it is the best.
fortycals
fortycals - 12/13/2014, 5:26 PM
Good list. I enjoy them all, but for me it's:
6)Gotham
5)Arrow
4)Constantine
3)flash
2) aos
1) walking dead
GSpawn
GSpawn - 12/13/2014, 5:28 PM
I feel like none of these will hold a candle to the Daredevil series once it drops, I love the flash (Probably the only show I like so far next to constantine) but he can't beat the amount of freedom a netflix show can allow. that show will putting a hurting on everyone like its name was Jack murdock.


the only thing that can ruin it so far to me is...Evanescence score *shudders*
GSpawn
GSpawn - 12/13/2014, 5:29 PM
I would naturally say TWD but I don't really count it as a comic book show being it doesn't have to follow the lore in order to be successful, shit I still talk to plenty of people who think it's a totally new thing
AnthonyLantern
AnthonyLantern - 12/13/2014, 5:33 PM
I still don't give 2 shits about AoS
AgeofApocalypse
AgeofApocalypse - 12/13/2014, 5:42 PM
I'd do AoS first, followed extraordinarily closely by The Flash. Next is Arrow, then Gotham. I haven't seen Constantine yet.
marvel72
marvel72 - 12/13/2014, 5:42 PM
The Walking Dead is the best show based on a comic book,Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D takes second place.
supes123
supes123 - 12/13/2014, 5:44 PM
if im just counting superhero cbtv
1. Arrow
2. The flash
3. Gotham
4. Constantine
5. Dont watch aos anymore

but the walking dead would be number 1 if were counting all comicbooks
Oreomega
Oreomega - 12/13/2014, 5:54 PM
I like how Flash was ranked #3 on this list even though it pulls in more views than Arrow and was CW's most watched pilot. Plus, AOS is struggling to keep a consistent and high viewing audience. The only times when that wasn't the case when was Marvel announced that there would be a new trailer to Avengers 2 airing during an episode.
grif
grif - 12/13/2014, 5:55 PM
i do not like any of these shows. and aos is a joke
PsyGuy
PsyGuy - 12/13/2014, 5:55 PM
I agree that AoS is the best, but I might've switched Arrow and Flash.

Great article!
Invictor
Invictor - 12/13/2014, 5:56 PM
It's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. for me. I still have to catch up with Gotham.
NeoBaggins
NeoBaggins - 12/13/2014, 5:57 PM
Agents of SHIELD #1 and GOTHAM #5. Its like GPS to let you know what site you're on.

Anyway; FLASH is clearly killing it as far as comicbook TV is concerned.
LegendaryOutlaw
LegendaryOutlaw - 12/13/2014, 5:57 PM
1.Flash
2.Arrow
3.Gotham
4.Agents of Shield
5.Constantine
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