[7.2/10] The episodes in this arc keep leaving me cold, and I’m not sure why. Even though there’s theoretically major events transpiring, it feels a little like nothing happens. The story here plays more like dutifully putting the pieces of a machine together rather than a propulsive plot that moves both story and character. To the point, the Young Justice team just arrives in the Phantom Zone without issue, and then have a pretty pointless fight with Zod’s crew. There’s something to be said for them reminding Conner of his past life, and explaining that Superman isn’t dead. But Conner’s brainwashing still feels arbitrary and unsatisfying, so the whole routine is a little unavailing. I suspect they’re setting up the idea that M’gaan is ultimately the thing that brings Conner back from the brink,and I can appreciate that. The intermediate steps seem perfunctory though. In particular, the battle between the crew and Zod’s army did little for me, since it was hard to distinguish one side from the other with theasesthtic, and our heroes just bounced so the plot could continue anyway. I can also appreciate what the show’s trying to do with M’Gaan, Phantom Girl, and the rest of the Justice Leaguers working together to get to Conner. You can see the show trying to tie together all the disparate arcs that have taken place this season, with characters and tools from various parts of this batch of episodes uniting in service of this goal. But again, a lot of it feels mechanical rather than something with verve and momentum and character. The one exception is Danny Chase, the kid inside the kaiser thrall. Like so many additions this season, his presence is a little bit out of nowhere. But I like the idea that there’s a human being trapped inside this bit of tortuous New God technology, that M’gaan connects and protects him, and that he ultimately tries to help her rescue the person she loved. Also like a lot this season, the developments are very rushed, but there’s a compelling and tragic story at the heart of it that gets me going like little else here. That said, I’ll admit that while predictable, Zod Jr. popping up on Thrombus, the safe planet with a red sun, to spoil our heroes’ rescue attempt makes for a cool and frightening moment. M’comm blasting poor Danny is shocking and sad, as is Conner making it back to the real world but suffering the injuries that didn’t affect him in the Phantom Zone. As overpowered as they seem at times, Zod Jr.’s crew play like real threats capable of getting the upper hand on the good guys, so seeing their surreptitious plan in action has juice. Overall, this isn’t the climactic, riveting final act of the show I’ve been hoping for, but hopefully we’re through most of the throat-clearing and can get to the good stuff now that all the pieces are in place.