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DC Animated Universe
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{{Episode
  
{{Episode
 
| series = jlu
  
| series = jlu
−
| image = Amazo and Lex Luthor.jpg
 +
| image = Amazo and Lex Luthor.png
 
| episode = The Return
  
| episode = The Return
 
| airdate = September 18th, 2004
  
| airdate = September 18th, 2004
Line 10: Line 10:
 
| teleplay = [[J.M. DeMatteis]]
  
| teleplay = [[J.M. DeMatteis]]
 
| director = [[Joaquim Dos Santos]]
  
| director = [[Joaquim Dos Santos]]
  ⚫
| prevprod = "[[This Little Piggy]]"
  ⚫
| nextprod = "[[The Greatest Story Never Told]]"
  ⚫
| prevaired = "[[The Greatest Story Never Told]]"
  ⚫
| nextaired = "[[Ultimatum]]"
 
}}
  
}}
  ⚫
"'''The Return'''" is the eighth episode of the first season of {{jlu}}, and the eighth of the overall series. It originally aired on September 18, 2004. It depicts the return of [[A.M.A.Z.O.|Amazo]]. After the power-absorbing android "destroys" the home planet of the [[Guardians of the Universe]], the League must intercept him before he reaches Earth and achieves his goal: revenge on the recently reformed [[Lex Luthor]].
−  
⚫
"'''The Return'''" is the eighth episode of {{jlu}}. It originally aired on September 18, 2004. It depicts the return of [[Amazo]]. After the power-absorbing android "destroys" the home planet of the [[Guardians of the Universe]], the League must intercept him before he reaches Earth and achieves his goal: murdering the recently reformed [[Lex Luthor]].
  
   
 
== Plot ==
  
== Plot ==
−
[[John Stewart]] is in communication with the [[Guardians of the Universe]] on [[Oa]], who inform him that his recent request for a transfer away from Earth has been denied. Then the planetary defense system alerts them that something is approaching Oa at an incredible speed. [[Kyle Rayner]] and the other resident Green Lanterns fly into space to establish a shield, but the object breaks through it instantly, revealing itself to be [[Amazo]]. Before the Guardians can react, the android hurtles into the planet, there is a sudden flash of light, and just like that, Oa is gone.
 +
[[John Stewart]] is in communication with the [[Guardians of the Universe]] on [[Oa]], who inform him that his recent request for a transfer away from Earth has been denied. Then the planetary defense system alerts them that something is approaching Oa at an incredible speed. [[Kyle Rayner]] and the other resident Green Lanterns fly into space to establish a shield, but the object breaks through it instantly, revealing itself to be the super-android [[A.M.A.Z.O.|Amazo]]. Before the Guardians can react, the android hurtles into the planet, there is a sudden flash of light, and Oa is gone.
   
−
Amazo's trajectory shows that he is heading for Earth. The League mobilizes its full strength, determined to stop the android from reaching the planet's surface. In short order, they realize what Amazo is coming back for: revenge on [[Lex Luthor]].
 +
Amazo's trajectory shows that he is heading for Earth. The League mobilizes its full strength, determined to stop the android from reaching the planet's surface. In short order, they realize what Amazo is coming back for: revenge on [[Lex Luthor]].
  +
[[File:Supergirl, Steel and Luthor.png|thumb|left|200px|[[Supergirl]] and [[Steel]] fly [[Lex Luthor]] to safety.]]
  +
On his estate, Luthor is giving a television interview explaining his reformation since he was diagnosed with [[Kryptonite poisoning]]. He has just finished expressing his hope that he and the Justice League can be friends when [[Supergirl]] and [[Steel]] suddenly appear and fly him away. As soon as he is told Amazo is coming, Luthor insists on going to a safe house of his own design — located in a barber shop. He soon gives the two heroes the slip and escapes down an underground tube which includes a number of defenses, including [[Kryptonite]]-lined walls. This proves too much for Supergirl and she and Steel return to counter the android.
   
−
On his estate, Luthor is giving a television interview explaining his reformation since he was diagnosed with [[Kryptonite poisoning]]. He has just finished expressing his hope that he and the Justice League can be friends, when [[Supergirl]] and [[Steel]] fly down and kidnap him. As soon as he is told Amazo is coming, he rejects their ideas for protection and insists on going to a safe house of his own design — located in a barber shop. In short order he gives them the slip, riding an underground tube (with [[Kryptonite]]-lined walls) down into a laboratory, where a huge cannon sits waiting. However, the League is one step ahead of him — the [[Atom]] is riding on his clothing, having slipped on earlier. Since Atom is an expert in nanotechnology, and has [[Professor Ivo]]'s original blueprints for the android, he and Luthor agree to modify the cannon specifically to destroy the android.
 +
Luthor ends up in a laboratory where he arms a powerful cannon which is based there. However, the League is one step ahead of him — the [[Atom]] is riding on his clothing, having slipped on earlier. Since Atom is an expert in nanotechnology, and has [[Professor Ivo]]'s original blueprints for the android, he and Luthor agree to modify the cannon specifically to destroy the android.
  +
[[File:Amazo returns.png|thumb|200px|[[Amazo]] is back.]]
  ⚫
The League has set up three defensive lines to halt the android: the first, in orbit, consists of [[Superman]], Green Lantern, [[Captain Atom]], [[Orion]], [[Dr. Light]], [[S.T.R.I.P.E.]], [[Starman]], and the League's entire fleet of [[Javelin]]s. As the android approaches, he communicates with them telepathically, confirming that he has returned seeking for Luthor and warning them not to get in his way. When he refuses to turn back, the assembly unleashes a massive energy barrage, but Amazo shrugs it off, smashes through the entire line in moments and continues towards Earth.
   
  +
In the laboratory, Luthor and Atom are working flat out to complete the cannon before Amazo arrives. Flying above [[Metropolis]], Amazo listens simultaneously to millions of conversations before pinpointing Luthor's and making his way to his location. He is challenged by the second defensive line — Supergirl, [[Fire]], [[Red Tornado]], and [[Rocket Red]] — but again beats them all. He then touches down outside the barber shop and, just as easily, disables the third and last defensive line — [[Wonder Woman]], [[Flash]], Steel, and [[Ice]].
⚫
The League has set up three defensive lines to halt the android: the first, in space, consists of [[Superman]], Green Lantern, [[Captain Atom]], [[Orion]], [[Dr. Light]], [[S.T.R.I.P.E.]], [[Starman]], and the League's entire fleet of [[Javelin]]s. As the android approaches, he communicates with them telepathically, warning them not to stand in his way. When he refuses to turn back, the assembly unleashes a massive energy barrage. But Amazo shrugs it off, smashes through the entire line in moments, and continues toward Earth.
  
   
  +
Luthor and Atom complete the cannon just before Amazo enters the laboratory and blast him with it. It was supposed to alter his nanotech program, but has no effect whatsoever. Mildly impressed, the Android tells the two men that he has in fact evolved beyond nanotechnology.
−
In the laboratory, Luthor and Atom are working flat out to complete the cannon before Amazo arrives. In the upper atmosphere, Amazo locates Luthor with his telepathy and then smashes through the second defensive line — Supergirl, [[Fire]], [[Red Tornado]], and [[Rocket Red]].
  
   
  +
In Earth's orbit, Kyle Rayner and other surviving Green Lanterns suddenly appear to assist the Leaguers defeated by Amazo. Rayner tells Stewart that Oa is no more and that their only option is to hit Amazo with a concentrated blast from all of their rings at once. Such an act could result in destroying half of Earth.
−
Seeing the second line collapse, J'onn turns to a visitor to the bridge: [[Dr. Fate]], who says he has an alternative proposal.
  
   
  +
On the bridge of the [[Watchtower II|Watchtower]], [[J'onn J'onzz]] reluctantly concedes that there is no other way to stop Amazo from destroying other worlds, but [[Doctor Fate]] is convinced that there is.
−
Amazo touches down outside the barber shop and, just as easily, disables the third and last defensive line — [[Wonder Woman]], [[Flash]], Steel, and [[Ice]].
  
   
  ⚫
In the laboratory, Amazo manhandles Luthor over the way he manipulated him during their original encounter. To get away from him, Atom shrinks both himself and Luthor down to subatomic size. Again, this proves futile: Amazo shrinks himself down as well, though he appears as a giant holding the two men in the palm of his hand.
−
The cannon is completed just before Amazo enters the laboratory, which he does just in time to receive a blast from it. Mildly impressed, the Android indicates the cannon might have worked — a month earlier when he was still nanotech.
  
   
  +
With Luthor at his mercy, Amazo then reveals that he has returned not so much for revenge as for guidance. Luthor is a man who has been blessed with wealth and power but this never appears to be enough and Amazo wants to know what drives him. In fact, the android wants to know what is his own purpose in life — what is he for and what is his ultimate goal?
−
In space, Green Lantern revives to see Kyle and the other surviving Lanterns approaching. Kyle says their only option is to hit Amazo with a concentrated blast from all of their rings at once — enough energy to destroy half the planet along with the android.
  
   
  ⚫
Luthor describes how, for all his accomplishments, he is still mortal and everything he's done will be gone and forgotten after a few generations. Amazo, on the other hand, is immortal and nearly all-powerful: he will be able to see time through until its very end. Amazo is not satisfied with merely being a witness to events, to which Luthor says that every being must seek and create its own purpose in life. It is not something another person can just assign to them.
⚫
In the laboratory, as a last resort Atom shrinks both himself and Luthor down to subatomic size, to hide from Amazo. Again, this proves futile: Amazo shrinks himself down as well, enough to grasp them in the palm of his hand.
  
   
  +
Luthor then mocks the android as a powerful being who can destroy planets but is consumed by self-pity and lack of direction. Amazo appears to act angrily to this but instead restores himself, Luthor and Atom to their normal sizes. Back in Luthor's laboratory they are suddenly surrounded by the Green Lanterns led by Stewart.
−
Luthor is prepared to meet his fate, but Amazo hesitates. What he has come back for is not so much revenge as to satisfy his curiosity. Amazo has read his mind, and can't understand it: for all his wealth and power, Luthor is still consumed with ambition to be and have more. Amazo, likewise, was made to evolve and absorb knowledge, but for all that he has learned, he still feels empty, with no idea of what his purpose in life is.
 
  +
[[File:Green Lanterns Corps and Amazo.jpg|left|thumb|200px|The Green Lanterns Corps prepares to destroy Amazo — and half of Earth.]]
  ⚫
The Lanterns are about to blast Amazo — and half of Earth — when Fate teleports beside Amazo, telling them the threat is over. John is not moved by this, stating Amazo's destruction of Oa and its people were too severe. Amazo then reveals that Oa was not destroyed: he simply moved it to another dimension as it was in his way. The shocked lanterns then request for him to move it back. In the blink of an eye, he moves it back.
   
  +
Fate then offers to help Amazo find a goal in life, describing it as his "purpose". Amazo accepts and Fate teleports them to [[Tower of Fate|his tower]]. There they meet Fate's wife [[Inza]] and another guest, the exiled [[Hawkgirl|Shayera Hol]].
−
As John and the other Lanterns fly into the laboratory, Fate appears and asks them to hold off. John orders him out of the way, and after a moment, Fate complies.
  
  +
{{-}}
−  
⚫
Luthor says that in a way he is empty of purpose: for all his accomplishments, he is still mortal, and everything he's done will be gone and forgotten after a few generations. Amazo, on the other hand, is immortal and nearly all-powerful: he will be able to see time through until its very end. Amazo is not satisfied with merely being a witness to events. Ultimately, Luthor says, he cannot solve the mystery for Amazo: every being creates its own purpose in life. Amazo then relents and brings both of them to full size.
  
−  
⚫
Just then, the Lanterns arrive and aim their rings. Fate teleports beside Amazo, telling them the threat is over. The Lanterns refuse to accept this, until Amazo surprises them by telling them that Oa was not destroyed, he simply moved it to another dimension. "It was in my way". Without leaving the laboratory, he moves it back.
  
−  
−
Fate offers Amazo sanctuary in his tower, to help him in his search for meaning as that is his purpose. Amazo accepts. When they arrive back, it is revealed that someone else has taken sanctuary at Fate's home — [[Hawkgirl|Shayera Hol]].
  
   
 
== Continuity ==
  
== Continuity ==
−
* John has requested a transfer away from Earth because of "personal problems" — presumably a reference to his heartbreak over Shayera in {{jl}}, "[[Starcrossed|Starcrossed, Part III]]".
 +
* John Stewart has requested a transfer away from Earth because of "personal problems" — presumably a reference to his heartbreak over Shayera in {{jl}}, "[[Starcrossed|Starcrossed, Part III]]".
 
* [[Katma Tui]] and [[Kilowog]] are wearing new uniforms from those seen in "[[Hearts and Minds]]".
  
* [[Katma Tui]] and [[Kilowog]] are wearing new uniforms from those seen in "[[Hearts and Minds]]".
 
* Amazo's last appearance was in {{jl}}, "[[Tabula Rasa]]", which both introduced the character and gave the reason for his vendetta against Luthor.
  
* Amazo's last appearance was in {{jl}}, "[[Tabula Rasa]]", which both introduced the character and gave the reason for his vendetta against Luthor.
Line 59: Line 63:
 
* [[Justice League - The Complete Series (DVD)]]
  
* [[Justice League - The Complete Series (DVD)]]
 
* [[Justice League Unlimited - Joining Forces (DVD)]]
  
* [[Justice League Unlimited - Joining Forces (DVD)]]
−
* [[Green Lantern: First Flight]] (Blu-ray only)
 +
* [[Justice League Unlimited - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)]]
  +
* Green Lantern: First Flight (Blu-ray only)
 
* [[Justice League: 3-Pack Fun (DVD)]]
  
* [[Justice League: 3-Pack Fun (DVD)]]
  +
* [[DC Comics Super-Villains: Justice League Masterminds of Crime (DVD)]]
   
 
=== Production inconsistencies ===
  
=== Production inconsistencies ===
Line 67: Line 73:
 
=== Trivia ===
  
=== Trivia ===
 
* This is the first episode of {{jlu}} where the end credits have clips.
  
* This is the first episode of {{jlu}} where the end credits have clips.
−
* This was the final appearance of the [[Green Lantern Corps]], including [[Kyle Rayner]], [[Katma Tui]], and [[Kilowog]].
 +
* This was the final appearance of the [[Green Lantern Corps]], including [[Kyle Rayner]], [[Katma Tui]], and [[Kilowog]], in the DCAU.
  +
* Most of the Green Lanterns in the episode appeared as holograms in the {{stas}} episode: "[[In Brightest Day...]]".
 
* [[Will Friedle]], the voice of [[Batman (Terry McGinnis)|Terry McGinnis]] in {{bb}}, replaces [[Michael P. Greco]] as the voice of Kyle Rayner.
  
* [[Will Friedle]], the voice of [[Batman (Terry McGinnis)|Terry McGinnis]] in {{bb}}, replaces [[Michael P. Greco]] as the voice of Kyle Rayner.
−
* This is [[Steel]]'s first speaking appearance in {{jlu}}. [[Phil LaMarr]] replaces [[Michael Dorn]].
 +
* This is [[Steel]]'s first speaking appearance in {{jlu}}. [[Phil LaMarr]] replaces [[Michael Dorn]].
 
* The voice actress for news reporter [[Sroya Bashir]] is likely an uncredited [[Jennifer Hale]].
  
* The voice actress for news reporter [[Sroya Bashir]] is likely an uncredited [[Jennifer Hale]].
−
* On the DVD audio commentary for this episode, series creators comment that the battle between A.M.A.Z.O. and the entire membership of the Justice League was designed to illustrate just how powerful the android was, and the threat he posed to the entire planet, and the universe at large. The same technique was used during the first season of {{jl}}, when episodes would often feature the temporary defeat or incapacitation of [[Superman]] to reveal the true level of danger facing the League. Commentary on other episodes reveals that fan reaction to the frequent defeat of Superman was highly negative, and a different approach was adopted for later seasons.
 +
* On the DVD audio commentary for this episode, series creators comment that the battle between Amazo and the entire membership of the Justice League was designed to illustrate just how powerful the android was, and the threat he posed to the entire planet, and the universe at large. The same technique was used during the first season of {{jl}}, when episodes would often feature the temporary defeat or incapacitation of [[Superman]] to reveal the true level of danger facing the League. Commentary on other episodes reveals that fan reaction to the frequent defeat of Superman was highly negative, and a different approach was adopted for later seasons.
   
 
== References ==
  
== References ==
Line 82: Line 89:
 
|-
  
|-
 
|[[Phil LaMarr]] || [[John Stewart|Green Lantern]]<br />[[Steel]] ''(uncredited)''
  
|[[Phil LaMarr]] || [[John Stewart|Green Lantern]]<br />[[Steel]] ''(uncredited)''
−
|-
+
|-
 
|[[Carl Lumbly]] || [[J'onn J'onzz]]
  
|[[Carl Lumbly]] || [[J'onn J'onzz]]
−
|-
+
|-
 
|[[George Newbern]] || [[Superman]]
  
|[[George Newbern]] || [[Superman]]
−
|-
+
|-
 
|[[Clancy Brown]] || [[Lex Luthor]]<br />[[Guardians of the Universe|Guardian]] ''(uncredited)''
 
|[[Clancy Brown]] || [[Lex Luthor]]<br />[[Guardians of the Universe|Guardian]] ''(uncredited)''
−
|-
+
|-
 
|[[Maria Canals]] || [[Shayera Hol]]
  
|[[Maria Canals]] || [[Shayera Hol]]
−
|-
+
|-
 
|[[Oded Fehr]] || [[Dr. Fate]]
  
|[[Oded Fehr]] || [[Dr. Fate]]
−
|-
+
|-
 
|[[Will Friedle]] || [[Kyle Rayner]]
  
|[[Will Friedle]] || [[Kyle Rayner]]
−
|-
+
|-
 
|[[Jennifer Hale]] || [[Inza]]<br />[[Sroya Bashir]] ''(uncredited)''
  
|[[Jennifer Hale]] || [[Inza]]<br />[[Sroya Bashir]] ''(uncredited)''
−
|-
+
|-
 
|[[John C. McGinley]] || [[The Atom]]
  
|[[John C. McGinley]] || [[The Atom]]
−
|-
+
|-
−
|[[Robert Picardo]] || [[Amazo]]
 +
|[[Robert Picardo]] || [[A.M.A.Z.O.|Amazo]]
−
|-
+
|-
−
|[[Nicholle Tom]] || [[Supergirl]]<br />[[Fire]] ''(uncredited)''
 +
|[[Nicholle Tom]] || [[Supergirl]]
 
|}
  
|}
   
Line 133: Line 140:
 
== Quotes ==
  
== Quotes ==
 
{{Quotes
  
{{Quotes
  ⚫
|'''[[Guardians of the Universe|Guardian]]:''' There's an [[Amazo|unidentified object]] approaching [[Oa]] at a somewhat ''astonishing'' speed...
−
|
  
  ⚫
|'''Guardian:''' Magnify image.<br />
⚫
'''[[Guardians of the Universe|Guardian]]''': There's an [[AMAZO|unidentified object]] approaching [[Oa]] at a somewhat ''astonishing'' speed...
  
  ⚫
'''[[J'onn J'onzz]]:''' [[Professor Ivo]]'s android!<br />
−
|
  
  ⚫
'''[[John Stewart|Green Lantern]]:''' Holy Mother of-!
⚫
'''Guardian''': Magnify image.<br />
  
  ⚫
|'''[[Lex Luthor|Luthor]]:''' Wherever you're taking me won't be safe enough, but I have just the place.<br />
⚫
'''[[J'onn J'onzz]]''': [[Professor Ivo]]'s android!<br />
  
  ⚫
''(Steel and Supergirl fly him to an ordinary-looking shop in a city main street)''<br />
⚫
'''[[John Stewart|Green Lantern]]''': Holy Mother of-!
  
−
|
  
⚫
'''[[Lex Luthor]]''': Wherever you're taking me won't be safe enough, but I have just the place.<br />
  
⚫
''[Steel and Supergirl fly him to an ordinary-looking shop in a city main street]''<br />
  
 
'''[[Supergirl]]:''' A barber's shop?<br />
  
'''[[Supergirl]]:''' A barber's shop?<br />
−
'''[[Steel]]:''' Got to hand it to you, Luthor. Nobody would think to look for you here. ''[A reference to Luthor's bald head]''
 +
'''[[Steel]]:''' Got to hand it to you, Luthor. Nobody would think to look for you here.
  ⚫
|'''[[The Atom]]:''' The android, why does he hate you so much?<br />
−
|
  
  ⚫
'''Luthor:''' I once took advantage of his naïveté. He's not naïve anymore, and I've stopped taking advantage of the innocent.<br />
−
'''Lex Luthor:''' [[Amazo|The most powerful creature in the universe]] wants my head, and the League sends [[Atom|its least powerful member]] to protect me.
 
  ⚫
'''The Atom:''' Let's hope you'll be more convincing if you have to tell ''him'' that.
−
|
  
  ⚫
|'''Amazo:''' Your bravery is admirable, but annoying.
−
'''[[Superman]]''': Why have you come back? What do you want?<br />
  
  ⚫
|'''J'onn J'onzz:''' [[Atom|You]]'ll need that cannon very soon.<br />
−
'''[[Amazo]]''': Why do you ask questions which you already know the answer to?<br />
  
  ⚫
'''Luthor:''' Then stop interrupting us!
−
'''Superman''': Luthor.<br />
  
−
'''Amazo''': Of course.<br />
 +
|'''J'onn J'onzz:''' You've come to offer help?<br />
−
'''Superman''': We're not going to give him up.<br />
  
−
'''Amazo''': He's your enemy. You owe him nothing.<br />
  
−
'''Superman''': Turn back ''now''.<br />
  
−
'''Amazo''': I have evolved far beyond what I was when we last met. You do ''not'' want to challenge me.<br />
  
−
'''Green Lantern''': LIGHT HIM UP!<br />
  
−
''(The First Line attacks)''
  
−
|
  
⚫
'''[[The Atom]]''': The android, why does he hate you so much?<br />
  
⚫
'''Lex Luthor:''' I once took advantage of his naïveté. He's not naïve anymore, and I've stopped taking advantage of the innocent.<br />
  
⚫
'''The Atom''': Let's hope you'll be more convincing if you have to tell ''him'' that.
  
−
|
  
⚫
'''Amazo:''' Your bravery is admirable, but annoying.
  
−
|
  
⚫
'''J'onn J'onzz''': [[Atom|You]]'ll need that cannon very soon.<br />
  
⚫
'''Lex Luthor''': Then stop interrupting us!
  
−
|
  
−
'''J'onn J'onzz''': You've come to offer help?<br />
  
 
'''[[Dr. Fate]]:''' Not help. Hope.
  
'''[[Dr. Fate]]:''' Not help. Hope.
  ⚫
|'''Amazo:''' An intriguing idea, modifying the cannon so that it could alter my programming, and it might've worked... a month ago, when I was still nanotech. But I have transcended that limitation.
−
|
  
  ⚫
|'''Luthor:''' What do you want from me?<br />
⚫
'''Amazo:''' An intriguing idea, modifying the cannon so that it could alter my programming, and it might've worked... a month ago, when I was still nanotech. But I have transcended that limitation.
  
−
|
  
−
'''[[Kyle Rayner]]:''' We're gonna use every bit of power left in our rings and take one last shot at [[Amazo|the android]].<br />
  
−
'''John Stewart:''' A blast like that could destroy half the planet.<br />
  
−
'''Kyle Rayner:''' Half a planet's better than none.<br />
 
−
(''in the Watchtower'')<br />
  
−
'''J'onn J'onzz:''' It's... the only way.<br />
  
−
'''Dr. Fate:''' Hm. Those words are always used to justify destruction.<br />
  
−
'''J'onn J'onzz:''' We can only guess how much power the android has amassed as it has worked it's way across the galaxy. It has to be stopped, Fate. Here and now. Not just for the sake of this world, but for all worlds.<br />
  
−
'''Dr. Fate:''' Then for the sake of all worlds, I will continue to seek a better way.
 
−
|
  
⚫
'''[[Lex Luthor]]:''' What do you want from me?<br />
  
 
'''Amazo:''' You have everything humans desire. Wealth. Power. Yet you crave more. And you'll do anything to get it. Why? What is your ultimate purpose?<br />
  
'''Amazo:''' You have everything humans desire. Wealth. Power. Yet you crave more. And you'll do anything to get it. Why? What is your ultimate purpose?<br />
−
'''Lex Luthor:''' What you're really asking is... what is yours?
 +
'''Luthor:''' What you're really asking is... what is yours?
  ⚫
|'''John Stewart:''' Not even [[Dr. Fate|you]] can stand against the [[Green Lantern Corps]].<br />
−
|
  
  ⚫
|'''Luthor:''' The truth is, for all my struggles to make my mark in life, for all I've accomplished, in just a few short generations my name will be forgotten. Even the greatest of us can't compete with time... and death.<br />
−
'''Dr. Fate:''' Wait. Please. The android's nature has proved benign before. I believe it will again.<br />
  
  ⚫
|'''Luthor:''' We create our own purpose in life. Now go create yours.
⚫
'''John Stewart:''' Benign?! You call destroying Oa benign?! ''(all assembled Green Lanterns aim their rings at Dr. Fate)'' Not even you can stand against the Green Lantern Corps.<br />
  
  ⚫
|'''Luthor:''' You know, when I heard you were coming I was actually afraid of you. Petrified. But now, when I see your fear, your uncertainty, I just pity you.<br />
−
''(Dr. Fate steps aside, and the Lanterns find the room empty)''<br />
 
−
'''John Stewart:''' What the devil's going on?<br />
  
−
'''Dr. Fate:''' Lex Luthor is saving the world.
  
−
|
  
⚫
'''Lex Luthor:''' The truth is, for all my struggles to make my mark in life, for all I've accomplished, in just a few short generations my name will be forgotten. Even the greatest of us can't compete with time... and death.<br />
  
−
'''Amazo:''' Then why do you go on? Why does anyone? Why don't I just destroy you and everything else right now? All it would take is a single thought and...<br />
  
−
'''Lex Luthor:''' No! If you do that you won't see the end of it!<br />
  
⚫
'''Amazo:''' The end of what?<br />
  
−
'''Lex Luthor:''' The evolutionary process. You of all beings should know something about that.<br />
  
−
'''Amazo:''' Yes. Yes, I'm evolving. That's why Professor Ivo made me. These past months I have amassed so much knowledge, and yet... I remain confused... empty. What am I evolving into? What is my purpose?! I must know! Tell me!<br />
  
−
'''Lex Luthor:''' There's no way to tell. And that's why I stay in the game. My purpose, if you will, is to see where it's all going. And you! You'll live forever. You'll be able to see it all.<br />
  
−
'''Amazo:''' Is that my purpose? Simply to be... a witness?<br />
  
⚫
'''Lex Luthor:''' We create our own purpose in life. Now go create yours. <br />
  
−
|
  
⚫
'''Lex Luthor:''' You know, when I heard you were coming I was actually afraid of you. Petrified. But now, when I see your fear, your uncertainty, I just pity you.<br />
  
 
(''Amazo glares'')<br />
  
(''Amazo glares'')<br />
−
'''The Atom:''' Should have quit while you were ahead.<br />
 +
'''The Atom:''' Should have quit while you were ahead.
  ⚫
|'''Dr. Fate:''' I can help you on your journey. In your search for meaning.<br />
−
|
  
−
'''Dr. Fate:''' It's over. Isn't it?<br />
  
−
'''Amazo:''' Yes.<br />
  
−
'''John Stewart:''' He murders an entire world, and it's ''over''? Just like that? I don't think so!<br />
  
−
'''Amazo:''' I did not destroy Oa. I simply moved it to another dimension.<br />
  
−
''(stunned silence)''<br />
  
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'''Amazo:''' It was in my way.<br />
  
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'''John Stewart:''' Then... could you move it ''back''?<br />
  
−
'''Amazo:''' ''(eyes glow briefly, then)'' Done.
  
−
|
  
⚫
'''Dr. Fate:''' I can help you on your journey. In your search for meaning.<br />
  
 
'''Amazo:''' Help me? Why?<br />
  
'''Amazo:''' Help me? Why?<br />
−
'''Dr. Fate:''' Because that is ''my'' purpose.
 +
'''Dr. Fate:''' Because that... is ''my'' purpose.
  ⚫
|'''[[Inza]]:''' Are you all right?<br />
−
|
  
−
'''[[Inza]]:''' Are you all right?<br />
  
 
'''Dr. Fate:''' Fine, although there was a moment when I actually thought John Stewart was going to attack me.<br />
  
'''Dr. Fate:''' Fine, although there was a moment when I actually thought John Stewart was going to attack me.<br />
 
'''[[Shayera Hol]]:''' Oh, I don't know about that. His bark's a lot worse than his bite.
  
'''[[Shayera Hol]]:''' Oh, I don't know about that. His bark's a lot worse than his bite.
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|
  
 
}}
  
}}
   
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Return, The}}
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{{Epbrowser
  
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| series = jlu
  
⚫
| prevprod = [[This Little Piggy]]
  
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| nextprod = [[The Greatest Story Never Told]]
  
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| prevaired = [[The Greatest Story Never Told]]
  
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| nextaired = [[Ultimatum]]
  
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}}
  
 
[[Category:A to Z]]
  
[[Category:A to Z]]
 
[[Category:Justice League Unlimited episodes|Return, The]]
  
[[Category:Justice League Unlimited episodes|Return, The]]
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[[Category:Episodes written by Stan Berkowitz]]
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[[Category:Episodes written by J.M. DeMatteis]]

Revision as of 23:17, 15 December 2019

"The Return" is the eighth episode of the first season of Justice League Unlimited, and the eighth of the overall series. It originally aired on September 18, 2004. It depicts the return of Amazo. After the power-absorbing android "destroys" the home planet of the Guardians of the Universe, the League must intercept him before he reaches Earth and achieves his goal: revenge on the recently reformed Lex Luthor.

Plot

John Stewart is in communication with the Guardians of the Universe on Oa, who inform him that his recent request for a transfer away from Earth has been denied. Then the planetary defense system alerts them that something is approaching Oa at an incredible speed. Kyle Rayner and the other resident Green Lanterns fly into space to establish a shield, but the object breaks through it instantly, revealing itself to be the super-android Amazo. Before the Guardians can react, the android hurtles into the planet, there is a sudden flash of light, and Oa is gone.

Amazo's trajectory shows that he is heading for Earth. The League mobilizes its full strength, determined to stop the android from reaching the planet's surface. In short order, they realize what Amazo is coming back for: revenge on Lex Luthor.

Supergirl, Steel and Luthor

Supergirl and Steel fly Lex Luthor to safety.

On his estate, Luthor is giving a television interview explaining his reformation since he was diagnosed with Kryptonite poisoning. He has just finished expressing his hope that he and the Justice League can be friends when Supergirl and Steel suddenly appear and fly him away. As soon as he is told Amazo is coming, Luthor insists on going to a safe house of his own design — located in a barber shop. He soon gives the two heroes the slip and escapes down an underground tube which includes a number of defenses, including Kryptonite-lined walls. This proves too much for Supergirl and she and Steel return to counter the android.

Luthor ends up in a laboratory where he arms a powerful cannon which is based there. However, the League is one step ahead of him — the Atom is riding on his clothing, having slipped on earlier. Since Atom is an expert in nanotechnology, and has Professor Ivo's original blueprints for the android, he and Luthor agree to modify the cannon specifically to destroy the android.

Amazo returns

Amazo is back.

The League has set up three defensive lines to halt the android: the first, in orbit, consists of Superman, Green Lantern, Captain Atom, Orion, Dr. Light, S.T.R.I.P.E., Starman, and the League's entire fleet of Javelins. As the android approaches, he communicates with them telepathically, confirming that he has returned seeking for Luthor and warning them not to get in his way. When he refuses to turn back, the assembly unleashes a massive energy barrage, but Amazo shrugs it off, smashes through the entire line in moments and continues towards Earth.

In the laboratory, Luthor and Atom are working flat out to complete the cannon before Amazo arrives. Flying above Metropolis, Amazo listens simultaneously to millions of conversations before pinpointing Luthor's and making his way to his location. He is challenged by the second defensive line — Supergirl, Fire, Red Tornado, and Rocket Red — but again beats them all. He then touches down outside the barber shop and, just as easily, disables the third and last defensive line — Wonder Woman, Flash, Steel, and Ice.

Luthor and Atom complete the cannon just before Amazo enters the laboratory and blast him with it. It was supposed to alter his nanotech program, but has no effect whatsoever. Mildly impressed, the Android tells the two men that he has in fact evolved beyond nanotechnology.

In Earth's orbit, Kyle Rayner and other surviving Green Lanterns suddenly appear to assist the Leaguers defeated by Amazo. Rayner tells Stewart that Oa is no more and that their only option is to hit Amazo with a concentrated blast from all of their rings at once. Such an act could result in destroying half of Earth.

On the bridge of the Watchtower, J'onn J'onzz reluctantly concedes that there is no other way to stop Amazo from destroying other worlds, but Doctor Fate is convinced that there is.

In the laboratory, Amazo manhandles Luthor over the way he manipulated him during their original encounter. To get away from him, Atom shrinks both himself and Luthor down to subatomic size. Again, this proves futile: Amazo shrinks himself down as well, though he appears as a giant holding the two men in the palm of his hand.

With Luthor at his mercy, Amazo then reveals that he has returned not so much for revenge as for guidance. Luthor is a man who has been blessed with wealth and power but this never appears to be enough and Amazo wants to know what drives him. In fact, the android wants to know what is his own purpose in life — what is he for and what is his ultimate goal?

Luthor describes how, for all his accomplishments, he is still mortal and everything he's done will be gone and forgotten after a few generations. Amazo, on the other hand, is immortal and nearly all-powerful: he will be able to see time through until its very end. Amazo is not satisfied with merely being a witness to events, to which Luthor says that every being must seek and create its own purpose in life. It is not something another person can just assign to them.

Luthor then mocks the android as a powerful being who can destroy planets but is consumed by self-pity and lack of direction. Amazo appears to act angrily to this but instead restores himself, Luthor and Atom to their normal sizes. Back in Luthor's laboratory they are suddenly surrounded by the Green Lanterns led by Stewart.

File:Green Lanterns Corps and Amazo.jpg

The Green Lanterns Corps prepares to destroy Amazo — and half of Earth.

The Lanterns are about to blast Amazo — and half of Earth — when Fate teleports beside Amazo, telling them the threat is over. John is not moved by this, stating Amazo's destruction of Oa and its people were too severe. Amazo then reveals that Oa was not destroyed: he simply moved it to another dimension as it was in his way. The shocked lanterns then request for him to move it back. In the blink of an eye, he moves it back.

Fate then offers to help Amazo find a goal in life, describing it as his "purpose". Amazo accepts and Fate teleports them to his tower. There they meet Fate's wife Inza and another guest, the exiled Shayera Hol.

Continuity

Background information

Home video releases

Production inconsistencies

  • When Lex is talking to Sroya Bashir, he shows her the harness underneath his shirt. However, when he is working with the Atom, he has his collar unbuttoned, showing an undershirt.

Trivia

References

Cast

Actor Role
Phil LaMarr Green Lantern
Steel (uncredited)
Carl Lumbly J'onn J'onzz
George Newbern Superman
Clancy Brown Lex Luthor
Guardian (uncredited)
Maria Canals Shayera Hol
Oded Fehr Dr. Fate
Will Friedle Kyle Rayner
Jennifer Hale Inza
Sroya Bashir (uncredited)
John C. McGinley The Atom
Robert Picardo Amazo
Nicholle Tom Supergirl

Uncredited appearances

Quotes

Guardian: There's an unidentified object approaching Oa at a somewhat astonishing speed...

Guardian: Magnify image.
J'onn J'onzz: Professor Ivo's android!
Green Lantern: Holy Mother of-!

Luthor: Wherever you're taking me won't be safe enough, but I have just the place.
(Steel and Supergirl fly him to an ordinary-looking shop in a city main street)
Supergirl: A barber's shop?
Steel: Got to hand it to you, Luthor. Nobody would think to look for you here.

The Atom: The android, why does he hate you so much?
Luthor: I once took advantage of his naïveté. He's not naïve anymore, and I've stopped taking advantage of the innocent.
The Atom: Let's hope you'll be more convincing if you have to tell him that.

Amazo: Your bravery is admirable, but annoying.

J'onn J'onzz: You'll need that cannon very soon.
Luthor: Then stop interrupting us!

J'onn J'onzz: You've come to offer help?
Dr. Fate: Not help. Hope.

Amazo: An intriguing idea, modifying the cannon so that it could alter my programming, and it might've worked... a month ago, when I was still nanotech. But I have transcended that limitation.

Luthor: What do you want from me?
Amazo: You have everything humans desire. Wealth. Power. Yet you crave more. And you'll do anything to get it. Why? What is your ultimate purpose?
Luthor: What you're really asking is... what is yours?

John Stewart: Not even you can stand against the Green Lantern Corps.

Luthor: The truth is, for all my struggles to make my mark in life, for all I've accomplished, in just a few short generations my name will be forgotten. Even the greatest of us can't compete with time... and death.

Luthor: We create our own purpose in life. Now go create yours.

Luthor: You know, when I heard you were coming I was actually afraid of you. Petrified. But now, when I see your fear, your uncertainty, I just pity you.
(Amazo glares)
The Atom: Should have quit while you were ahead.

Dr. Fate: I can help you on your journey. In your search for meaning.
Amazo: Help me? Why?
Dr. Fate: Because that... is my purpose.

Inza: Are you all right?
Dr. Fate: Fine, although there was a moment when I actually thought John Stewart was going to attack me.
Shayera Hol: Oh, I don't know about that. His bark's a lot worse than his bite.

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