While “Crisis on Infinite Earths” kicked off with a bang on Supergirl, the second part on Batwoman was forced to spin its wheels for a bit in the wake of Oliver’s (Stephen Amell) demise. In fact, both episodes focused more on the Emerald Archer than they needed too, considering the heroines who should have been at the center. It’s understandable that Kate (Ruby Rose) wasn’t leading the hour because it’s only her first year, but the fact that only one of her cast members – Camrus Johnson in a hilarious cameo as an evil and shirtless Luke – was granted a spot in the proceedings was overkill.

Erica Durance and Beef Wellington

That being said, there was still a lot to enjoy in the episode, which made full use of the entire DC multiverse it got to play with. Not only did we continue to enjoy the company of Earth-38’s Lois and Clark, they joined Iris (Candice Patton) in a hunt for a Paragon Superman before Lex killed them all. To explain, the Monitor lets the heroes know that there are heroes known as Paragons with the convenient ability to stop the Crisis, and his Book of Destiny pinpoints a few of them before Lex steals it for his own purposes. Thus, a trip through the Earths provides a glimpse at a depowered Smallville Clark living happily with his Lois and their two kids, as well as a much more tragic Superman (played to perfection by Brandon Routh) who lost his wife, child and countless friends in one of the Joker’s malevolent scheme.

With several face-offs against Lex, a battle between the Supermen themselves, and some adorable ace reporter moments for Iris and Lois, this is by far the most satisfying plot thread of “Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part 2.” Kara (Melissa Benoist) and Kate, meanwhile, partake in an interesting excursion to recruit a Bruce Wayne (Kevin Conroy as Batman for the first time in live-action). This version of Bruce has already lost his Kate and sunk into depression, paranoia, and xenophobia. By the time the ladies realize there’s no way he could be their Paragon, they nearly get killed by him – and that’s after Batwoman references its own Batman vs. Superman story. but with no cry of “Martha!” to stop the bloodshed.

Not related, we just love to see it.

The result is that Kate is declared the true Paragon of Courage, which is nice to hear but also seems like something the Monitor could have revealed earlier instead of waiting for Ray’s (Brandon Routh pulling double duty) device to uncover. But at least that plot gave us insight into Kate herself and her relationship with Bruce, even if he didn’t get to meet the one from her Earth. The final wheel-spinning plot was perhaps the most frustrating, as it revolved around Barry (Grant Gustin) and Mia (Katherine McNamara) trying to revive Oliver after his untimely demise.

It makes perfect sense that Mia would want her dad back, and he as stubborn as he is when he wants something. But how can Barry, who has spent the whole season preparing for his own death in service of a great sacrifice, not understand Oliver’s when the time comes? Especially because Oliver’s choice saved a billion lives, and there are still billions more hanging in the balance. Not to mention that both Sara (Caity Lotz) and Constantine (Matt Ryan) are there to warn against the dangers of using a Lazarus Pit. Of course, fans know how important Oliver is to the Arrowverse, but it feels like the characters should be focusing on stopping the incoming Crisis first and resurrecting Oliver second.

In the end, “Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part 2” hints at how the Anti-Monitor will upend everyone’s plans through Harbinger and thus veer closer to the comics than the previous two episodes. This crossover remains ambitious and exciting, but the pacing could have improved by cutting some side quests and folding the first two episodes into one. Nevertheless, it’s a solid entry given that its Batwoman‘s first time stepping up to… bat.

Batwoman airs Sundays at 8/7c on The CW. “Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part 3” will air tomorrow during The Flash.