The Flash: Ranking the Musical Numbers in ‘Duet’

Spoilers for ‘Duet‘, the Flash/Supergirl musical crossover, below!

While some were apprehensive about ‘Duet’, the musical crossover between Supergirl and The Flash, the episode has since been embraced by many fans. Not only was the episode ambitious and lavishly staged, but it featured plenty of new and old songs that are sure to get stuck in your head after watching the episode.

So just for fun, we thought we’d determine how we think the songs in ‘Duet’ stack up against each other.

Are you happy with where your favorite tune ended up on the list? Let us know in the comments.

DARREN CRISS (“GLEE”) GUEST STARS AS THE MUSIC MEISTER IN THE FLASH AND SUPERGIRL MUSICAL CROSSOVER – Barry (Grant Gustin) and team are surprised when Mon-El (guest star Chris Wood) and Hank Henshaw (guest star David Harewood) arrive on their Earth carrying a comatose Supergirl (guest star Melissa Benoist) who was whammied by the Music Meister (guest star Darren Criss). Unable to wake her up, they turn to Team Flash to save her.

However, the Music Meister surprises The Flash and puts him in a similar coma, one that Team Flash can’t cure. Kara and Barry wake up without their powers in an alternate reality where life is like a musical and the only way to escape is by following the script, complete with singing and dancing, to the end.

Dermott Downs directed the episode with story by Greg Berlanti & Andrew Kreisberg and teleplay by Aaron Helbing & Todd Helbing.

MORE: The Flash, Supergirl Musical Crossover Details Reveal Characters’ New Roles / The Flash, Supergirl Stars Gush Over Glee Reunion / Iris West Will Have Key Role In Musical Crossover

Based on the characters from DC, The Flash is from by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Greg Berlanti (Arrow, Supergirl), Andrew Kreisberg (Arrow, The Flash), Sarah Schechter (Arrow, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow) and Aaron and Todd Helbing.

“Duet” episode of The Flash will air Tuesday, March 21 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

#5 – More I Cannot Wish You

One of three cover songs featured in tonight’s episode, ‘More I Cannot Wish You’ fits in perfectly with the old-Hollywood style of Barry and Kara’s dream world.

The song is originally from the 1950s musical Guys and Dolls, which was later adapted into a movie starring Marlon Brando and Gene Kelly (the later of whom was referenced earlier in the episode).

While Guys and Dolls was cited as one of the biggest inspirations for ‘Duet’, it turned out that the idea to perform that song actually came from one of the episode’s stars. Andrew Kriesberg revealed to Entertainment Weekly that Victor Garber suggested the number, because it was something he had always wished to sing.

It certainly was nice to hear the episode’s three most experienced singing voices – Garber, John Barrowman, and Rent alum Jesse L. Martin – lend their talents to this song. While the performance was heartfelt and definitely worth another listen, it didn’t quite maintain the energy of the episode’s other numbers.

#4 – Moon River

The episode’s very first musical number was another cover, courtesy of Kara Danvers (Melissa Benoist). As one of the three Glee alums to be featured in the episode, it was a no-brainer to have the Girl of Steel perform a solo of her own. 

The result was a beautiful cover of the 1961 song, which won the Oscar for Best Original Song as part of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The song has been covered countless times in the years since, most notably by Frank Sinatra. 

While the number was relatively no-frills, that was with good reason. With the focus being on Benoist’s voice, and on a song that a large part of the show’s audience has heard in one way or another, the number was able to transport even the most wary of viewers into the world of the musical.

#3 – Put A Little Love In Your Heart

This number was certainly one of the most technically ambitious, thanks in part to impressive choreography from Glee‘s Zach Woodlee. Music Meister (Darren Criss) tried to woo Kara and Barry into following his plan – all while foreshadowing how the pair would be able to actually escape the movie musical dream world – with the help of the 1969 earworm.

Along the way, he enlisted the help of some of the musical’s other voices, including Barrowman, Once alum Carlos Valdes, and former Newsies star Jeremy Jordan. This helped create a spectacle of a performance that’s sure to stick with viewers of the episode.

The only reason why this number is in the middle of the list is because there just wasn’t enough of it. Particularly for those who were eagerly anticipating Criss’ performance in the episode, hearing him only lend his voice to most of one song had to be somewhat of a disappointment.

Now that the cast’s singing voices have become an established part of the show’s actual universe – and the Music Meister remains at large – here’s hoping that a second musical crossover could happen, and that viewers will get to see even more of Valdes, Jordan, and Criss perform.

#2 – Super Friends

Yes, the number contained a handful of narrative plotholes (How exactly does Barry know Superman?), but the first of the episode’s two original songs was certainly ambitiously fun.

The number, penned by fellow The CW star Rachel Bloom (seriously, please check out Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), followed Barry and Kara as they figured out exactly how to get out of the movie musical world.

The tap dancing duet felt right out of the Old Hollywood musicals that Barry and Kara love, while injecting some humor into the gangster-filled musical subplot. Even if you weren’t on board for this number, you have to appreciate the meta line about Barry not being allowed to run back in time and fix the past anymore.

#1 – Running Home to You

The episode’s final number earns the top spot on our list. After Barry and Kara were rescued from the movie musical, Barry approached his challenges in the real world with a whole new light – and with a song in his heart.

While alone with Iris (Candice Patton), Barry decided to apply the Music Meister’s lesson to his personal life, singing ‘Running Home to You’ before proposing to Iris a second time.

Some fans should’ve seen this coming, as Candice Patton recently hinted that a second proposal from Barry would have to be under more genuine circumstances. It seems like performing a heartfelt song to her might’ve just done the trick.

The song, penned by La La Land writing duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, helped bring the heart of the dream world back into the (albeit still extravagant) reality of The Flash. Given Pasek and Paul’s recent Oscar win, don’t be surprised if this song becomes a serious contender for the Outstanding Music and Lyrics during next year’s Emmy season.