20 Best Superman TV Episodes Of All Time

Though it wasn't intended to be, "Legacy" ended up being the series finale of Superman: The Animated Series. This two-part finale sees Superman brainwashed by Darkseid, then send him on a mission to enslave Earth, only to break these bonds and engage in one final battle against his cosmic rival.

Which is rather unsettling when you think of it, that a character like Superman would see his series end on such a bleak note. But even so, "Legacy" is a fantastic send-off to one of the nineties' most incredible cartoons.

Within the structure of "Legacy", there are a few minor payoffs and a lot of big payoffs. The Hardcastle story continues, seeing him team up with Lex to shoot Superman with a Kryptonite missile. Kara finally comes into her own, using the lessons taught to her by Superman to stand alone against the invading forces from Apokolips.

It all comes to a head in the final act, after which Superman has broken free of Darkseid's control and turns the table on them by invading Apokolips by himself. An army of one, Superman tears through all of Darkseid's minions before finally confronting the despotic ruler one-on-one.

Their fight is small and personal. It's not a crash-bang, building-destroying brawl. It's just two men who hate each other. But it's really after Superman defeats Darkseid where the episode's most powerful moment resides.

Despite freeing the people of Apokolips, he finds that nothing has changed. The downtrodden population still loves him. It's a stark lesson for Superman and one that he carries throughout the rest of his DCAU appearances.