One of the things I really enjoyed about the Arrowverse was the way they built a shared world (ironically, something DC Comics movies seem to really struggle with). The characters from different shows had relationships, and even little things like Big Belly Burger being on all the shows was a nice bit of world building. In this episode, we see a sort of mini-crossover and have a special guest star, and which one is easy enough to guess from the title “Wildest Dreams.”

The episode opens with, you guessed it, Dreamer from Supergirl, making her first appearance on another show. True to form, she has some really odd dreams, and gets a hint about who she needs to go talk to. Waking up in the National City CC Jitters, Nia heads out for Central City. At the mysteriously growing media syndicate that Iris runs, she engages in some phone banter with Barry about an article she’s working on, and then gets a shock. Allegra comes in to get a mock up of an article approved, and it’s something very familiar to people who have been watching the show for a while. This leads to the two of them talking about destiny and some of the weirdness of trying to live a normal life while knowing at least some of what the future holds.

Back at STAR Labs, Mark is having a dream that tells us a lot about what he wishes was going on. Waking up, he is flustered and embarrassed. This turns into a discussion about training with Chester and Khione, which turns into a field trip because it’s such a nice day. It seems like there’s only ever bad weather in Central City when it’s a plot point. Iris gets a visitor at work as Nia drops by to discuss their mutual field of work and then starts telling Iris some of what’s going on. Iris is a bit surprised but, being who she is, agrees to try and help Nia with her odd dreams and powers not progressing. Nia has another odd attack of her powers spinning out of control and then things take a turn.

Nia and Iris end up in a weird world that actually echoes some of Iris’ life over on Earth 2. As Iris tries to figure out what all this means, Dreamer points out some bigger issues they need to figure out. We get a brief visit by one of the recurring characters on the show, and then Iris and Nia talk about what’s going on a lot more. Nia tries to get them out again, and they end up in another weird reality, this one echoing parts of Iris’ life from season one. Barry, meanwhile, comes home with snacks for his pregnant wife and makes a disturbing discovery.

While people worry, Nia and Iris are brought to STAR Labs, supposedly one of the most advanced places on Earth that, as usual, is about as effective as the Enterprise’s sickbay during a disease outbreak. The gadgets and assorted special powers can’t figure out what’s going on. The team reaches out, but Supergirl, Brainy, and J’Onn are inconveniently off-world. Barry makes a comment about reaching out to the Justice League, which I loved. This world’s Justice League is almost never seen on screen, and more of something referred to in passing, but I love that they have one.

Things are looking worse as Nia and Iris struggle to free themselves, and Nia gets increasingly worried about Iris’ reactions to what’s happening around them. Mark’s big plan for the day is clearly not working and causing a lot of tension. I get what he’s going through, but he really needs to get himself together. He’s not being fair to himself or Khione. Or anyone else on the team, really.

Nia continues to try and dig into whatever is troubling Iris, hoping to find their way out. It really does seem sometimes like some of these episodes are thinly disguised therapy sessions. Not that superheroes and anyone dealing with them doesn’t probably need that a lot more often than they get it. The shared dream gets stranger and more stressful for Iris, while Chester and Allegra fret in the real world. Nia and Iris shift locations again, and things seem to be getting worse for them. Finally figuring out what’s going on, Khione confronts Mark, stands up for herself, and then storms off.

Pushing harder, Nia finally starts getting to the root of what’s been troubling Iris, and it’s a very understandable concern. In the real world, Chester is very concerned about Nia and Iris’ vitals. Does Nia even have normal vitals? Is there a database about people who have alien DNA in their family tree? I guess if there was, STAR would have it. Barry stands by helplessly, all his speed of no use here, and then Cecile suddenly gets a startling impression. It’s some of the first good news they’ve had this episode, even if frustratingly vague, as many psychic hunches tend to be.  

Iris and Nia find themselves in a familiar place, either because Iris’ subconscious is at work or because the show is trying to save money on sets. Nia gets her own insight on her part of what’s going on and has to confront something from her own past. While Barry tries to help guide his wife home, Nia takes more control over what’s happening and figures out something about a mysterious figure that’s been popping up off and on throughout the episode. Finally, the two travelers wake up and all seems to be well.

With the major danger of the week addressed, things start moving towards wrap-up scenes. Barry thanks Nia for helping Iris, and there’s a discussion about how this is going to affect Nia’s powers and her understanding of them moving forward. Sadly, we’ll never see this, since this is Dreamer’s final appearance as we move towards the end of the Arrowverse. Nia heads out, and we cut to the loft. Barry and Iris talk about the events of the day, and Iris comes to a decision about some of the things she’s been worried about.

The final scene is a big brunch at the West home. There’s some chatter about recipes and Khinoe thanks everyone for making her feel more at home. Mark shows up, apologizes for what he was doing earlier, and tells Khione about a decision he’s come to. He offers her some encouragement about her powers, slightly redeeming himself. The show ends with an actual group hug, which seems a bit much, but I guess kind of fits the vibe of a lot of the show.

What I Liked: It was nice seeing Dreamer/Nia again, and I liked what her appearance implied about relationships happening off screen. There’s even a reference to an ongoing brunch that many of the Arrowverse female leads meet up at. I appreciate that they didn’t find some improbable way for Barry’s speed to suddenly become useful. Even if the characters, or actors, weren’t available (or there were time/budget considerations), I liked they at least gave a nod to the people who know Nia best and have the most alien experience.

What I Didn’t: I said I get what Mark’s going through, and I do, but enough already. Granted, they made that a bit better at the end, but really, he needs the therapy I talked about earlier more than anyone else on the show. It would be nice if STAR’s super-science and/or Cecile’s powers could occasionally give some useful, not obscure information.

I’ll give this a 3 out of 5. I did enjoy seeing Nia again, and the hints that the characters are interacting between episodes (the brunch, the Justice League). It wasn’t a really strong episode, especially not for the back half of the final season, but it was decent enough.