Last night, Legends of Tomorrow finally reached an episode that fans of the time-traveling DC series have been dreading – the last appearance for both Brandon Routh and Courtney Ford as regulars. Routh has been on board the Waverider since the show began and Ford has become a firm fan favorite, too, since she joined the cast in season 3. Unfortunately, we learned the news late last year that the real-life couple was being written out of Legends in season 5.
Yesterday’s episode, “Romeo V Juliet: Dawn of Justness,” was the installment in question. Though it was a very sweet, perfect goodbye for the pair – as Ray Palmer and Nora Darhk tied the knot and got themselves a happy ending – fans are mostly just distraught that Mr. and Mrs. Atom are leaving the Arrowverse.
We’re all going to miss them.
https://twitter.com/sharpie8072/status/1240028125594939392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Same!
I don’t want to see Brandon routh leave!! 😢 #legendsoftomorrow
— ᴊᴜʟɪᴀ. (@singinggrande) March 17, 2020
Emotions are running high.
Brandon Routh i love you BUT I AM EMOTIONAL
— melissa 🧸 missing lizzie (@allthepleasure) March 17, 2020
While some folks are saddened by the episode, others are angry. Routh has previously revealed that it was neither his nor Ford’s decision to exit Legends and that they were let go by the production team.
I just found out that Brandon Routh and Courtney Ford didn't want to leave Legends of Tomorrow and now I'm crying in the drive-through at the pharmacy. pic.twitter.com/BszThfTLy1
— Amityville Amber (@ElementalAmber) March 17, 2020
And everyone’s in agreement that they made a big mistake with that.
https://twitter.com/kamalzeee/status/1239843564147953666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Louder for the ones in the back!
Brandon Routh and literally everyone: Ray and Noras exit was forced
Legends Writers: Its Natural https://t.co/qGH1mCrERG
— MV (@MV13650177) March 16, 2020
Routh has spoken about how tough it was for himself and his wife to get the news that they were being booted off the series, describing it as being “not handled well.” And fans think they deserved better treatment.
This is NOT fair to either Brandon Routh or Courtney Ford, @philklemmer @ketomizu @LoTWritersRoom!!!! They deserve so much better than the way you treated them with this. #LegendsOfTomorrow https://t.co/kjQ0cQFsVm
— Alex 🦸🏻♂️ (@Xanderman616) March 16, 2020
But hey, if you don’t watch it, that means it never happened… Right? Right?
I just told my dad to cancel cable so I didn't have to watch the Legends Episode because if I don't watch it then Ray and Nora can't leave me right?? RIGHT
— Mariah (@MariahTheNerd) March 17, 2020
Making the duo’s exit harder is the fact that Legends won’t air any new episodes for the rest of the month. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak halting production on The CW’s series, the network has pulled the next few episodes from the schedules. So, we’ll have to wait even longer for that Arrowverse/Supernatural crossover, which would’ve been a much-needed pick-me-up.
We don’t have an exact date just yet, but Legends of Tomorrow will likely return in April.