Episode 131: Jet Fighter
Takes place 31 December 2012 - 1 January 2013.
Paul helps organise the members of Task Force X, paroled supervillains, who are helping to combat Mannheim's forces, and also helps Lantern Gardner to defeat a powerful Apokoliptian robot that was at the head. He then checks on Euanthe, learning that the Green, source of all plant life and plant magic on Earth, has been attacked and nearly destroyed by the Grey, kingdom of rot, which was deceived by the Anti-Life into thinking it should consume everything. Paul persuades the Grey to return to its home, and arranges for Doctor Mist to partially shield them.
- Alternate Universe: We meet a new version of the SI who ends up in Brimstone. He is briefly mistaken for a soul that's escaped Hell by that series' protagonist before the SI explains that he's something else.
- Arch-Enemy: While making conversation with Task Force X, Paul refers to himself as Sportsmaster's nemesis, the counterpoint to everything Sportsmaster has done. Mr Crock's behaviour has alienated everyone connected to him, while Paul's heroism has resulted in forming friendships with pretty much all of those same people: both of Mr Crock's daughters (including dating one), his ex-wife, ex-mother-in-law, parents, siblings, even nephews.Paul: It's a matter of contrast; by existing I repudiate your entire personal philosophy.
- Benevolent Dictator: With the Earth affected by Anti-Life, pushing everyone toward hopelessness and depression, the Justice League reluctantly decides that the best way to maintain order and keep people fed and moving is to assume authoritarian control. Without a clear and firm source of orders, most of the population will just lay down and wait to die. Acting like tyrants is universally agreed to be a bad plan, but less bad than other options.
- The Gloves Come Off: While Earth is stricken with Anti-Life, the Reach coincidentally choose to launch one of their inner fleets to attack NEMO, ignoring their usual policies about never using those fleets unless their core worlds are threatened. The Orange Lantern Corps has been winning against Scarab Warriors, but Dox estimates that one inner fleet would cause severe casualties, and two would eradicate every world in the coalition except Maltus. Which is why he wants Paul back in the fight immediately.
