Jessie Robertson reviews the sixth episode of The Flash season 6…
It’s not often been the case lately where the main storyline was the best written one but tonight, it was. As Barry’s impending demise looms, he’s still getting his house in order. Next up on that agenda: assign who will actually be doing the super-heroing in his absence and for that task, he’s chosen Ralph Dibny. While he and Joe prepare for a public statement to the city, Ralph is still chasing the Sue Dearbon case. I haven’t spoken much about this ongoing story thread in my reviews because honestly….I’m still not sure why she’s missing: I only know the over-arching importance she’ll have to Ralph, if the comics are anything of a tell-tale sign.
Barry tags along with Ralph as they infiltrate a meeting of villains there to bid on a weapon of mass destruction: a satellite in the orbit of space that can blow up any location you type into it’s console. (Later on, Chester makes an Alderaan reference- that’s no accident) As Ralph is in his element, playing a role, investigating around, Barry is in a rush and relies on his super hero alter ego even after Ralph told him those are not needed tonight. It backfires on Barry and he realizes he made the right choice in choosing Ralph as he seems to have a much better grasp on which part of himself is best for each situation. The ending fight scene is an exceptional part of the episode, taking place on a grandiose stage where our bad guy, Meister, who’s selling the weapon, is right out of a 60’s Bond movie, along with his non speaking henchperson. Barry and Ralph fight them as themselves and the scene, with funny dialogue, and great staging, is one of the more memorable of the season. It should be noted, Flash’s own Danielle Panabaker (Caitlin/Frost) directed this episode, so kudos go out to her!
At episode’s end, we’re treated to quite a scene where Ralph (Elongated Man) is not only honored as a great hero for Central City and delivers a heartfelt speech, Barry Allen, the CSI officer is also honored and it’s a great piece in the episode that really shows the two sides of these people and that their deeds aren’t just fodder for a TV show- it’s given weight here.
The only other subplot of note is Nash Wells needing Allegra’s help to decipher what areas of the stone wall Mar Novu is hiding behind are okay for excavating; this character hasn’t been used much but her small story here gets a lot of mileage out of putting forth a concerted effort to not be the person she could be with her powers. There’s even a very strong emotional moment when Wells is leaving Allegra and gives a wistful look back with just a shred of a tear forming: perhaps she’s someone important to him on his Earth. Chester P Runk also is okay again!- and he says “Party People” and dances and forms this strange bond with Cecile where she tries to help him ask out his crush, Natalie and fails miserably, ala Cyrano de Bergerac. It’s pretty pointless and you guys know I love all things Cecile.
Rating – 7.5/10: a strong Ralph episode that shows his depth better than any episode before it- some genuine good character moments and a wacky fight scene to close out make for a very entertaining episode.
Jessie Robertson
