Jessie Robertson reviews episode 10 of The Flash…
Welcome back to Central City! When we last left our hero, he’d met his match (the introduction even states “I’m not the fastest man alive”) and bared his soul to the woman he loves, to no avail. Barry has been training to increase his speed to match that of the Reverse-Flash (which is one name Wells approves of – did he already know he was named that?). Cisco is helping Barry “train”; since when did training involve heat-seeking missiles? And Oliver thought he was hardcore. We’re then introduced to our villains this week, Leonard Snart, better known as Captain Cold and his new partner, Mick Rory, or Heat Wave. They bust into a garage full of beautiful European sports cars and Rory is itching to burn some stuff down but we find out Snart has a new thing to obsess over instead of his crimes: The Flash.
I happened to notice tonight’s episode was co-written by Geoff Johns, the maestro of DC Comics, who penned a famous storyline about the Rogues during his revitalizing of the Flash series. This episode felt like it was ripped right from the pages of a 22 page, multi panel book, more so than any other of the series thus far, and I think it was a good move to have a show like this coming back from break. There was tons of humor, more characterizations of lower run players and it lets everything the Reverse Flash brought up rest, take a breath, and get back to the rhythm the show built up in its first 8 episodes. The writers almost acknowledge this fact, as Wells convinces Barry all his efforts need to be focused on his mother’s killer, even if Joe thinks Barry needs to stay true to the mission statement of the Flash. There’s a real creepy scene where Wells tries to subtly impose his will upon Barry that plays like two friends talking, but knowing what we know, it digs to your spine. This isn’t the first scene like it with Wells and every single one plays.
Great comic dialogue invades every other scene, such as Rory revealing his joy at Snart’s “winning speeches”, and Snart wryly smirking at Caitlin after he turns her Bug into a popsicle, “Car trouble?” There’s another bit of simple, yet volume-speaking lines when Flash does apprehend the two using some Ghostbusterian-Logic (again proving that crossing the streams IS ALWAYS BAD) when Cold remarks that he got them “this time.” Flash boyishly reprimands him saying it’s the last time, but Snart and us informed viewers know there will be many more, much to all of our delight.
The sub-plot of Iris moving out takes waaaay too long; why does she tell Eddie 3 more days until the big day, when they’re together so much already and it’s not like she’s breaking the lease on a place of her own? Anyways, , Iris and Barry are strange around each other, but exactly how should she act? Caitlin assures Barry things will be better in the long run, and all I can think of is the degradation of Eddie, who once again, proves he’s a hella of a guy! He uses Cisco’s modified ice shield to save Barry’s speedster ass when the Rogues had him on the ropes. I’m dreading him being turned when Barry and Iris eventually hook up. Good start to the rest of the season but be forewarned: As reported here at the amazing, wonderful and entertaining Flickering Myth, episode 15 introduces Time Travel! Dun-dun-dun! You’ve been warned.
Other notes:
– Seems to be a sub plot of STAR Labs trying to rebuild trust with Central City; not sure where it goes next but I’m wondering if the Flash will play a role in those peace talks?
– The Rogues pulled a heist this week, lifting immeasurable expensive piece aptly titled “Fire and Ice” from an affluent family, the Rathaways. Their driver informs them their son is calling, to which the father replies, they have no son. Could they be referring to one Hartley Rathaway, the Pied Piper? Why, yes, they are, as next week’s preview showed us.
– Speaking of family, our extra scene proved blood is thicker than water, or ice, as Snart greets his “Sis”
– So great- Eddie bringing up Joe stopping by, well not unannounced, then awkwardly asks if he’d like a key as Joe stonefaces him the whole time!
– “Hey roomie!” Those damn millenials! They never leave!
Jessie Robertson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszFJHnpNzqHh6gswQ0Srpi5E&v=qqtW2LRPtQY&x-yt-ts=1421782837&x-yt-cl=84359240&feature=player_embedded
Originally published January 21, 2015. Updated December 15, 2019.
