The Flash Return of the Reverse Flash Television 

Five Thoughts on The Flash’s “The Reverse Flash Returns” [Review]

By | January 27th, 2016
Posted in Television | 2 Comments

After a lackluster mid-season debut, The Flash sped back into action with an overstuffed episode that still left me wanting more.

1. Look at Patty, acting like a real detective!

One of the problems with having Barry Allen be both the Flash and a CSI, is that someone at the CCPD should, at some point, realize exactly what Patty figured out tonight: Barry’s reports are either going to be all “duh, the Flash, duh” or so detailed that it makes no sense. The writers have been using Patty as a sort of stand in for everyone in Barry’s life who doesn’t know he’s the Flash, so…essentially just Patty. But the point remians: Barry would be a really shitty boyfriend, bowling partner, fantasy football league mate, etc.

By showing Patty putting all of that together, it shows us that she’s actually quite good at her job, something the show almost never does with police. Barry is so often the knight in red armor that the police seem to be hamstrung by every case that comes through their precinct. I hope this isn’t the end of Patty on the show (and the train scene was a hint that it may not be), but I’m glad they let her go out as an intelligent, confident detective.

2. Was…Iris…interesting?

I honestly don’t know if Iris was any more interesting last night than she usually is, but she had something to do that wasn’t just be a damsel in distress or a walking whine. Letting her and Wally get closer is the smartest thing the show can do – it gives her something outside of the ‘normal’ story to do, but keeps her tethered to her father. Who knows, maybe she can be a sort of mentor to Wally – hell, I could see why Barry wouldn’t wish his powers/responsibilities on anyone. Maybe he won’t want to train him? Granted, there’s no guarantee that Wally becomes Kid Flash in this universe, but I see no reason to bring him in if that’s not the case.

3. Mrs. Caitlin Zolomon? Caitlin Snow-Zolomon?

Remember early last season, where Caitlin was a sourpuss all the time? Me neither – this week showed more of her continued compassion, as she is searching for Jay’s Earth One counterpart. The fact that Jay already found him, and that he’s Hunter Zolomon was great. It allows for Teddy Sears to be a part of the show even if Jay dies/goes back to Earth Two; it gives a reason for Zoom – the Zoom from the comics, not the show – to appear in some form, and it is a tiny Easter Egg for the fans even if nothing comes of it.

But how hilarious was it to hear Jay and Caitlin say ‘Zolomon’ like it is Jones or Smith? Here’s how that scene would’ve more likely gone:

Jay: His name is Hunter Zolomon.

Caitlin: Zolomon? Like Solomon with a Z?

Jay: Yeah, I don’t know.

Caitlin: Where are they from?

Jay: You’d think the future with a name like that, right?

Caitlin: Totally

(high fives)

4. Full on Vibe

This episode was, perhaps, the closest we’ve come to seeing how Vibe can be with his full potential turned up – looking at the multiverse through his goggles, seeking out ways to help. Think of TV’s Vibe like Barbara Gordon’s Oracle, but for the entire multiverse. I dig the direction the show seems to be taking him, especially because it will avoid most of the ‘Vibe is lame’ jokes.

But will the show ever let Cisco get there? I know tonight’s nosebleeds/McFlys on a photograph incident was caused by Reverse Flash, but will they have affected Cisco in such a way that he won’t let himself Vibe for a bit? I don’t know. I really don’t.

The show also gave Cisco a great moment of bad assery when he got to tell Thawne that ‘yarp, I’m awesome and it is because of me that you’re captured, and it’s because of you that I could do it.’ Go Cisco – you’re our boy.

5. Thawne will ride again

Kudos to the writing staff for dealing with all sorts of time travel insanity in a relatively seamless way, and still allowed for interesting surprises. Sure, the whole ‘throw Thawne into the future’ bit was a little silly, but tying that to Cisco’s fate made it worth it.

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But the best part is that, for a show that is constantly killing off its villains, it seems as though Thawne will return again. This is a good thing for a number of reasons. First of all, if Harry sticks around, having he and Thawne interact was a goldmine of smarm and intellectual chess playing. Harry knows that Thawne killed Earth One Wells and stole his appearance, but doesn’t want to let Thawne know that he knows. It makes for a fun pairing.

It was also nice for Thawne to get a few moments of exposition – sure, we got the 15 years later Thawne via Wells motivations down, but it is interesting to see why Thawne became the Reverse Flash before even knowing who Barry is. The show could’ve gone down some wacky, unsatisfying paths with Thawne, but this bested all those options.

What did you guys think of the episode? Let me know in the comments!


//TAGS | The Flash

Brian Salvatore

Brian Salvatore is an editor, podcaster, reviewer, writer at large, and general task master at Multiversity. When not writing, he can be found playing music, hanging out with his kids, or playing music with his kids. He also has a dog named Lola, a rowboat, and once met Jimmy Carter. Feel free to email him about good beer, the New York Mets, or the best way to make Chicken Parmagiana (add a thin slice of prosciutto under the cheese).

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