After months of fan debate and endless speculation, this week’s Arrow finally sees the debut of its first major DC comics superhero guest star with Barry Allen aka The Flash. The Scientist sees Barry come to Starling City to investigate a case that has similarities to another that he’s been working on in Central City, which puts him in the path of Oliver Queen. [pullquote_right]This episode has kicked the door in on the introduction of powers to the Arrow-verse.[/pullquote_right]
Since this is an advance review, I will remain mostly spoiler-free, but viewers can rest easy and know that they’ve done a great job bringing Barry into this world. Grant Gustin instantly owns the role and brings the perfect amount of nerdiness, intelligence, and earnestness that are the trademark of the Scarlet Speedster.
This is the first of a two-part story and as reported, this is a pre-powers Barry Allen, so don’t get your hopes up for super-speed action or red tights. That being said, this episode has kicked the door in on the introduction of powers to the Arrow-verse and the transition is handled well. The Scientist has some excellent fight scenes that may possibly be the best the show has ever produced.
Barry Allen fits in beautifully to the already established “Team Arrow” triumvirate, especially in his interactions with Oliver (Stephen Amell) and Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards). The scenes with Barry and Oliver already have me jones-ing for a Justice League team-up with Barry being the naive but pure heart of the group. Felicity, on the other hand, is quite the match for his geeky awkwardness and that does not go unnoticed by both parties. [pullquote_left]The writers continue to surprise and tease new elements while keeping fans on their toes and it’s quite impressive.[/pullquote_left]
The episode gives some significant insight into Barry’s backstory, which has some heavy New 52 influence (the episode is co-written by Geoff Johns), as well as provides some really good character moments that very clearly define this version of the character while endearing him to the audience.
The plot also advances the shocking cliffhanger from last week and drops some even more interesting tidbits about that character’s surprise re-appearance and the claim he made to Moira. The writers continue to surprise and tease new elements while keeping fans on their toes and it’s quite impressive.
[pullquote_right]I’m definitely fully invested in the Barry Allen story thus far and can’t wait for next week.[/pullquote_right]The flashbacks aren’t the focus this week, but we get a meaty section of the island conflict that is surely going to have fans chattering and theorizing until next week’s mid-season finale. Can I just say I was wrong in my review of the season premiere about what they’re doing with Slade aka Deathstroke (Manu Bennett) and that it is shaping up nicely? Happily wrong on this one.
Barry Allen’s introduction is one of the most exciting episodes of the season for fans and it turned out pretty great. The fact that it’s two parts and I only received the first episode makes it hard to fully judge the storyline, but I’m definitely fully invested in the Barry Allen story thus far and can’t wait for next week. Fans should get excited.
The Good:
Barry Allen! Grant Gustin! The fight sequences. The beginning of the super-powered arms race. The flashbacks. Slade Wilson. The romantic angle. The constant Easter eggs.
The Bad:
Knowing we won’t see The Flash costume this season. The constant teasing of a certain someone. The murky motivations of Brother Blood. Not much else.