After an episode that breathed a little bit of life into this final season of The Flash, the second part of this multi-episode story arc repeated many of the season’s constant mistakes. Barry (Grant Gustin) went missing last episode, which focused on where he went and what happened to him during that time. This episode focused on the other characters as they dealt with a threat while he was gone. As we said last week, The Flash’s weakest storytelling moments revolve around the times when its science and fantasy become so abstract they lose focus. That happens when the Speed Force, which is supposed to be some mystical energy, takes a human form. Since that is what this storyline is based off of, this episode suffered immensely because of it.
After Barry disappears, Iris (Candice Patton) reconvenes with the rest of Team Flash. Mark (Jon Cor) returns to help with the search, but he is actually corrupted by the Negative Speed Force. He takes out the team one by one in order to isolate Iris and kill her. The Speed Force, portrayed by Barry’s mother, Nora (Michelle Harrison), arrives and saves her. She also informs Khione (Danielle Panabaker) about her incredible powers, which she uses to free Mark from the Negative Speed Force. In the episode’s closing moments, Barry is taken again, and the mysterious individual who looks like Eddie Thawne (Rick Cosnett) regains all of his memories.
There are certainly things to like about this episode. Khione’s evolution into an almost godlike being has been well done. Her powers were on full display during this episode, but the idea of the Negative Speed Force being the main villain as opposed to merely working through an avatar is tough to grapple with. Also, the plot line involving Eddie is interesting, but it’s moving along at a snail’s pace. It’s unclear what larger part he is to play in the remaining story, but it’s an interesting aspect of the storyline that should have had a larger place rather than whatever they are doing with the Negative Speed Force.
The Flash airs Wednesdays on The CW.
After an episode that breathed a little bit of life into this final season of The Flash, the second partCOMICONRead More