CW's The Flash is winning me over because of its focus on optimism and fun. Now, I don't have anything against shows that aim for a darker tone -- I do love Arrow -- but this show has kept me smiling while also building my interest in the narrative. Thankfully, tonight's episode, "Things You Can't Outrun," still has plenty of happiness and puts the more difficult parts of being a hero in a fairly positive spotlight. Barry Allen (once again made likable by Grant Gustin) is still new to being a superhero, but just like many other characters in tights, he wants to save everyone he can. Unfortunately, we all know even the best heroes can't prevent every single tragedy, and this is a lesson Barry absorbs. It won't stop him from trying his hardest to do what's right, but it doesn't paint his effort in a darker/bleaker tone, either.
It's great to see that, even when the show has a pretty big body count, it still has a sense of charm and an uplifting nature. For example, this episode shifts gears to focus on a massively depressing moment someone faced. But instead of dragging it out for multiple episodes, she's able to get closure and focus on the good. Again, not a jab at darker shows, but The Flash has a refreshingly good-natured atmosphere.
I'm beginning to think it's in Jesse L. Martin's contract to have him make as many "I'm doing my best not to cry" faces as possible. And you know what? It's effective stuff. The scenes with Grant Gustin and his father (played by John Wesley Shipp) are compelling, but man, Martin does such a good job with the emotional beats. Even when he's dealing with a story arc I wasn't the biggest fan of (e.g. Iris/Thawne), he still makes it a good scene. Speaking of performances, Caitlin Snow (Danielle Panabaker) really grew on me in this episode. The flashback about her and Ronnie Raymond (Robbie Amell) laid it on a little too thick at times, but she gave a more engaging performance in this one and it transformed her into a much more likable character. I guess that'll make it harder to accept when she one day takes a villainous turn, right? It's understandable why she was previously giving us the cold shoulder (pun 100% intended), so to have her open up was great.
Holy easter eggs, Allen! The fast remarks are a little too frequent, but they're really going all out to give fans of the comics a lot of love. We have little things like Snow wearing a blue dress, joking about a Flash Museum, and so much more. I think I even saw the movie theater was playing 'Blue Devil'? While some of these feel a little too obvious to comic fans (e.g. the "fire and ice" remark), it's still incorporated well for the most part and shows they're passionate about the mythos.
I won't lie, the first encounter between Barry and the Mist made me want to facepalm. The big challenge with the Scarlet Speedster is making him face challenges without downplaying him. The guy can accomplish so much before another person even finishes a single word! So, when I saw him pull an epic fail against the Mist and then get pummelled, I couldn't help but feel very, very disappointed. Luckily, there's a reason for that and it's noble. Hugely dangerous, but still totally noble. It's just another way of showing us Barry's character.
The show has plenty of easter eggs for comic fans to enjoy, but it seems like they're trying a little too hard to have the cast say how fast or slow this or that is. When we already have so many nods, having comments like that just seem a bit forced.
When you have so many interesting story arcs, the focus on Iris' relationship with Eddie Thawn just feels generic; it's almost like the scenes were taken out of a teen drama. Now, I have nothing against romantic subplots -- they're obviously needed -- but these developments felt way too familiar and unfortunately didn't do anything to make them unique. At least the final bit with Martin was good, though.
While Weather Wizard and Multiplex lacked depth, their powers meant they could at least have thrilling confrontations with Barry. But Kyle Nimbus, a.k.a. The Mist? It felt pretty lackluster, especially after seeing such great action in the other two episodes. When you see Barry counter a tornado and fight through a sea of people, having him just outrun some gas and then basically tackle a guy isn't a good follow-up. I know they can't always go bigger and bigger, but this felt bland compared to the other scenes. I mean, Barry stopping petty criminals in this episode was more exciting than the final showdown. And I'm not the only one questioning their prison system, right? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they're doing it and I'm sure they can find a way to give these characters food and water, but what about other needs? You know, a toilet or shower? Seemed pretty cramped in there. Also, what happens if they lose power? I'm overthinking this one, aren't I? Don't worry, this part doesn't impact the score. I'm just throwing the thought out there.
One small gripe: the final scene with Harrison Wells didn't live up to the other cliffhangers. Both were shocking reveals, but this didn't feel nearly as jaw-dropping as opposed to being just a little bit of follow-up for the first one -- follow-up which doesn't seemingly add much. We already know he's obsessed with Barry, so having him spying on him isn't a huge reveal or gripping development like the other two.
The emphasis on relationship drama with Iris and a forgettable villain battle prevented this episode from being as good as the previous two. However, the emotion and joy is still there and it's still a very promising show. Even with those negatives, it still turned out to be an okay episode and there's still plenty of reasons to be excited about the show's future. Up next: Captain Cold!
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