The Flash

By Sophia Weddle

     You’ve probably noticed the recurring superhero TV shows and movies that continuously pop up in Hollywood, but the question remains of which are worthwhile, and which are duds. The Flash, a CW TV series released in 2014, has been available to stream on Netflix since October 4, 2016, resulting in all super fans and newcomers to stare wide-eyed at a screen for hours on end. With an Instagram following of 2.3 million, it has been almost impossible to avoid hearing about this prevalent show. I myself have not been an avid devotee of these types of television, but many had raved about The Flash so I decided to give it a try. Thus, my watching frenzy began through Netflix, on a dreary 10 AM Saturday morning.

     The Flash is based off of the comic books on the superhero, The Flash-- a speedster who gained his powers from an explosion of a certain doctor’s particle accelerator. The Flash quickly harnesses his lightening-fast speed, encountering and fighting evil metahumans on a daily basis. With his team of scientifically talented experts, The Flash (or Barry Allen as he is known to most of the world) defeats and captures each powerful villain invading Central City. But, as most viewers are able to suspect by the end of the first episode, there is an underlying and catastrophic storyline involving Dr. Wells and Barry Allen-- one in which Barry’s closest confidante and savior from death, Dr. Wells, may not be who he says he is.

     Just by the storyline, The Flash captured my attention (and also since I heard Robbie Amell was in the show). The first episode hooked me immediately, and lead to a succession of four more episodes throughout the day. Coupled with the outrageous events that occur in this series, there are unbelievable special effects of various sorts, such as supernatural lightning, super speed, and a tornado created by a weather-controlling metahuman. I quickly became entranced by this whimsical yet realistic show, and through every fight, death, or kiss, I fell in love with the characters all over again. I sincerely doubt that anyone else could portray Barry Allen AKA The Flash as powerfully and emotionally potent as the true superhero, Grant Gustin. If there were to be any faults, I would point towards the disconcerting moments in which Candice Patton’s character, Iris West, wears two different pairs of “fashionable” joggers/sweatpants in one episode. May God have mercy. Anyways, other than that unfortunate instance, The Flash is filled with impressive, lively episodes that never cease to open up the viewer’s imagination to the impossible, that are also grounded to the true message: love and family.

     Overall, if only to give your mind a break from the repetitive activities of life and work, watch The Flash and get excited to see heartthrob Barry Allen battle metahumans and evil villains from the future for an hour every Tuesday night.