The Flash continues this season’s glorious trend of pure comic-book inspired fun
From our villain of the week’s tragically comedic bad luck to The Flash literally slipping on marbles, this week’s episode of The Flash was even more comic-booky (and fun) than the last one – which was hard to beat. The bar is set very high now, and we are fully expecting a season of quality humor and fun from the team behind The Flash. This week’s episode centered on one seriously unlucky lady, whose fortune changes for the better when she boards a bus bound straight for some serious dark matter. Once she’s officially a meta, her bad luck dissipates into those around her – the luckier she gets, the worse off everyone around her is.
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This scenario leads to some seriously kooky hi-jinks. Barry (Grant Gustin) runs full speed through a vat of newly spilled marbles, the West house becomes determined to fall apart, and Barry literally handcuffs himself at one point (aw, honey..) Even without Lady Luck’s help, Team Flash didn’t fair too well this week. Wally (Keiynan Lonsdale) received a malfunctioning break up box (and didn’t even use the included tissue function!) Iris (Candice Patton) and Barry had a disastrous failed attempt at an impromptu wedding, and Harry (Tom Cavanagh) got kicked off of his own crime fighting team back on his Earth! Most of these issues found resolution – rumor has it, ‘WestAllen’ will get married surrounded by an Arrowverse full of superfriends in the crossover, Harry has found a home on our Earth with Team Flash, but poor Wally disappeared to another Earth for the entire episode and no. one. noticed. Rightfully hurt, he packs his bags and heads to stay with some friends, hopefully he will be appreciated in the way he deserves once he gets there (but boy do we hope he comes back!)
Here to discuss all the hilarity and mishap is our The Flash roundtable!
Holly (@hollyanderson30) – Social Media Addict who runs two fan pages and loves everything CW, especially The Flash
Tay (@candicekps) – Student, Iris West superfan, and WestAllen enthusiast.
Samantha (@pandecker_) – High School student, aspiring actress, and lover of TV
Fowsia (@iriswestallens) – Lover of all things Iris West and Westallen
Jay (@jayruymann) – Editor-in-Chief of The TV Type
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1. Who was tonight’s MVP?
Holly (@hollyanderson30): Wow really start with the hard questions.Its so hard to pick just one this episode but if I had to leaving all bias aside I would have to say Iris (Candice Patton). She had me laughing so hard tonight and her acting was excellent.
Tay (@candicekps): Tonight’s MVP was most definitely Iris West. Not only was she humorous at Star Labs, but she also brought humor outside of the mission (ahem – shotgun wedding/funeral scene)! Despite her giddiness, the future Mrs. West-Allen did not deviate from last night’s central focus on Hazard. Additionally, Iris was right about the negative impacts that the retrieval of Barry would entail. Hopefully, her correct conclusion would lead to Team Flash listening to her more since she evidently knows what she’s doing!
Samantha (@pandecker_): Iris is definitely the MVP of this episode. The comedic timing she had through the episode was hilarious. I would love to see Candice do more thing with comedy whether it’s on The Flash or else where.
Fowsia (@iriswestallens): I may be biased, but tonight’s MVP was Iris simply because of the comedic timing performed by the one and only Candice Patton. These past few episodes gave Candice the chance to show off her acting range, and I’m glad they gave her more lighthearted scenes this season! She’s been killing it since day one.
Jay (@jayruymann): Definitely Lady Luck. She was a really interesting villain, and it’s nice to actually see how someone became a villain instead of meeting them and learning about it later. Her power genuinely challenged Barry and the team which is something we don’t see as realistically anymore on The Flash. I hope this isn’t the last time we’ve seen her because having this power could be useful at some point, and it would definitely present another interesting challenge for Team Flash since they can’t just use the particle accelerator again.
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2. What was your favorite moment in this episode?
Holly: My favorite moment had to be when Iris had Barry meet her at the church wanting to get married early.How she commented to the funeral leaving how nice the coffin was and flipped the guy’s picture over and said they were ready to get married. It was so unexpected seeing her climb up to move things around so they could get married but she was so determined. It was awesome.
Tay: Easy. The impromptu wedding scene between Iris and Barry. I honestly believe that was one of the funniest scenes that has ever been done on the show! When Iris climbed on the table and flipped the portrait around, I literally almost fell from my chair. It is also worth a mention that Barry just followed along with Iris’s plan despite the hilarity of it all. Scenes like this one definitely capitalize on his love for her. On a more serious note: Iris appears to be more traumatized by Barry’s previous absences than she’s letting on. Her hectic rush to marry him may be due to her fear that it’s their last shared moment together. The thought of losing him again makes her perform funny, yet unplanned actions. Furthermore, I also notably loved the scenes of Barry walking in on Iris trying on her wedding dress and Cecile’s pregnancy announcement!
Samantha: My favorite moment in the episode was when Barry and Iris were trying to get married. Right after a funeral happened. It was such a funny scene. Grant and Candice were amazing and it was absolutely hilarious to watch. Seeing scenes as such, so light hearted and funny, is what I’ve been wanting to see for a long time
Fowsia: By far, and probably my favorite scene of the show overall was the scene between Barry and Iris in the church. Candice’s comedic timing was everything and her and Grant play off each other so well. From Iris getting yet another dress to attempting to get married after a funeral, I love that the show turned to a comedic element when showcasing Iris’ rush to get married to the love of her life, which I understand completely considering the circumstances. Watching Iris step on a table to turn the picture of the person who died around was hilarious. I cried of laughter when she asked if the coffin was cedar!
Jay: The sequence of bad luck as Lady Luck’s luck got better and better. The Flash is really delivering on their promise for the lighter tone this season, and seeing the team (Iris, Joe, everyone) freak out and try to figure everything out as every bad thing imaginable happened was hilarious, nerve-wracking, and all-around a great scene.
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3. Poor Harry! He didn’t have a fun reason for stopping by, but it’s great having him back! Do you miss having a different version of Harrison Wells in every season, or are you happy about Harry’s return?
Holly: I am so happy to have Harry back! Reverse Flash was my favorite villain, H.R. grew on me but was never my favorite as funny as he was, but Harry there is just something with his and the rest of the Starlabs crew relationship that I always loved esp his and Cisco’s friendship.
Tay: Harry is my favorite version of Harrison Wells, so I’m definitely happy about his return. I love his dynamic with Cisco! Their shared scenes in the episode were absolutely hilarious. I certainly look forward to more scenes between Harry and Cisco! Moreover, I love the fact that Harry just returned and he already is forming conclusions about this season’s big bad, The Thinker.
Samantha: I do not miss having a different version of Wells in every season. It has become kind of useless with the many different versions and I’m not the biggest fan of it. I’m not happy nor am I unhappy about Harry’s return. I do not have as much care for that character as much as I care for the others. But I do not hate him.
Fowsia: To be completely honest, I was never a huge fan in the abundance of Harrys the show decided to bring along. After HR, I really hope the show sticks to Earth 2 Harry and only him. Nonetheless, it was sad to hear that Harry was kicked out of a team he created, much less by his own daughter.
Jay: I would genuinely be fine without a Harrison Wells. The back-and-forth of having a different version of him every season is annoying, and, frankly, quite obnoxious. Hopefully they just decide to either keep this one, or get rid of him altogether. I know the staff doesn’t want to lose Tom Cavanaugh, but the show doesn’t need Harrison Wells.
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4. Did the show get too silly tonight, or are you loving the humorous comic-book vibes?
Holly: I completely loved tonight’s episode, it was silly and funny but it also didn’t go over the top with the amount of silliness either.Plus they also stuck some serious stuff in at the same time like Joe and Cecile, and Wally. I think the balance was pretty good.
Tay: I am LOVING the humorous comic-book vibes. After watching The Flash, I feel more refreshed and energized rather than emotionally drained. The added humor also showcases the acting ranges of the show’s actors and actresses. For instance, I noticed that Candice Patton (Iris West) has perfect comedic timing. She’s also able to convey numerous emotions in one scene without deviating from the humorous effect. This season has successfully shown her range as an actress. Additionally, Carlos Valdes and Grant Gustin are absolutely amazing at humor. I’m glad that we can see both of them performing in this sphere again!
Samantha: It was not too silly. I was loving the vibes I was getting. The show hasn’t been this lighthearted in a long time and I have been looking forward to it being like this for a long time now. It’s great that they are being silly. It shows me that things aren’t as crazy as they were in past season. Which is good because they all very much so need a break from crazy. Even though I don’t think the break will be as long as I would hope.
Fowsia: I mentioned before that this season had the potential to be the greatest yet, and the reason for that is because the show is much lighter. Everyone gets to be happy and show off their comedic timing and it’s been great. It’s been great seeing Barry be optimistic again and accept his role as The Flash. I really enjoyed tonight’s episode because it was filled with laughter and I think Becky Sharpe was the perfect villain for an episode like this. I’ve honestly loved every episode of this season so far, and I’m looking forward to the lightheartedness of the rest of the season!
Jay: The show is better when it’s like this. The show is better than it has been since Season 1, and it’s possible this season could be better than Season 4. It’s nice to see true homage to the comics in the DCTV world.
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5. Man, Iris and Barry’s wedding attempt was a DISASTER. Are you glad that they didn’t get a chance to tie the knot yet?
Holly: As much of a WestAllen fan that I am I am glad they didn’t get married tonight. Last week they were in couples therapy and to go from couples therapy straight to a wedding would be so unrealistic. I can see why they wanted to tonight with all the bad luck going their way, have something good come out of it but they deserve more than a quickie wedding.
Tay: Iris and Barry’s wedding scene was hilarious! I keep rewatching the scene. Although, I’m ready for them to be married (and have babies), I’m glad that they didn’t tie the knot right after a funeral. Their family and friends were not there, they did not have their rings, and Barry was wearing a clip-on tie. As a comic-book royalty, they certainly deserve better than that!
Samantha: I would of been fine if it happened this episode. If they would of gotten married this episode or not, I know no matter what they’ll end up being Mr. & Mrs. West-Allen. Which I have waited for for forever. And from what I know about when they do get finally married things are gonna get a little bit crazy. I cant wait though.
Fowsia: I think the reason Barry and Iris’ plan to get married this episode failed was because of the crossover. It’s been alluded to (if you haven’t seen the spoiler pictures) that Barry and Iris’ big day will be saved for when their friends and family can attend, rather than eloping. I am looking forward to the crossover-wedding, but I really loved to see their attemptions this episode! Like Iris, I’m ready for them to be officially married!
Jay: Of course. Barry and Iris need to get married in front of their friends, family, and Central City. Not after some funeral of a random guy where Iris awkwardly says, “I love the coffin. Is that cedar?” Hilarious, but awkward. That’s not how the show ties together this series-long relationship.
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6. Cecile is pregnant! How do we feel about this news?
Holly: I actually don’t know how to feel about this news. It’s really hard when you don’t get to see any reactions to the news. I like it because it is a change in the dynamics. Also I will never forget the stunned look on Joe West’s face when he was told, that was golden and also a perfect cliffhanger for the show.
Tay: I am still undecided. Her announcement was incredibly funny due to Joe’s (lack of) reaction, but I am a little nervous of how the show will handle the baby arc. I’m also surprised that the first baby isn’t a West-Allen baby! I predict that this new addition may be Daniel West, so I’m subjectively excited.
Samantha: I was completely shocked. The face Joe made was the exact same face I made. In my head I kept going “What? Are you serious?” That was something I would of never expected. Out of all woman on the show I would of thought Iris to be pregnant at any point this season not Cecile.
Fowsia: Cecile’s pregnancy was an absolute shocker, mostly because I don’t know where the writers are going with this. Why a pregnancy now? What’s the purpose? I’m not against it at all because I think it’s quite hilarious that Joe and Cecile, considering their age, are about to have a child! People have speculated if this may be the introduction of Daniel West, Iris’ evil speedster brother though I don’t know how that’ll work considering the age difference. Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to see where they are going with this!
Jay: It’s interesting, but why did they wait until Wally was leaving to introduce it? Can Joe just not have one child on the scene anymore? It feels more like a Wally replacement, rather than actually being able to think about this news and how it’s going to affect everyone.
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7. Kid Flash packed up and left town! Is Wally gone for good?
Holly: I felt bad for Wally this episode, I mean not only did him and his girlfriend break up but he went to another earth and no one even noticed he was gone. I can see his point about needing to find his own path, whether it’s with Team Flash I’m not sure but he will be back because he won’t miss his sister’s wedding. After that we never know.
Tay: I certainly hope not! I love Wally West so much. I understand why he left, but I hope that his return will occur in the next few episodes. My prediction is that he will be back by the crossover episode!
Samantha: I don’t think he’s gone for good…. or at least I hope. Wally is a very important character and he’s been so under appreciated and so under used in the show. He’s one of my favorite characters on the show. It’s upset me so so very much that he’s gone but I have slight hopes he’ll be back. I have heard the actor may have asked for time off but I have no official confirmation. So I guess time will tell whether he’s gone for good or not.
Fowsia: Wally’s departure actually broke my heart, and I even cried. His speech about the team not being aware he was gone made me feel for him. I’ve always adored Wally and I feel that he’s been underused this season. I know he isn’t gone for good, especially because Keiynan was seen on set during the crossover. But when he does come back, I’m interested to see how he’s changed and the new role he’s hopefully gonna have on the team. I think it’s good for him to figure out who he is as part of his journey.
Jay: Doubtful. I’ve suspected Wally was leaving since the first minute of the season premiere, so it’s only a matter of time where Wally’s brief stint on Legends of Tomorrow’s season premiere turns full-time. They can’t just get rid of Kid Flash after how much they’ve spent on the character and his growth, so maybe going to join the Legends will be how Wally finds himself and feels like the superhero he is.
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Final Verdict: We can’t get enough of this new fun, lighthearted Flash
This season of The Flash really works. The show has finally struck the perfect balance. Season four of The Flash is peak comic-book TV. This season is extremely loyal to the comics, if not in storyline, in tone itself. This show feels like reading a comic book. It’s a perfect balance of what makes TV great – (relative) realism, excitement, and character development – mixed with the best part of comics – the fun. We’re sad to see Wally go, but with the way The Flash has been excelling lately, we trust them completely and are excited to see where the story goes next.