Title: The Flash: “Therefore I Am” Review
Release Date: October 21st, 2017
Network: The CW
Genre: Superhero, Drama, Action
The Flash has focused on returning to it’s light-hearted roots a considerable amount this season, between the group’s comical dynamic and the introduction of Ralph Dibney, but it has also done very little in regards to promoting the main storyline centered around Clifford DeVoe, The Thinker. “Therefore I Am” not only breaks that cycle, it also splinters the mold the series has taken regarding its how it handles its villains.
In the past, unique perspectives have granted viewers the knowledge of knowing who certain enemies are, and even some of their motives, before anyone on Team Flash, like with Reverse Flash and Zoom. This season has been very similar, introducing the man behind the bus Metas and Barry’s return almost immediately, at the end of “The Flash Reborn.” Similar to Thawn and Zolomon, there wasn’t entirely too much time devoted to The Thinker in the first few episodes. Instead, they have been centered around subpar villains of the week, with small tidbits of scenes and info about them being relevant to the main antagonist. That was until “Therefore I Am.”
While it may have gotten off to a bit of an annoying start, with no one on Team Flash wanting to believe anything Barry had to say regarding his suspicions of DeVoe, things eventually got very exciting on The Flash. Instead of the usual cat and mouse game that the show has loved to purport throughout previous seasons, “Therefore I Am” skips the line and has DeVoe reveal himself to Barry in a tense conversation where each state they know who the other one really is.
This scene showed off Neil Sandilands’ acting chops, as well as displaying that he really embodies both The Thinker and DeVoe’s cadence and tone perfectly, making it easy to see why he was picked for the role. Though his backstory wasn’t anything entirely too memorable – even though it featured a cheeky cameo from season one Wellsobard – the coming competition between the Fastest Man Alive and the Fastest Thinker Alive is going to be really fun, especially since it been initiated so quickly.
I love everything about the move, from The Thinker’s reaction to Barry’s questions in his classroom, telling him “his secret is one of the more underwhelming revelations I’ve uncovered,” to his arrogance, going as far as to tell Barry “You’ve already lost.” Everything about his character so far reminds me of the Reverse Flash, giving reason to believe DeVoe might be able to give the series best antagonist a run (no pun intended) for his money this season.
The only issue I had with the reveal comes down to Team Flash’s reaction. Despite the fact that they had been berating Barry for accusing DeVoe without any proof, I find it hard to believe that they simply took his word for it after the conversation. Sure it’s more concrete evidence wise than his previous hypothesis, but it is just a statement. A statement that, if they really did believe Barry was going nuts, they wouldn’t have a hard time believing he’d make up. It just seemed odd considering how much they were shrugging off his ideas beforehand.
While this episode also lacked the hilariously crass antics of The Elongated Man, it also reintroduced Kid Flash. Following his unceremonious departure earlier in “Luck Be a Lady” for Wally West, which was actually due to schedule conflicts for Lonsdale, it’s good to see him back. Especially considering how he casually mentioned that he fought the well known out of space starfish villain, Starro. One can only hope that his character will be treated a bit better now that he is back.
As much as I was enjoying the comedy focused episodes that have occurred so far in season four, I am excited that the main plot is finally moving forward. What exactly could The Thinker have in store?
Verdict: “Therefore I Am” seems like the first step in the right direction for the main plotline of The Flash this season, as it cuts right to the chase with DeVoe. Despite how things were handled regarding Team Flash’s approach to the notion of DeVoe’s villainy this episode, I can’t wait to see how they help Barry in this Chess match with The Thinker for the rest of the season, especially now that Wally is back.
What did you think of the second episode of season four of The Flash? What scene or scenes did you like the most? What are your predictions for the rest the season as the mysteries begin to pile up? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to check back next week for the next episode of the season, “ Crisis on Earth X, Part 3” immediately after it airs on The CW at 8 PM ET next week.
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