Title: The Flash: “The Flash Reborn”
Release Date: October 10th, 2017
Network: The CW
Genre: Superhero, Drama, Action
Last season of The CW’s The Flash ended with Barry sacrificing himself to the speedforce prison in order to save the world. Flashforward six month to the start of Season 4, “The Flash Reborn” see’s Wally, Cisco, Joe, and Iris trying to keep things together in his stead.
It was cool to see more of a focus on Kid Flash and Vibe out in the field, and of course Joe and his slick shades, but Iris’ overwatch, leader role didn’t work. Ever since joining Team Flash, she hasn’t done entirely too much, yet now she is able to problem solve things a mechanical engineering genius like Cisco can’t. Her character isn’t terrible, but her jump from journalist to leader is quick and unmerited, especially considering Barry told Cisco to essentially lead at the end of the season.
While the first fourth or so of the show does suffer from a glum, somewhat senseless tone of passive aggressiveness, put off primarily by Iris, it returns to its lighter nature a lot quicker than expected. A ridiculously comic book entrance by a Flying Samurai, the return of Cisco’s sarcasm, and a season 1 callback to Lady Gaga reel the show back in from the unfitting grim tone.
With that being said, they definitely brought Barry back way too quickly. While it’s been six months in the show, it’s a span of one episode in the series. So when Barry does return from the speedforce using some deus ex machina ball, his “sacrifice” loses all meaning, especially since his return happens in episode one. If the circumstances without had been extended a couple of episodes, it could have been interesting to see how Team Kid Flash or Team Vibe could overcome not having the Fastest Man Alive to constantly save them.
I was certainly excited to see Grant Gustin return though, as he is hands down the best actor on the show. He shows this off with crazy Barry Allen, doing his best Beautiful Mind’s impression. The concept of The Flash going insane was an interesting one to ponder, wondering just what his ramblings and scribbles meant, yet even that was cut short not to quickly after it was introduced. Again, just like getting Barry out of the speedforce, there really isn’t much explanation as to why he is able to snap out of things other than love. Lame.
To be fair though, I don’t think this is the last we see of crazy Barry or the repercussions of spending all that time in the Speedforce. It’s far too convenient for Barry just to snap out of things and the scene where he states he feels free just felt off, and even Iris’ face seems to indicate the same reaction.
The ending of “The Flash Reborn” really managed to take me off guard though, to be honest. Not only did I not think the main villain would be unveiled so soon, I had no idea it would be The Thinker. The intellectual opponent will mark the first time in the series that the main antagonist isn’t a speedster, so hopefully it’s more a game of chess with Barry as opposed to a game of tag. On top of that, The Thinker has an awesome hideout and look, even though I definitely thought he was The Brainiac from Injustice 2 for a moment.
If nothing else, the first episode has certainly done its job when it comes to setting up interesting new plots and mysteries for the fourth season of The Flash. Who is the guy with threatening Caitlin at the bar? Who was the guy they were talking about not crossing? How in control of this Jekyll and Hyde Killer Frost is Caitlin? What are the Thinker’s plan and reasoning? What was Barry mumbling and writing about? Is This house indeed bitchin?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy5x4iw2T3o
Verdict: “The Flash Reborn” stumbles here and there when it comes to reasoning and logic, but it gets its footing back together near the end thanks to Grant Gustin and some interesting plot point introductions. I for one am hoping for a much lighter tone this season, laced in with odd bits of mystery from battling with The Thinker and the repercussions of Barry’s craziness. Either way, I am excited for what is to come this season on The Flash. We back baby!
What did you think of the Season premiere of The Flash? What scene or scenes did you like the most? What are your predictions for the rest Season 4 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 second episode of the season,”Mixed Signals” immediately after it airs on The CW at 8 PM ET next week.
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