Tonight I watched the new episode of season 2 of The Flash. Titled “The Man Who Saved Central City” and I was definitely blown away. Right from the start, we see Barry taking on Captain Cold and Heatwave in the streets of the city. With the intervention of Firestorm, Barry takes out the two quickly and all seems well. However it is here that we learn it was all a dream, and that Barry has been wrestling with guilt from the death of Eddie and now Ronnie’s recent disappearance. Although we don’t fully see how it happens it seems that Ronnie disappeared while helping close the massive portal over Central City and Barry feels guilt over it.
The Positives
Tonight’s show was well paced and fun as always, but we also get to see Barry do what he never did in season 1–operate alone. The loss of Eddie and Ronnie withdraws Barry from the rest of the team. He doesn’t want anyone else getting hurt. Caitlin works at Mercury Labs now, while Joe and Cisco are starting a metahuman task force within the police department. Harrison Wells in the form of a flash drive makes an appearance, apparently to confess to the murder of Barry’s mom. Going into great detail of the event, its enough to get the conviction overturned and Barry’s father is immediately released from prison. Barry finds himself soon needing his team however when confronted by a new metahuman–Atom Smasher. Atom Smasher, a villain who can harness radioactivity to alternate his size defeats Barry twice, and during the second confrontation almost kills him. It is only through Dr. Stein, Caitlin and Cisco that Barry finds a way to defeat Atom Smasher once and for all. Once defeated, Atom Smasher reveals that he only fought Barry because someone promised him if he did and killed The Flash, they would take Atom Smasher home. Barry seems pretty confused by all of this and its not until the appearance of Jay Garrick at the end of the episode that he finds out that his world is in danger.
The Negatives
I found very few faults with tonight’s episode. As usual The Flash never has a problem amazing me in the CGI department. Atom Smasher was awesome on this episode and I hope that we see him again in the future. I loved how we saw Barry struggle with attempting to save the city on his own. From fighting Atom Smasher during Flash Day to even rebuilding parts of the city that were damaged caused by the portal, Barry serves as an inspiration to his friends and to the city–and he doesn’t even recognize it. My only complaint really was the moment between Barry and his father. After getting released from prison a party is thrown at Joe’s home where the team along with a few friends meet. It’s here where Barry talks to his Dad about getting a place together, and even about him finding a job, but Henry is reluctant. He tells Barry that he’s had a family this entire time through Team Flash and that the city needs him as The Flash, and not as Henry Allen’s son. Although it was a touching moment, I just felt that Henry getting on a train and leaving felt out of place and too rushed for the episode. I’d rather for him to actually stick around and maybe even join the team personally for awhile, however I seriously doubt that this will be the last that we will see of him. Lastly I wanted more Jay Garrick—and that’s my own fault!! From watching the trailers I expected more Jay than just the last two minutes but no complaints because I know more is coming. My only hope is however is that we don’t get a show where the speedster becomes commonplace. I want Barry to continue to stand out with his powers in his own way. With Zoom coming I’m eager to see exactly what makes Jay, Barry and Zoom’s powers so different. I’m eager to see how the special effects will make them look and react to each other in conflict. After the fights with Reverse Flash in season 1 I gotta admit– I have high expectations.
The Verdict
I thought tonight’s episode overall was amazing. My only complaint was I wanted more Jay Garrick, which we know is coming soon but I’m naturally an impatient guy. The special effects team for The Flash once again does not disappoint at all and after seeing how Atom Smasher was so well done I’m ready to see what else they have going in for future episodes. I loved how we saw Team Flash fractured but yet still functioning and better yet–still believing in each other. Although Barry repeatedly refused their help Joe, Cisco, Dr. Stein, Caitlin and Iris help him anyway and that says a lot about their faith in Barry. I’m definitely looking forward to what’s in store for season 2 and episode 1 was a great way to start it off!!
