Review: The Flash 6×06 – “License To Elongate”
Director: Danielle Panabaker
Writers: Thomas Pound and Jeff Hersch
Starring: Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Hartley Sawyer, Danielle Nicolet, Tom Cavanaugh, Jesse L. Martin, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Kayla Compton, Brandon McKnight, Carlo Rota, Tess Atkins, Alexa Barajas, Rebecca Finch, Rebecca Roberts
Reviewed by: Jason Larouche
Summary
Barry teams up with Ralph in his investigation into The Dibny case and both get in over their heads; Nash Wells recruits Alexa in his pursuit of The Monitor.
Positives
This week was one where Elongated Man fans got to see Ralph step up in a big way. Seeing Ralph actually take the lead in a case is a huge leap from two years ago when he was learning from Barry. The writers are smart in pushing forward the notion of Barry’s demise through his getting his affairs in order. Instilling the faith of Central City in Elongated Man so formally is validated by this adventure beforehand. It demonstrates how competent an investigator and fighter Ralph is without his abilities. He even manages to save the day instead of Barry. For once, Barry is wrong in thinking he can wrap things up as The Flash instead of playing the long game. What also works is that no one in this situation take themselves too seriously. Even Remington Meister acknowledges the 007 influence. Clever part on the writing team to have Barry honored at the news conference meant for Ralph. As much as getting that badge was a graduation of sorts for Ralph, this was also Barry being finally acknowledged by the CCPD for his work as a CSI. This was what Barry had before that lightning strike and always came second afterwards. While The Flash may be Central City’s hero, it’s important to remember that the man’s as relevant as the mask. The twist ending definitely also hooks the viewers into next week. Keeping Ramsey Rosso of the map this week worked in that it enhanced the shock value.
Nash Wells’s obsession with The Monitor reveals more about his reckless behavior. By both bringing in Alexa for her powers and blurting out Barry’s identity to her, this man clearly has no boundary or filter. However, his connection he forms with a reluctant Alexa reveals more about his character. Tom has a wider range with this version of Wells in how he subtly reveals his path as a loner seems forced on him. He needs people but at the same time keeps them at a distance. There is arrogance, but not an arrogance that makes him miserable. He enjoys his work, even if it cuts him off from others. There’s a delight that comes over him as he’s closing in on his prey. As for Alexa herself, she is either one step closer to joining Team Flash or exposing the multiverse to those that aren’t ready to understand. The writing is clever in keeping her in a neutral position gives the creators a chance to establish a new superhero. Time will tell. For now, the revelation that she now knows her boss’s husband is The Flash is both explosive and potentially damaging as to what she does with it.
Negatives
Ultraviolet’s presence is terribly underused. The writing teased a rematch having both cousins in the same episode. While it worked in showing a difference in how both women use their abilities, keeping her as hired muscle diminishes her. She doesn’t even have any lines to speak of. It would be interesting to know as to why she always wears that mask. Also, why doesn’t Barry use his vibrating voice at the press conference as The Flash? He works with these people as Barry Allen, so why would he be so careless? Suspension of disbelief can only go so far. If he keeps this up, it’ll be an inside joke amongst the cops. I’m surprised Danielle didn’t think about this in final editing. Also, although the subplot with Chester provided Cecile with clarity in her new career, it was filler and felt wasted. You’d think S.T.A.R. Labs would use better internal security to prevent the solo dance party.
Verdict
Before I go into the rating, I just want to give Danielle Panabaker my heartfelt congratulations. Not just because it’s the second episode she’s directed, but she announced last week that she and her husband are expecting their first child together. And on behalf of the entire staff, I would like to say we could not be happier for you guys. As to this week, however, I give it a 3.5 out of 5. Even though this was a fun episode, it was a little too hokey in some areas. Regardless it’s enjoyable as long as you don’t take it too seriously.
