The CW has new ‘Flash’ point

Comic fans have reason to rejoice — or complain — again. After so much hype for more than a year, on TV and online, The Flash finally blazes...

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]omic fans have reason to rejoice — or complain — again.  After so much hype for more than a year, on TV and online, The Flash finally blazes onto screens everywhere this week.

Still dealing with the death of his Mom, which Dad (John Wesley Shipp) got framed for, awkward Central City CSI-er Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) is struck by lightning during a particle-accelerator experiment.  After nine months in a coma, he can run superfast.

Amid the chaos, Barry finds time to investigate a series of bank robberies committed by a guy who can control the weather, tied to the same incident.

This CW iteration of a classic character is often considered a remake of a 90’s series based on the same DC comic, starring John Wesley Shipp; but it’s not just another reboot of a cult TV show.

In fact, this Flash ties into CW’s other hit superhero drama, Arrow.  Barry even speeds off to Starling City for a little pep talk from Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell), something viewers can expect to happen frequently.

Not as dark as its counterpart on Wednesdays, but the show is as sentimental as young adult melodramas come.  Beyond his family issues, and the mystery behind them, Barry has the hots for his childhood friend, Iris (Candice Patton); while he wrestles with his adequacy as a hero.

It is also rife with Gotham-level easter eggs for fans — Barry grows up with the West family, who in the comics are his closest relatives.

Fans, in addition, will be familiar with the villains in the first few episodes (Weather Wizard and Captain Cold, Wentworth Miller), including a yellow blur that hints at a major foe with ties to the Flash’s past, and future — Reverse Flash.

By now, the themes and comic-book adaptations might be getting a little tired (with plenty still on the way to theaters and network television), but The Flash keeps up momentum as hot and fast as a bolt of lightning.  Grant Gustin is a strong, likable Barry Allen, and there is enough intrigue to make for an exciting ride.

Categories
TV and Film

Eric is a columnist and the resident film critic for The Pit. He also acts and is a multitalented filmmaker.
No Comment
advertisement

RELATED BY