Oct
15
2014
0

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive Review

So, in a shocking turn of events, I have now seen the pilot to The Flash a stunning six times. After all those viewings, you’d think it got boring, but it didn’t. What it did do however, was make me super pumped for episode two, to see how the show is once the origin is out of the way. I can gladly say that the series has legs, with a strong second showing that gives us an idea of what it’s like to be a superhero in a world that’s never seen one. Where other comic series have taken their time getting into the real meat of things, The Flash hits the ground running and never looks back, which makes me a very happy fan.

We the Nerdy The Flash Fastest Man Alive 1Our episode opens with Barry running around Central City, saving lives and beginning his heroic campaign. After saving a number of people from a building fire, Barry  finds himself feeling almost faint, but brushes it off. It isn’t long before his weak spells start weighing him down and Barry has to seriously think about what he’s doing. The timing couldn’t be worse, as a series of crimes break out, with robberies and attempted murders throughout the city. With the crime rate climbing and the witness reports getting crazier, Barry has to make an important decision on his life and how he’s going to impact the world.

Grant Gustin once again shows why he was the right choice to play Barry. While many were critical of him when he was cast due to his age, the direction of the character works this in. Where other shows/comics/movies have toyed with the idea of self-doubt and heroism, it has often undermined the established hero. Not only was it done early here, to get it out of the way, but with Gustin as Barry, you understand his doubt. He is not a physically imposing man and he is very young, important factors when one doubts themselves. However, the pep talk from his adoptive father Joe West (Jesse Martin) is really key to this development. Where last week we saw an emotional scene between Barry and his birth father (John Wesley-Shipp), this week we see the bond between Joe and Barry. It’s great that The Flash immediately tackles angsty opportunities and combats them with optimism. Very Barry indeed.

We the Nerdy The Flash Fastest Man Alive 2Quickly stealing the show though is Tom Cavanagh as Harrison Wells. Last week we only saw him interact with his STAR Labs technical staff, but this week he’s out in the world, mingling and giving us a better idea of where he stands in the real world. His talk with Joe West was great at establishing the two most important figures in Barry’s life right now, but also in showing us that Dr. Wells is a multi-layered character with a greater purpose. His final scene, much like last week’s, is likely to cause some chatter, but for right now, I am just very happy to enjoy his work and see Tom Cavanagh shine.

We the Nerdy The Flash Fastest Man Alive 3Villain wise, Multiplex is a big step up this week. The effects surrounding him were incredible, and the character itself was engaging to watch. I have always enjoyed Multiplex in the comics, largely due to his design, so it was a nice treat for me to see him on TV. The crossover between Firestorm characters and Flash characters is astounding, and I must applaud whoever it is at the CW for bringing so much of Firestorm to television. While the show could have just used Multiplex as a nothing villain, his role provokes thought for Barry’s superhero career. Bonus points for the awesome science behind his powers, and for hunting down Simon Stagg of Metamorpho fame.

Overall, the second episode isn’t as strong as the pilot, but that is not for lack of trying. Better character work and a stunning effects budget make this a great episode, and give me hope that this series won’t just be a flash in the pan. I look forward to next week even more now, and if this show can maintain quality, it’ll quickly become my favorite series on TV.