The Flash Review: “Flash Back”

This week brings us one of the most dramatic episodes of The Flash, but it’s still The Flash, so we see Barry visit his own past in order to learn Eobard Thawne’s speed secrets.

He isn’t the only rogue who proves helpful.

Title: “Flash Back”

Director: Alice Troughton
Writers: Aaron Helbing, Todd Helbing, David Kob

Grant Gustin as Barry Allen / The Flash
Carlos Valdes as Cisco Ramon / Vibe
Candice Patton as Iris West
Tom Cavanagh as Harrison Wells / Eobard Thawne
Danielle Panabaker as Caitlin Snow
Rick Cosnett as Eddie Thawne
Andy Mientus as Hartley Rathaway / Pied Piper
Jesse L. Martin as Joe West

Premise

Barry wants to increase his speed in order to take on Zoom, and he goes back in time to get help from Eobard Thawne.

Unfortunately, the task proves far more difficult than he anticipated.

High Point

While Barry ultimately finds some success, his plan is poorly thought-out, and the episode recognizes the fact. Barry experiences difficulties due to the fact that his opponent can outthink him, and the universe can surprise him.

Low Point

Shouldn’t the Legends of Tomorrow run into the odd Time Wraith? Shouldn’t the Flash eventually draw the attention of the Time Masters? Kronos? I would have preferred either of these to the Dementor knock-off.

The Scores:

Originality: 3/6 The episode did some moderately original things with time travel.

They hung lampshades on the Time-Wraith’s derivative appearance, but it remains derivative.

Effects: 4/6

Acting: 5/6 This episode tried to extend the dramatic range of the actors. Tom Cavanagh nicely distinguishes his two roles.

Story: 5/6 This episode represents the most complex use of time travel thus far, and the script manages the premise effectively.

Emotional Response: 5/6

Production: 5/6

Overall: 5/6 I hope the series, at some point, acknowledges the Supergirl crossover.

In total, “Flash Back” receives 32/42

5 replies on “The Flash Review: “Flash Back””

  1. The dementer concept really at odds with the Legends of Tomorrow premises. Is there a base for this from the comics?

    • As far as I can determine, they’re an invention of the show, and an unnecessary one. The DCU has a “Black Flash” figure which loosely resembles this creature.

  2. I’m guessing they can handwave the time wraiths away from LoT because, as Thawn said, if you’re careful (how exactly?) they won’t find you. Presumably the time masters have some means of avoiding them.

    Still kind of dumb though, they really didn’t need them, they had plenty of conflict without piling that on.

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