The Flash finally gave us the Firestorm backstory episode we were waiting for. Appropriately called The Nuclear Man (Firestorm’s nickname in the comics), the episode juggled two different themes and tones.
While we have to wait for next week to see what really happened to Firestorm in the end, it was amusing to watch any interaction he had with Caitlin because of their shared history, and Robbie Amell delivered a very convincing performance. It must be difficult to be two different characters at the same time, and Amell nailed them both with ease.
Another strong subplot was the Joe/Cisco investigation to Barry’s mother’s murder. Even as I take my time to warm up to Cisco and his sometimes-ridiculous remarks, I had to be thrilled with that revelation at the end. Now that Joe and Cisco are aware that an adult-Barry was at the crime scene when Nora was killed, it should be interesting to see how the show handles time-travel for the rest of the season.
Sadly though, I wasn’t too fond of the Barry/Linda C-plot. I didn’t think they have any chemistry together and to make things even worse, Iris was involved in this weak subplot. The fact that she felt the need to include herself in their relationship makes me hate her even more, and I can’t understand why she’s suddenly feeling jealous. Where’s Eddie to distract her or something?
But even with these two highly different tones, it’s hard not to love Barry Allen or the show in general. The writers are clever enough to make us invested in these characters already, and as long as the show continues to impress with cool CGI effects and an entertaining story, there’s no reason to stop watching.
Speedy Bits
– What’s with that woman who lives in Barry’s old house now? The way she stares at Joe is creepy and equally hilarious.
– Loved the heartbreaking look on Caitlin’s face as Barry takes her and runs while Firestorm explodes.
– General Eiling is coming back apparently. Clancy Brown is perfectly casted for this devious role, but I’m still waiting for Gorilla Grodd!
– Where can I get a mirror like the one at Barry’s old house?
– I suppose Linda didn’t notice how fast Barry was vibrating when he got, um, “excited”?
Red Blurs & Quotes
Cisco: Aren’t you worried about moving too fast?
Barry: No, what do you mean? It’s a second date.
Cisco: No, no, no, no. I meant going too fast, hurrying. Look, I mean, you’re fast, but there’s fast, and then there’s fast. Am I being subtle enough?
Barry: You’re really not.
Joe: You change one more time, I’m gonna shoot you.
Joe: I’m good at reading people. That’s how I know I can trust you with my suspicion. When I go talk to the family and friends of a murder suspect, somebody I know is guilty, and I tell them the person they love is a killer, guess what they say? That’s not the person I know.
Conclusion
While I think Barry’s personal problems weren’t quite intriguing, this was still a solid hour.
Chris Rating
B