Director: David Nutter
Writers: Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg & Geoff Johns
Cast: Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Tom Cavanagh, Carlos Valdes, Rick Cosnett, Jesse L. Martin and special guest star Stephen Amell
Synopsis: After spending his life obsessing over the bizarre and mysterious murder of his mother 11 years ago, CSI investigator Barry Allen finds himself struck by lightning after a freak accident caused by S.T.A.R. Labs’ new particle accelerator. Nine months later, Barry awakens to discover that the accident has granted him extraordinary powers of super speed. He then realises that he must use his new abilities to protect Central City from other ‘metahumans’ affected by the particle accelerator, whilst also attempting to uncover the man responsible for his mothers murder.
Verdict:
The superhero genre (yes, that’s right…genre!) has never been more popular and lucrative with audiences across the globe. As a result, we have been seeing more and more super-powered inhabitants of Marvel and DC Comics making the jump from page to screen. Now, with Marvel momentarily dominating cinema screens, Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment have taken this opportunity to spread their vast library of characters across television screens worldwide. After the immense success of the CW’s ten year Superman series Smallville, the network decided to take a leaf from Christopher Nolan’s book and craft a gritty, realistic origin show based on the Green Arrow.
As you may know, Arrow was a resounding success that has consistently risen in popularity and viewers since its first season debuted two years ago. Now, here we are in 2014 and Oliver Queen’s adventures in Starling City have spawned a brand new series focussing on DC Comics’ very own scarlet speedster…The Flash! And so, it’s time to see how Grant Gustin and his team have fared in their first outing since being introduced in Arrow‘s second season last year.
The Flash very quickly re-establishes Barry’s origin story that was touched upon last year with his two-part introduction in Arrow. However, this time around we are given a lot more context to his character, which sheds light on the dramatic murder of Barry’s parents and also his strange relationship with the love of his life…his adoptive sister Iris. From the start of the episode it’s clear that this show will not re-tread the same ground as its parent series. The Flash is most certainly not the dark, grounded, semi-realistic series that Arrow has established itself as, but in this case that is definitely a good thing. Although Barry’s story takes place within the same world as Oliver Queen and his hooded friends, The Flash works as a polar opposite in terms of tone and narrative, which therefore makes it the perfect companion show.
Speaking of Arrow, Stephen Amell’s highly publicised cameo appearance is also well worth the wait, and therefore serves as a brilliant launching pad for his friends new spin-off. Quite early on in the pilot it becomes apparent that there are more than a few comparisons between itself and Sam Raimi’s SPIDER-MAN (voiceover anyone?), rather than Nolan’s DARK KNIGHT trilogy (like its parent series does). As previously mentioned however, this is by no means a bad thing, and the contrast between the two is a refreshing change from the repeated formula of many connected superhero properties.
The episode does move through its narrative and character introductions quickly (no pun intended), but that doesn’t make its forty minutes of adrenaline-fuelled run time any less exciting. That being said, some of the characters could do with a bit more development outside of their preconceived stereotypes of typical love interest, humorous comic relief, and miserable mystery girl. Gustin was already a fan-favourite superhero after his scene stealing appearance last year, but his loveable performance in this episode will no doubt secure his place amongst ranks of Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards. The emotional exchange between Barry and his imprisoned father (original Flash actor John Wesley Shipp) is easily the highlight of the story. Gustin’s talented range as an actor will not quite be realised until this sequence, which will definitely bring a tear to even the hardest of viewers.
So all in all, despite the fact that the trailers and TV adverts spoiled most of the episode, The Flash‘s debut adventure is a fantastic thrill ride with many different things to enjoy. Blake Neely’s touching score, accompanied by some of the best CGI on television are just some of the things that help create a show bound to become a firm favourite of many households in the near future. Tom Cavanagh’s Harrison Wells is also a very interesting character that may prove to be just as compelling as Barry Himself in the coming weeks, not to mention his mysterious ability to seemingly view the future. DC fans should also watch carefully for golden geek references to the Infinity Crisis and a little known character called Bruce Wayne. I am also eagerly anticipating more Arrow connections in the future, with a Felicity appearance and two-part crossover already planned. But, let’s hope that the Emerald Archer doesn’t overshadow Barry and his friends too much!
[usr=4] The Flash airs on Sky One every Tuesday night at 8pm. Check out their official website here.
