Director: Millicent Shelton
Writers: Jaime Paglia & Chris Rafferty
Cast: Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Tom Cavanagh, Carlos Valdes, Rick Cosnett and Jesse L. Martin.
Synopsis: The Flash faces a new meta-human named Tony, who can turn himself into girded steel at will. While Dr. Wells and Caitlin are concerned about Barry’s safety, Cisco comes up with a plan to take Tony down. Meanwhile, Iris’s blog on The Flash gets her into trouble, and Eddie witnesses Tony’s abilities firsthand which leads him to ask questions that Joe doesn’t want answered.
Verdict:
This week’s sixth episode of The Flash kick’s off quite similarly with yet another high-speed car chase, however it is quickly revealed that Barry faces more than one obstacle when it comes to stopping his new enemy. ‘The Flash is Born’ attempts to freshen the ‘freak of the week’ format of the show, by introducing a character from the comics with a slightly different twist. Tony Woodward/Girder posses the ability to transform his entire body into solid metal at any given moment, which (as viewers will witness) presents quite a large physical hurdle for our Scarlet Speedster. However, the episode repeats the tired superhero formula of creating an antagonist with an absurdly unlikely personal relationship to its hero. This plot twist is utilised by revealing that Woodward originated as a childhood bully for Barry during his early years as an grieving youngster. Although the story is slightly clichéd, Barry’s physical and mental ability to overcome one of his earliest fears is incredibly effective in developing the character. Defeating Woodward and his intimidation as a previous school bully, will no doubt forward the confidence of Barry in future episodes to come. Which would seem appropriate after the episode’s conclusion, which results in The Flash revealing his identity to an imprisoned Girder and therefore fully displaying his position as moral and physical victor.
In terms of special effects, Girder is visually conveyed as what is essentially a large metal-man. Although the character looks great on screen, the show fails to present him as anything other than a slightly cheaper looking version of X-MEN’s Colossus (played by the equally large and intimidating Daniel Cudmore). This is the first time that the series has failed to make a huge impression with its expensive computer generated effects, however it is still definitely winning the race (yes that was a speed pun) where superhero television is concerned…take that Agents of S.H.I.E.LD.!
One of many recurring aspects of The Flash that I am also enjoying, is the writers’ attention and focus to the fact that Barry’s speed does not account for his severely mortal level of strength, which leaves him incredibly vulnerable in many dangerous situations. This shows that Greg Berlanti and his team of comic book geniuses are constantly thinking of the real world obstacles a human with super speed would encounter. Of course, we should expect nothing less from the talented minds behind the fantastic Nolan-ised interpretation of DC Comics’ Arrow, which frequently deals with real world decisions and consequences. Although, The Flash’s naïve and irritating visits to Iris are becoming annoyingly reminiscent of Smallville‘s meetings between Lois Lane and ‘The Blur’ in the show’s later seasons.
Speaking of Iris, her on screen boyfriend Eddie Thawne actually advances quite a few steps this week where character development is concerned. Previously appearing as an inconsiderate love-rival, Eddie begins to open up slightly in ‘The Flash is Born’ as a much more rounded member of the shows talented cast. After revealing that he (surprisingly) didn’t always posses his chiselled good looks and bravery as a fellow bullied school child, Rick Cosnett’s Eddie is actually becoming quite endearing and likeable. Thawne’s heart-to-heart/training exercise with Barry also hints at a burgeoning friendship between the two that is sold brilliantly by both actors’ charm and ability to deliver dialogue with such honesty and believability.
Joe’s terrifying threat from Reverse-Flash at the episode’s conclusion is also a very large point of discussion. The fact that Iris’ father accused Harrison Well’s during the story also throws quite a bit of fuel into the fire regarding the popular fan theory regarding the good doctors true identity. Of course, it may seem far too simple to assume that Wells is the Reverse-Flash, however I have no doubt that the character is something to do with the murder of Barry’s mother. One also has to wonder how the powerful inhabitants of the particle accelerator prison are being fed without escape…although perhaps I am being a bit too nit-picky now.
[usr=3] The Flash airs on Sky One every Tuesday night at 8pm. Check out their official website here.
