Director(s): Glen Winter & Jesse Warn
Writers: Greg Berlanti & Andrew Kreisberg
Cast: Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Tom Cavanagh, Carlos Valdes, Rick Cosnett, Jesse L. Martin, Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Emily Bett Rickards, Colton Haynes, Willa Holland, Robbie Amell and Paul Blackthorne, with guest stars Paul Anthony and Nick Tarabay.
Verdict:
While the busy Christmas period has had the entire world scrambling for their wallets and common sense in the crazy lead-up to the most highly anticipated day of the year, geeks have been treated to some glorious episodes of superhero television. Ever since Grant Gustin made his exciting debut as Barry Allen in 2013’s two-part Arrow storyline, audiences have been captivated by the charming young star and his inquisitive on-screen persona. Of course as you know, Gustin’s character received his own spin-off series after being struck by a lightning bolt which granted him extraordinary abilities of super speed. This then lead to frequent fan speculation of when the two DC heroes would inevitably team-up, to save the day side-by-side as costumed crime fighters. Fortunately, this dream was short-lived before it became a reality and a two-part crossover spectacular was announced by the CW and Geoff Johns. Typically, I would only review The Flash for the fantastic site that is THN, however based on the nature of this event I have made a special exception for one week only. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy my verdict on the most talked-about crossover since Marvel united The Avengers.
Upon first glance, both ‘Flash Vs. Arrow’ and ‘The Brave and The Bold’ appear to be quite standalone. However, when watched together as a set (as they should be), the two stories form a fantastic pair of interconnecting television episodes that rival any crossover prior to their inception. Interestingly, both of these brilliant episodes begin as ordinary entries into each of their respective shows, which is definitely a good thing in terms of helping them standalone as well as act as a bridge to one another. This will also allow any audience members of just one CW superhero series’ to maintain a firm grasp on each central narrative arc, without losing track of the story if (for some strange reason) they decide not to tune into the other half of the special.
In terms of antagonists, both of the comic book baddies to plague our favourite multi-coloured heroes are relatively standalone. Although Paul Anthony’s Roy Bivolo is clearly a plot device intended to give the Flash and Arrow an excuse to fight, the highly publicised sequence involving the epic clash is certainly worth it. Bivolo’s Meta Human ability allows him manipulate colour recognition within the brain, therefore creating an enormous amount of rage within the unsuspecting victim when using red. This power is slightly absurd (even for a superhero series), however it is incredibly effective in bringing viewers a beautifully choreographed battle sequence between our protagonists. Ultimately though, this crossover is just a nice piece of fan service intended to establish a fully-fledged television universe, meaning that this silly plot-line can easily be overlooked.
Nick Tarabay’s former A.R.G.U.S. operative Digger Harkness/Captain Boomerang (soon to be played by Jai Courtney on the big screen) however, is a brilliantly formidable and charismatic villain. Following Tarabay’s tantalising cameo at the conclusion of Arrow‘s previous episode, the former Spartacus star steals each and every scene he is included in. Not only is the character given some incredibly entertaining dialogue, but the slightly strange ability to use boomerang’s as a weapon, is visually realised as some of the most strikingly unique action sequences the show has ever seen. Captain Boomerang is definitely an antagonist this writer would love to see on either Arrow or The Flash again, and with him currently sharing an island cell with Slade Wilson…that possibility looks very likely indeed.
Of course, it also goes without saying that part of the joy of any crossover is witnessing supporting characters interact with each other. This is certainly no different for the CW’s two part superhero event, and the shows’ writers actually manage to give every character their fare share of screen time and dialogue. Highlights include Harrison Wells’ active pursuit of The Arrow’s true identity, as well as Joe’s (understandable) mistrust in the emerald archer. By the end of ‘Flash Vs. Arrow’ however, both of these two Central City residents have discovered Oliver’s secret. This is a move that might seem slightly odd to fans and casual viewers, as the list of civilians to know the face underneath the green hood is growing exponentially it would appear (with over ten living individuals in the know!). It is also worth mentioning that Deathstroke, Huntress and Tommy Merlyn are all referenced in relation to the lighter tone of The Flash, and the delightfully playful nicknames assigned to his Meta Human antagonists.
Overall, this two part event is gloriously satisfying for fans of either (or both) shows. Kreisberg and Co have managed to pair up the fastest man alive with what is essentially a very skilled archer, and effectively translate a believable team-up to the small screen. This is no small achievement given the amount of fan jokes aimed at the ‘powerless’ vigilante, with the logistics of super speed vs. ‘experience’ hilariously argued between Cisco, Caitlin and Diggle in one of the episodes funniest moments. The contrast between both series’ is also beautifully echoed throughout these two stories, as their showrunner’s yet again remind us why they work so well as a duo. It will also be very interesting to see where a variety of dangling plot threads are taken from here onwards…with Eddie now having a legitimate reason to hate the Flash after his rage-enduced attack, Ronnie making his return as Firestorm in the episodes closing moments, and Oliver almost discovering his ‘secret’ 5 year old son.
I think it’s safe to say that the vast majority of us are now hoping for crossover’s to become an annual event!
[usr=5] The Flash airs on Sky One every Tuesday night at 8pm. Check out the official website.
