Director: Nick Copus
Writers: Kai Yu Wu & Geoff Johns
Cast: Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Tom Cavanagh, Carlos Valdes, Rick Cosnett and Jesse L. Martin, with Special Guest Stars Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell.
Synopsis: Leonard Snart AKA Captain Cold returns to Central City with a new hotheaded partner in tow – Mick Rory AKA Heat Wave.
Verdict:
After an extremely long hiatus over the Christmas period, The Flash returns today in this spectacular mid-season premiere. Thankfully, the brilliant superhero drama blasts back onto television screens, with the return of Wentworth Miller’s ice-cool villain Captain Cold! (yes I did genuinely just use that Schumacher-esque pun).
Viewers with any prior knowledge regarding this episode, will do doubt be aware that ‘Revenge of The Rogues’ is a very special story for Prison Break fans. I say this of course, because the episode marks the first on-screen reunion between former Prison Break co-stars Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell. Speaking as someone who possesses little knowledge of the cancelled Fox-series (other than the fact that it involves er…someone breaking out of prison), I can safely say that both actors work extremely well together. Despite the fact that this is the first time both characters have appeared on The Flash together, the pair make it very clear that they have a long and destructive history.
When it comes to Miller’s Leonard Snart/Captain Cold, the character is quickly becoming one of my absolute favourite villains of the show thus far. Although, I should make it clear now that this is in no way, shape or form, anything to do with my love of Miller in general, I promise!…In fact, a remark made by Dr. Wells regarding his formidable presence as an antagonist (despite his lack of Meta-Human abilities), pretty much sums up the strength of the character in a nutshell. Both Miller and Purcell embrace and excel in something that The Flash has thrived in from day one…its comic book roots. The show has always maintained a brilliant balance of comic book action, colourful Donner/Reeve characters, and Arrow-style realism. This is something that holds the series together overall, whilst also proving that sticking close to slightly-cheesy source material, doesn’t always have to turn into a laughable final product.
Barry’s continued development as the Scarlett Speedster (a name we also hear referenced for the first time), is another heavily featured plot point that ‘Revenge of The Rogues’ focusses greatly on. In the wake of his first battle with his future arch-nemesis, Barry is now determined to become as fast as he possibly can to defeat the yellow-suited foe. Arguably however, Gustin’s best scenes of the narrative are the small, intimate moments he shares with his surrogate father Joe. The decision to have Barry move back in with Joe, has definitely helped to cement their wonderful bond and beloved dynamic as sort-of-father and son. Audience members (myself included) will also be undoubtedly pleased that the teen-drama aspects of the show have been momentarily side-lined, in favour of good old-fashioned superhero action. Time will only tell how Barry and Iris’ awkward relationship will develop, after the budding journalist seemingly rejected his love confession and proceeded to move in with her boyfriend. On the other hand, Eddie’s heroic decision to save the Flash during the action-packed climax, definitely proves how the far he has come as a three dimensional character since the premiere last year.
The already-impressive special effects for the show also continue to amaze throughout ‘Revenge of The Rogues’, with the opening training sequence and end climax definite highlights. With all things said and done however, it should be mentioned that the episode is quite possibly guilty of attempting to cram too much into one episode. Although, the mid-season premiere certainly had its fair share of plates to spin after last years shocking ending. Fellow geeks will also enjoy some playful references sprinkled throughout the episode, including the official naming of The Reverse-Flash, repeated GHOSTBUSTERS comparisons, the F.I.R.E.S.T.O.R.M. Project, and finally that cliff-hanger ending alluding to the introduction of Snart’s little sister the Golden Glider (played by The Tomorrow People‘s Peyton List).
I look forward to seeing both Miller and Purcell return in episode 16 where they will form a trio with the newly introduced Lisa Snart. Also, it would (disappointingly) appear that Barry and the S.T.A.R. Labs team have yet to discover the news of Oliver Queen’s ‘death’ too…
[usr=4] The Flash airs on Sky One every Tuesday night at 8pm. Check out the official website.
