Developed by: Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg and Geoff Johns
Starring: Grant Gustin, Danielle Panabaker, Carlos Valdes, Candice Patton, Tom Cavanagh, Rick Cosnett, Jesse L. Martin, Wentworth Miller, Stephen Amell.
Certificate: 12
Running Time: 939 minutes
Extras: The Fastest Man Alive! / Creating the Blur / The Chemistry of Emily and Grant Screen Test / Behind the Story: The Trickster Returns! / DC Comics Night at Comic-Con 2014: Presenting Gotham, The Flash, Constantine and Arrow / Audio Commentary / Deleted Scenes / Gag Reel
*Spoilers Ahead!*
Warner Bros. and DC Comics have felt the sting of Marvel’s big screen dominance for over a decade now. The consistent line of hits, trilogies and hugely successful franchises to carry the rival publishers name has been painfully noticeable to fans of DC (such as myself). However, that is now beginning to change after two little, small-time film makers by the names of Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder showed audiences what the darker side of comic books had to offer.
Now, with Warner and DC beginning to build their media empire, they have successfully earned their place as the crowning champions of superhero television. After Smallville helped pave the way, Arrow then revolutionized small screen comic book entertainment for a much wider audience of 21st century superhero adaptations.
Fast forward 2 years and Arrow has spawned a brand new spin-off based on the extremely popular golden age character, The Flash. With Grant Gustin’s lovable Barry Allen introduced in a special two-part storyline during Arrow’s second season, it’s not unreasonable to say that expectations were very high. However, The Flash seemingly overcomes a challenge more impossible than convincing audiences a man can run through time itself. The series manages to craft a fantastic season full of twists, turns, spectacle and most importantly…characters and relationships that you care about. It’s important to remember that this is all within the first year of a television show with over five decades worth of baggage, thanks to its comic roots and an already-established television universe.
With maiden television season’s often struggling from a number teething issues during their initial first few episodes, it’s quite astonishing how quickly The Flash gets comfortable. Some may even argue that the show establishes itself far quicker than its parent show did back in 2012, but this will depend on how partial you are to Arrow‘s darker tone.
In terms of performances, Gustin flourishes as the charming, geeky forensic scientist Barry Allen. With his acting talents and emotional range carrying almost every episode, it almost doesn’t seem enough to merely congratulate him with a teen choice award. However I digress. The young star is easily one of the most talented actors on television at the moment, with his heart-wrenching performance in the final episode enough to bring even the strongest superheroes to tears. Although it would be a crime not to mention Tom Cavanagh‘s impressive turn as Harrison Wells/The Reverse Flash. The former Scrubs guest star demonstrates his fantastic range as both a kind-hearted mentor as well as terrifyingly intimidating antagonist.
It should be noted however, that although the season stands on its own quite successfully in terms of quality and storytelling. Some fresh-faced viewers may find themselves scratching their heads at the frequent cross-pollination with Arrow. Although the shared universe crossovers (with appearances from Oliver Queen, Felicity Smoak and John Diggle) are undoubtedly consistent and exciting, it may confuse some slightly. The same also goes for the (appropriate) speed in which the series moves at. While some will find the breakneck pace exhilarating, some may also end up with a headache.
Overall, The Flash season one builds some solid foundations for its upcoming second season, as well as the overall universe the CW is building (which is set to include Legends of Tomorrow next year too). The cast and crew deserve praise for their combined efforts to create a group of complex, lovable and relateable characters, who still manage to shine through the shield of impressive special effects that the show boasts. Guest appearances from Wentworth Miller and Mark Hamill are also entertaining additions to the series, with their over-the-top antagonists both set to return in the near future.
The Flash Season One is available on DVD and Blu-ray from 21st September. Pre-order here!
