Director: Glen Winter
Writers: Geoff Johns & Kai Yu Wu
Cast: Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Tom Cavanagh, Carlos Valdes, Rick Cosnett and Jesse L. Martin, with special guest stars Wentworth Miller and Emily Bett Rickards
Synopsis: The Flash stops a robbery but the culprits get away after shooting a guard, and Barry chooses to save the man instead of following the criminals. Joe shows Barry a book of suspects and Barry identifies Leonard Snart (guest star Wentworth Miller, “Prison Break”) as the leader of the group. While investigating the case, Barry gets a surprise visit from an old friend –Felicity Smoak, who heard about his new abilities and came to check them out for herself. She joins him at S.T.A.R. Labs to help stop Snart after it’s revealed that Snart his gotten his hands on a stolen “cold gun,” which could kill The Flash.
Verdict:
After The Flash‘s first three episodes presented audiences with some relatively stand-alone storylines (aside from a small Stephen Amell cameo), this weeks adrenaline-fuelled adventure treats us to our first legitimate crossover with its parent series. With every spin-off show comes the obligatory expectation of cross-pollination and occasional character appearances, however it seems that The Flash is more than willing to feed the appetites of Arrow fanatics sooner rather than later. Not only does the fan-favourite Felicity Smoak make a special trip to Central City to visit her old flame, but we are also graced with the wonderful presence of Wentworth Miller as Leonard Snart AKA Captain Cold.
From the very start of ‘Going Rogue’, it is made clear that Barry is beginning to get over-confident with his new abilities and his new team of super-intelligent cohorts. The episode effectively shows viewers that, although the shows writers are incredibly focussed on where they are taking Barry and his friends, we should not get overly comfortable with the dynamic of things just yet. After all, Wentworth Miller’s Captain Cold is the shows first non-super powered antagonist, and yet he manages to prevent The Flash from saving a civilian before he sadly perished. This is the first time that Barry has failed, and of course this will undoubtedly make the impact of Miller’s character far more deep and long-lasting than previous freak of the week villains. Snart is a simple opposition for Barry and his gang in terms of his motivations, but the character does definitely come across as a genuine threat. And it should also be mentioned that the special effects used to create his freeze-blast’s are equally as entertaining. Miller is not the most versatile of actors, but if you (like myself) are a fan of his previous work in either Prison Break or RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE, then there is certainly a lot to love about his character.
Emily Bett Rickards is also always a pleasure to watch on screen, as she brings her quirky and adorably awkward Felicity from Starling City to Central City. As someone who has been fortunate enough to meet the beautiful young actress in real life, I can categorically state that her wonderful wit and charm is thankfully part of the stars real life personality, which definitely makes her character even more loveable in my eyes. Felicity’s appearance in the episode was a great way of tying up the loose ends left last year when Grant Gustin’s Barry made his debut on Arrow. Although fans will no doubt be disappointed that the inseparable pair aren’t set to make their romance official just yet (as I was), their long-awaited and passionate kiss at the end of the story should be enough for the mean time. Although, momentarily forgetting about the brilliant dynamic between Felicity and Barry, there were more than a few cliché’s to be found within ‘Going Rogue’. For example, the shows writers failed to let audiences forget to tune in to Arrow at every opportunity (if they weren’t already)…or perhaps I am being cynical at some fun and light hearted references to the fantastic series.
Smallville and Arrow veteran Glen Winter also brings his experienced and unique directorial skill for superhero action in The Flash‘s fourth episode. Although I feel as if I am beginning to repeat myself here with the continued praise of this series’ special effects, ‘Going Rogue’ contains(arguably) its most blockbuster worthy sequences yet. Highlights include the brilliant opening armoured car robbery, and the quite frankly stunning train rescue set piece that occurs during the episodes final battle. All in all, a story with a slightly forced ‘teamwork’ message spread throughout, but a thoroughly entertaining watch that is littered with geek references (including a squeal-worthy SUPERMAN nod to the original 1978 Christopher Reeve-starrer). I am also very excited at the prospect of seeing Miller’s character return in future episodes of the series, as the tantalising final scene gives us a slight tease of that highly anticipated Prison Break reunion that’s set to take place in episode 10. The ice cold, ultra-cool (yes you read that correctly), and incredibly calculating bank robber stole every scene that he was in and it will be great to see him go toe to toe with the Flash again very soon…
[usr=4] The Flash airs on Sky One every Tuesday night at 8pm. Check out their official website here.
