THE FLASH “Power Outage” Review


What happens when the lights go out on the Flash’s power?

Official CW description:

The Flash gets a visit from DC Characters Farooq and the Clock King-The Flash (Barry Allen) goes up against Farooq aka Blackout (guest star Michael Reventar), a metahuman who can harness electricity.  During their battle, Farooq zaps The Flash and siphons all his electricity, leaving The Flash without his speed.  Dr Wells (Tom Cavanagh), Caitlin (Danielle Panabaker) and Cisco (Carlos Valdes) work to reverse the effects on Barry, but their efforts are disrupted when Farooq comes banging on S.T.A.R. Labs doors in search of Wells, who he blames for his accident.  Without Barry’s powers to protect them, the group must figure out a way to save themselves from the metahuman.  Meanwhile, Tockman(guest star Robert Knepper) manages a coup inside the Central City police department and takes several people hostage, including Joe (Jesse L. Martin) and Iris (Candice Patton).  While Iris is sure The Flash will save them, Eddie (Rick Cosnett) has a trick up his sleeve.

As the show speeds to the ultimate CW confrontation (Arrow vs The Flash), there just seems to be nothing that can slow its pace.  The writers keep coming up with great roadblocks for our hero and they aren’t getting any easier.  This weeks metahuman of the week is Frooq aka Blackout; a man who has the ability to drain electricity from anything even humans.  The danger was real and it brought a tension to the show like no other episode.  And Dr. Wells shows a bit of what he’s made by sacrificing Girder from last week without a thought.  He said it was for the team, but we all know he meant it was for the Flash.

Power Outage

We see more and more about what Dr. Wells actually is and, the more we know, the more we don’t like him.  Although Barry redeemed him at the end and made him seem..well…redeemable.  I’m thinking we’re being diverted from the real danger.  We see Caitlin Snow getting more and more endeared to Barry as the show continues. Cisco remains Cisco.  And it was interesting to see Tockman in action. Farooq didn’t have many lines but pulled off the menacing glare and brought a great opponent for the Flash.  It was fun hearing them continue to drop names like Ralph Dibny (Elongated Man), Grant Emerson (Damage) and Beatrice DaCosta (Fire).  God bless you, CW Flash.

cisco-caitlin-et-le-docteur-wells-qui-observent

The acting, as always, was suburb.  Grant Gustin brings us a very human Flash who struggles with every episode to be the best hero he can be.  Wells (Tom Cavanagh) came to the conclusion that Barry excelled in connection in regard to the people around him.  And the same can be said about Gustin and his cast.  Without Danielle Panabaker, Carlos Valdes and Tom Cavanagh, the chemistry wouldn’t be anywhere near as perfect as it is.  Detective West (Jesse L Martin) didn’t get much of a chance to shine, but that wasn’t his fault. And Iris (Candice Patton) still falls flat.

This show lost no power rocketing toward next week’s showdown.  I don’t watch Arrow (I know, I heard your shock) but this may help me make the crossover, so to speak. And so The Flash, for me, this is absolutely the best comic book show on TV.

OUR RATING
9.5
  • + The danger was real
  • + Cast did an exceptional job as usual
  • + Wells is becoming more and more of a menace
  • + Great build up for next weeks Arrow/Flash crossover!