The Flash: Season 1 Episode 2 "Fastest Man Alive" (REVIEW)
written by Justin Prince (@prince_justin)
Following up the pilot episode that ran at breakneck speeds is no easy feat... the pilot episode established an already anticipated series after the surprising reveal on Arrow. Opening with Barry getting used to his powers, hoping to use it for good he decides to stop crimes and save people around Central City, regardless whether a meta-human was responsible. While Cisco is all about being the Barry's eyes on the street, Caitlin is none too pleased that he's using his powers to save everyone from apartment fires to armed robberies.
During the episode's opening, Barry is rushing to an apartment fire. If the first episode made his powers look amazing, this episode tops it in every way! A combination of slow motion sequences with the trademark Flash "zoooooom" make for an episode just as visually exciting as it is engaging... story wise.
Barry has to juggle his work life, personal life, and non-existent love life ever since he took on the mantle of the scarlet speedster. His relationship with Joe West (Jesse L. Martin) is further developed via a series of flashbacks, going so far as to pull the "you're not my father" plot device. I was surprised to see that another DC villain would make his official debut this episode, Danton Black... DC Comic's Multiplex... is the baddie of the week, forcing Barry to push his abilities to the limits while facing off against a damn near endless wave of clones.
This weeks episode had alot of heart, the interactions between Barry and Joe, even the time Barry spent with Iris, for each moment of super-speed awesome... the show slowed it down a bit by showcasing the personalities of these characters. Joe West stole the show for me, you really feel for him and understand where he is coming from when he wants to protect Barry from getting hurt, regardless of how fast he is.
The story's narrative moves at that perfect pace between superhero action and character development. Hands down one of my favorite shows this season just looks like it's going to keep getting better and better! Ronnie Raymond (played by Robbie Amell) was mentioned in passing and it looks like his introduction will be coming soon. I'm looking forward to when more of the Rogues will be introduced, especially Captain Cold, but for now Multiplex was plenty entertaining as this episodes baddie.
The mystery behind Harrison Wells is further deepened, making my predictions for who he really is go completely out the window! For the record, my prediction was that Harrison Wells was really Barry Allen from the future... but after his actions in this episode those predictions have gone completely out the window... I've said too much, I hope you've watched the episode! Until next week g33ks!
