ThisThe Flashreview contains spoilers.
Out of Time has it all.
If there is one episode that has delivered on all of the promise thatThe Flashhas shown,thisis it.
I mean in terms ofThe Flashstanding on its own two feet as a television show.
As you all know, Im a ridiculous fan of the Flash mythology.
I tend to be happy just with all the great visuals and spot-on characterizations.
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It didnt.
It didnt have to do that at all.
Ysee, Out of Time was long promised as an episode that would change everything.
This really could have been a season finale.
But they saved all those game changers for the last ten minutes or so.
Just about every single member of this core cast got a moment to shine.
The cast has long been this shows strong suit.
This could have been another villain of the week episode.
We met the new Weather Wizard, the brother of week ones baddie.
Mark Mardon is here this time around, looking to avenge his little brothers death.
Doesnt sound all that special, does it?
So, despite what sounds like a disposable baddie, theres no wheel-spinning this week.
If it seems like Im rambling, its because I really dont know where to start.
Sure, we all knew Harrison was up to…something.
Tom Cavanagh may very well have just delivered fans the most nuanced supervillain performance in television history.
This is how its done.
By episodes end, when I definitely knew what was coming…it still hit hard.
Eddie Thawne is trickier.
I suspect hes bound for life as an evil speedster as well down the road.
But hes also been a damn good cop throughout the season, and hes a human being.
But hes never been a bully or someone with overtly villainous tendencies.
Arguably, the worst episode of this series wasthe one that focused the most heavily on Barrys love life.
Not because of the subject matter, but because it was a poorly written episode.
I even feel for Eddie in this situation.
Of course, things still arent going to be easy for Iris and Barry.
Theyve got a long road ahead of them.
I cant imagine Iris is going to be too thrilled about being lied to all this time.
But that kiss was the real deal, and Barrys apology before the big reveal was a great moment.
Id say my three favorite moments of the episode all involved two regulars talking to each other.
The tension in the Caitlin/Harrison coffee scene.
The genuine friendship and respect on display in the Eddie/Joe scene when theyre tracking down Mardon.
And then, of course…
Eobard Thawne and Cisco.
Was this the single best dramatic scene this show has ever done?
Could Blake Neelys music have underlined this any better?
But to me youve been dead for centuries.
The Flashcrossed a line tonight.
Out of Time is more than just great superhero TV (something thats becoming increasingly common).
It was just great TV.
Caitlins brain-freeze crack was cute.
Shes a fun character, and they should take the longest possible time to turn her into a supervillain.
You dont cheap out with someone weve come to like this much.
I dont care if they wait two more seasons.
When it happens, it needs to hurt.
Speaking of supporting characters who need to get superpowers…did we just learn the secret origin of Vibe?
Look, Cisco aint dead.
Im still unclear aboutHarrisonsEobards intentions towards Barry.
He needs Barrys speed to get back to the future but he was in the past to kill Barry.
But if he kills Barry, how could he utilize Barrys speed?
Barry just zipped back in time.
What happens if he prevents his Moms murder?Flashpoint, thats what.
Theyre not messing around, here.
Rating:
5 out of 5
