The Flash may be one of the most iconic superheroes yet to have a big-screen adaption. A majority of people are familiar with the “fastest man alive”, whether it be from reading comics, watching cartoons, or just from that lightning bolt T-shirt that Sheldon Cooper sports on The Big Bang Theory.
Instead of a blockbuster film, The Flash speeds onto this generation’s screens on network television. With quality production values and solid acting, the show is on the fast track to be a hit. The pilot episode, aptly titled City of Heroes, delivers story and action at a fast pace, establishing characters and building a strong world.
We meet Barry Allen, a young and bumbling forensic scientist who is never on time. Barry’s hobby is investigating urban legends, something that he has done since he was a boy and his mother was murdered by a (seemingly) super-powered and supernatural force. He has grown up in the house of his best friend Iris West and her father Detective Joe West.
While Barry is working in his lab one night, a freak lightning storm forms in the sky above him. He is struck by lightning and doused in chemicals from his shelves, instantly sinking into a coma.
Barry emerges nine months later under the care of the talented scientist at STAR Labs, and learns that he able to run quicker than the speed of sound.
The first two episodes are directed by David Nutter, who has directed multiple episodes of Game of Thrones, Band of Brothers, and Homeland. He makes efficient use of super speed, slowing down the world and putting us inside the mind of Barry. For example, while Barry is talking to Iris shortly after he emerges from his coma, a nearby waitress drops a cup of coffee. Barry (and the audience) perceives the whole world in slow motion as the coffee makes its downward flight.
Confused by his abilities, Barry returns to the scientists at STAR Labs who took care of him while he was under. They are positive and responsive, helping Barry control his speed. However, STAR Labs may not be trustworthy, for it is revealed to the audience that STAR Labs was involved in the creation of the freak storm that gave Barry his powers. The man in charge, Dr. Harrison Wells, also has his own hidden (and possibly sinister) motivations.
Every character is unique and rounded, with a different prose and personality, something gladly welcome on a network television show.
Grant Gustin (formerly of Glee) is a joy as Barry Allen, mixing awkward social encounters with his personal goal to do well in the world. Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order) gives a solid performance as Detective West, more or less the parental figure to Barry.
The Flash will deliver a strong first season, dealing with the mysterious STAR Labs, the secret motivations of Dr. Wells, and the relationship between Barry and Detective West as they balance forensics work, superpowers and trying to find truth behind the murder of Barry’s Mother.
“The Flash” airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on The CW.
