TV Review: ‘The Flash’ Season 9, Episode 3
by Frank Martin
There are many downsides to a show lasting as long as The Flash. It’s hard to find new territory to explore and new storylines to follow. At the same time, there are a lot of benefits to surviving for nine seasons — one of which being a huge stable of characters to employ. So many minor villains have appeared over the years that it’s awesome The Flash can reach back and have those characters reappear in episodes like this one. In fact, it was great that they set these past rogues against each other. Unfortunately, the episode was nevertheless lackluster with a plot that failed to captivate.
The focus on the rogues continues as they carry on stealing various components to build a cosmic treadmill. After Barry (Grant Gustin) realizes what they are trying to construct, he hones in on the final component that is being held by the Department of Defense. Because they won’t heed the Flash’s warning, he puts together a team of his own rogues in order to steal it first. Unfortunately, Mark (John Cor) turns on them because the mysterious Red Death promised she would bring Frost (Danielle Panabaker) back.
The highlight of this episode came in its closing moments as the Red Death finally took off her helmet, revealing that it’s Batwoman (Javicia Leslie) underneath. This episode also tied into Gotham City, connecting this storyline with Batwoman. That show was canceled, so it’s hard to do a direct crossover, though that may work in The Flash’s favor. They don’t have to worry about stretching this storyline across multiple series. They could focus in on the Flash and deliver a solid Red Death storyline that can both end The Flash and Batwoman on good notes.
The Flash airs Wednesdays on the CW.
