TV Review: ‘The Flash’ Season 9, Episode 5
by Frank Martin
There were a lot of fears going into this two-part Red Death episode of The Flash. For one: it would come to a climax with the villainous character too soon without properly developing her as a threat that has the most amount of impact on the series and its characters. While Death Storm (Robbie Amell) had a much better lead up last year, both characters suffered the same fate as they weren’t really the “big bad” villain of their respective seasons. Death Storm was defeated so early on that he never made an another appearance. It is unclear if the Red Death (Javicia Leslie) will return, but it seems as if she is already done.
The episode saw Red Death essentially create multiple versions of herself to turn Central City into an authoritarian police state. This was part of her plan to stop criminals for good. Without his speed, the Flash (Grant Gustin) had to turn to Grodd in order to get it back. This resulted in a final clash with the Red Death during which the real Batwoman (also Leslie) showed up. The two of them team up to beat Red Death, and the episode ends on a bittersweet note as Joe (Jesse L. Martin) says his goodbyes as he prepares to leave leave Central City.
Given that this is The Flash’s last season and the Red Death is a great villain, the way they handled her is pretty disappointing, especially since Grodd was pretty much a throwaway character here. It’s unclear what threat or challenges the Flash will face as the series comes to a close. But it is definitely clear that they are winding things down. There wasn’t even an epilogue scene to lead into what comes next. While seeing the Red Death at all is a treat, it’s doubtful fans will be disappointed that this show is ending.
The Flash airs Wednesdays on the CW.
