by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
If you are only going to start watching one new show this season, it should without question be The Flash. Spinning out of events in The CW’s Arrow, viewers will quickly find that Barry Allen is the bright light that we have been waiting for in the world of superheroes.
While Grant Gustin (Glee) might have made his first appearance as Barry during the second season of Arrow, the pilot episode of The Flash (“City of Heroes”) not only recounts the events leading to Barry’s new abilities, but also expands his world and his supporting cast with ease. We were teased with bits and pieces of Barry’s origin during his time with Oliver Queen, but this episode is where lighting really strikes.
Not only does Gustin get a lot of time in the spotlight during his fully costumed debut, but his supporting cast is clearly established in this initial outing as well. The series features Candice Patton (The Game) as Iris West, Rick Cosnett (The Vampire Diaries) as Detective Eddie Thawne, Danielle Panabaker (Justified) as Caitlin Snow, Carlos Valdes (Twisted) as Cisco Ramon, Tom Cavanagh (Scrubs) as Harrison Wells, and Jesse L. Martin (Smash) as Detective Joe West.
In addition to the phenomenal cast, the series will also feature John Wesley Shipp, who previously starred in the 90’s incarnation of The Flash! Shipp joins the series as Henry Allen, Barry’s father. This casting decision is sure to excite fans, and after having spoken with Shipp during Comic-Con, I can confirm that he is equally as excited to rejoin the world of Barry Allen for this new installment.
There has been a lot of discussion about the costume design for The Flash, and for those of you who are concerned, don’t be. Once the costume is in motion, it takes on a life of its own. Just like Arrow, we get teases that this is just the first step in the development of Barry’s uniform (Oliver didn’t start with a mask on Arrow after all).
Executive Producers Andrew Kreisberg (Arrow), Geoff Johns (Arrow, former writer of The Flash comic series), and Greg Berlanti (Arrow) do some big things with Barry right off the bat, setting up some even bigger challenges to come (the Rogues are coming!!!).
Without question, this is the story of Barry Allen. This isn’t a loose adaptation. Fans are going to be thrilled with the level of attention and detail given to creating Barry powers. With an impending crossover with Arrow landing a few episodes into the series, we can’t wait to see the newly powered Barry Allen interact with the larger DC television universe.
ComicsOnline gives The Flash: “City of Heroes” 5 out of 5 truly shocking final pilot moments.
Check out our brand new interviews with Grant Gustin and John Wesley Shipp from The Flash now at @ComicsOnline.
1 COMMENTS