The Flash Season 1, Episode 2 ‘Fastest Man Alive’
Written by Andrew Kreisberg & Geoff Johns
Directed by David Nutter
Airs Wednesday at 8pm ET on The CW
The Flash is two for two. In the second episode, ‘The Fastest Man Alive’, Barry and Joe West’s relationship takes center stage while Barry does battle with the multiplying Multiplex. The character work in the show is what makes it standout and the father son dynamic between Joe and Barry feels like a fleshed out and very sweet one. Jesse L. Martin truly looks hurt when Barry angrily screams that he isn’t really his father (not the most original line, but it works in the context of the episode). They’re not related by blood, but they really do feel like a father and his son and you can’t help but smile when they’ve made peace in the end. Grant Gustin is also just insanely likable, so that show really has that going for it.
Barry and his relationship with his team at S.T.A.R. labs are also worthy of note. Caitlin is very on edge and over protective of Barry, which probably stems from the loss of her fiancée and the episode’s arc convincingly brings her around to the idea of Barry’s superhero antics.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the series’ first two episodes is Harrison Wells. Last week’s surprise cliffhanger upped the ante a little bit and this week’s ending only left us with more questions. In the final moments of the pilot it could be inferred that Harrison has villainous intentions and with him murdering Stagg at the end of this episode, he is certainly not a good guy, but he claimed to be doing to keep Barry safe. Is he protecting Barry in order to allow the Flash to save the world at a later date? Or does he have more dastardly plans in mind?
Speaking of Simon Stagg and Stagg Industries, the show keeps piling on ideas, both famous and obscure, from the greater DC universe. Many diehard fans will know that the company has ties to Metamorpho, the Metal Men, Animal Man, and the Birds of Prey. On top of that, it’s just nice to see William Saddler working, as he is an actor that brings back memories of a simpler time (and naked tai chi in Die Hard 2).
It was also great that the episode addressed the Flash’s abilities and his growth into the role of superhero. First off he is experiencing dizzy spells, which are caused by fatigue due to not eating and drinking enough. This is a fun development that didn’t occur in the comics until Wally West took up the mantel in the 90s. Another nice touch is that Barry doesn’t know how to fight. He’s a scientist, not a brawler. No one really thinks about it, but a lot of our favorite superheroes aren’t fighters prior to their powers, but somehow know how to hold their own in battle after becoming super. There is a learning curve to it, which will continue to be an entertaining journey as the show goes on.
Just a minor thing, but Cisco builds a super powers treadmill. This could be a very interesting invention going forward and might be hinting at the cosmic treadmill.
So with all that, The Flash continues to be awesome with ‘The Fastest Man Alive’ and all things indicate that the show is set to remain awesome for the foreseeable future.
