‘THE FLASH,’ SEASON ONE PILOT (AND EPSIODE 2!)

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It’s no secret that Marvel is my favorite. Because of this, usually I’m aware of the new small screen superhero adaptation. This is one of the latest to find its way onto our television screens. 

 The Flash, Season One Pilot (2014) CW TV Review

As a child, Barry Allen is the kid the bigger kids pick on. That’s okay because at home, he feels safe and loved with his parents. That all changes when he’s witness to the murder of his mother, and unable to believe Barry’s claims of what he saw that night, his father is arrested for the murder. Years later Barry (Grant Gustin) is a police forensics tech and he’s still running. Working with the man who took Barry in to raise him, Det. Joe West (Jesse L. Martin) and his daughter Iris (Candice Patton), they are the only two people who are like family to Barry. Iris is also the only girl Barry has ever loved.  

Following an unexplained accelerant explosion, Barry is struck by lightning and left in a coma for nine months. When he finally wakes up, it’s in Dr. Harrison Wells (Tom Cavanagh) STARR labs and under the care of Dr. Caitlin Snow (Danielle Panabaker) and Cisco (Carlos Valdes). Unsettled over the way life moves on during those months he lost, Barry tries to accept these changes. Only the he begins to realize whatever damaged his city also left him with something; a kind of metahuman ability that allow Barry to stand out in ways he never has.  

‘THE FLASH,’ SEASON ONE PILOT (AND EPSIODE 2!). Looking at early impressions of the CW show. All review text © Rissi JC

As a girl who considers Arrow one of my most favorite new shows, I’m thrilled to see CW take on another comic book hero. What’s even more fun is seeing Oliver Queen (Stephan Amell) pop up in the pilot. The scene between Barry and Oliver is an important one and I suspect if you’re current with the goings on in Arrow (which I’m not), this scene is a seamless one. But let’s focus on The Flash, which is a very strong start to what I hope is an entertaining story. One thing many of these origin stories give us is a tragic event that sets into motion the future of these superhero’s lives. That is obviously also the deal with this pilot and to be honest, that can wear thin. Beyond that, it’s all upward from there.  

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‘THE FLASH,’ SEASON ONE PILOT (AND EPSIODE 2!). Looking at early impressions of the CW show. All review text © Rissi JC

While watching this, I forgot Barry works for the police department, which means that it’s a fun “twist” to watch him be in with the good guys before he gains superhero status. Early on, all indications are Barry is a better hero than any writer introduces. He’s not of the bitter sort and instead is more optimistic. I like how the actors portray all of their respective characters though I’ve read that some viewers don’t care for the chemistry – or lack of, between two supporting characters, which could put a damper on any potential romance in the making. What I like best in terms of character interactions in these first two episodes is the relationship between Barry and Joe. It’s complex and is very much the typical father/son relationship. Here’s hoping it doesn’t end tragically.

Two episodes in, and I’m loving this The Flash, season one pilot. It’s got a lighthearted vibe that’s a breath of fresh air while still playing to our love of solving a mystery. Both episodes solve their mystery with the “bigger” picture being the death of Barry’s mother not to mention each has ended on one of those, “wait! My hour can’t be over yet” kind of cliffhangers and I applaud the writers for doing such a grand job with this. It may be the CW, but anyone who gets excited about the recent influx of Marvel domination at the box office or comic books in general would be well rewarded in checking into this latest superhero to crash onto the small screen because this DC Comics adaptation has some chops – cheesy superhero costume and all. 


Content: It’s been too long since I saw the pilot (I’m adding this later since I forget to add in content), but it’s pretty on par with most TV-14 shows. There may be some violence or thematic elements. More of the violence is of the supernatural kind in this show.

Photos: CW

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

10 comments

  1. I am absolutely loving The Flash! I watched Arrow for a bit, but I tuned out because it was always so dark. The Flash, though, is just fun! I'm sure there will be moments of darkness, too, but in both episodes so far I've laughed out loud and various times … and Grant Gustin is just so darn likable :-) This is definitely my favorite new show.

    1. I'm glad you think so, Becky! You know, I read in a review that someone felt the same about Arrow as you do – it was just too dark in comparison. However, I'm still enjoying it – particularly since Felicity is now a primary character. Like you, I hope this one stays "lighter" and yes! Grant is darn adorable – I love that his character is so "good." Makes it easy to root for him. :)

  2. We've been watching this one and enjoying it. It doesn't have any of the more trashy things that some of the CW shows tend to sometimes. Yet. It's also nice to see how much room Flash has to develop. He's got to figure things out and learn some additional skills besides just being fast. I like how they're honest about that. He isn't a trained fighter at this point or completely used to his ability. I'm also curious about the head scientist and thinking maybe he's the one who killed his mom. What a dangerous twist that would be. I hope we both continue to enjoy this one! :)

    1. I agree, Tressa; so far this one is clean and I love that. It will probably not stay that way (I know, that's being a downer, but I've seen it happen ALL too often), but I'm rooting for it to.

      Barry is an awesome character. I like that he's the good guy in the best, most genuine sort of way, and I'm hoping he doesn't become embittered like so many do.

      YES! That scientist has me curious too – I haven't figured the dude out yet – is he good, bad, somewhere in-between!? Keeps me guessing and wondering what will come next. Glad your family is enjoying it. I think it's one I'll keep up with since CW is putting the episodes on their site. :)

  3. I haven't watched it yet! Surprisingly I am interested in it even though I'm not really a DC Comics fan (well except Batman! He's awesome and I so want to watch Gotham)! Will have to tune in since you all said good things about it! :) Happy Saturday!

    1. Hope you enjoy when you see it, Laura; it's a lot of fun and manages to incorporate CW's other DC Comics adaptation, Arrow, which is what this was spun off from. Ooo! Hope you like Gothom, it's dark but really quite good! :)

  4. Oh my, I agree with every word of this fantastic review!! I watch this show with my little sister and we are really enjoying it so far, especially since Barry is such a cutie. Also love what you said about that scene with Arrow. Despite some cheesiness, this is probably one of my new faves as well! :)

    1. Hi, Bekah! Thanks – as always, for reading. I'm super excited about this new show… ;)

      Barry IS a cutie and I love that about him; he's a noble kind of hero, and thus far, isn't embittered, which I like. I was probably grinning like a goofball when Oliver showed up in the pilot – especially since I'm WAY behind with Arrow. I have season two, but haven't watched it just yet. *sigh* Ah, well, I'll get to it. :)

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