Flashpoint

"Flashpoint" is probably the best season premiere episode the show has given us after 3 seasons of creatively introducing new things and reinventing themselves. This time we get an iconic story line played out in a rather minimal and small scale manner that certainly will pull lots of strings this season, appropriately titled "Flashpoint ;) ;)".

To start off, this episode really is such a nostalgic episode considering the long break we've had in between seasons and the emotional drive that was the last few episodes of season 2 Flash. Honestly, it seems perfectly fitting we only got the whole "Flashpoint" thing for one episode and it being the pilot in such a smaller scale compared to the comics. The next episode, appropriately titled "Paradox" sheds new light on what this season might actually focus on, which is not the whole "Flashpoint" itself, but how every event and consequences that will eventually happen in this season came from one point in time where Barry screwed up. At the start of the episode, it may seem too much to take in especially if you are a non comic book reader or aren't that too familiar with the concept of Flashpoint, it also doesn't quite help how the explanation comes in at around the 30 minute mark for those audiences scratching their heads. Nonetheless, it is an experience that most of us were waiting for ever since that reveal was made last season finale and it was reasonable considering how the whole "Flashpoint" event in the comics itself won't be able to extend to at least 22 episodes say even 7 episodes at best. For a show that knows its limitations and works with it, it was quite an impressive feat and has all the thrilling and exciting Flash elements you know and love. Moreover, this episode did contain a few flaws that may irritate some and SURELY then some. Number one being it isn't really what most people expected as it isn't as much as a faithful adaptation of the well known story line. Second, it's quite fast paced and doesn't hold on it own accord to stop as much and throws lots of things in for good measure, i.e. Caitlyn thrown in there, Key dramatic moments out of nowhere between certain characters, etc. Third, Kid Flash and the Rival being so short-lived and generic banter, lots of generic lines return and even though the scene plays out as it should be, it's quite irritating to predict whats coming up next and you ending up being right for the next few minutes. However, last point (pun intended), the ending is quite deliberate in trying to set up the season and boy does it look exciting, Alchemy and Savitar, Speedforce and Magic? Iris..????

In the end, it's a pretty good episode considering the limitations this show had with its characters and contrived story line. As long as the show will constantly and creatively bring in new things then this show is certainly worthwhile this season.

Verdict: 8.6/10

The Flash season 3, episode 1, titled Flashpoint, opens the new season with a bold narrative shift that feels both refreshing and emotionally charged. After the dramatic events of season 2, Barry's decision to save his mother creates a whole new timeline, and this premiere explores the weight of that choice in a gripping way.

The episode balances action and emotional depth beautifully. Barry's reunion with his parents is heartfelt and allows Grant Gustin to showcase his ability to portray joy and vulnerability in equal measure. At the same time, the new reality carries unsettling consequences, particularly in how the relationships between familiar characters have been altered. Seeing Cisco as a billionaire, Wally as Kid Flash, and Iris somewhat distant from Barry gives the audience an engaging sense of discovery, as if we are rediscovering the show through fresh eyes.

The writing does an excellent job of highlighting the dangers of tampering with time, creating a sense of unease even during Barry's happiest moments. The pacing keeps the viewer invested, with enough action to satisfy fans of superhero drama while never losing sight of the personal stakes. The tension builds steadily until the heartbreaking realization that Barry's dream world cannot last.

As a season opener, Flashpoint sets the tone with confidence. It delivers on emotional storytelling while also teasing the complexities and darker consequences that will unfold in the episodes ahead. It is a strong, memorable start that captures the essence of The Flash: a story about hope, family, and the cost of the choices we make.

Boy does it feel good to be back reviewing The Flash. I haven't watched much TV since the CW shows and Game of Thrones ended, but I couldn't be more thrilled about getting back into the swing of things. Sure, all the CW shows have at least one new thing going for it this year, but The Flash is the show everyone has been talking about since the all-time great cliffhanger at the end of season 2.

It's pretty surreal that Flash is already on season 3, but the surreal doesn't end there. Barry has found himself stuck between enjoying his rebirth into a life with both his parents and a life without the friends who made him who he really was at the end of last year. It's a difficult dilemma, and one that none of us can say we can relate to in any way, but it made for some dang good television.

As we saw with the trailers, he is living a happy life with his parents and taking a bit of time off from being The Flash we know and love. This comes to head when he begins to lose some of his memories of his previous life in the other timeline, something the Reverse Flash warned him about. I really enjoyed Matt Letscher's presence here, even if it was mostly kept to a secret cell where Barry was keeping him. I understand Letscher has signed on to be one of the members of the Legion of Doom on Legends of Tomorrow, but I would love to see another lengthy arc between him and Barry. Here's hoping we at least get sporadic appearances the rest of the season.

Flashpoint also gave us some twisted looks at Joe, Caitlin, Cisco, Iris, and Wally. All of which have a different life, but we still got the same old charm with their performances. Wally is the Flash, Iris works with the Flash and doesn't know Barry, Caitlin isn't a scientist, and Joe is a bum. Cisco will likely be the one most talked about, considering he had his own "Ramon Industries", which took the place of S.T.A.R. Labs. Which reminds me how intrigued I am to learn of Tom Cavanagh's role this season. I think we all suspect it will be playing the real Harrison Wells, but who knows.

It's worth mentioning a few other tidbits. I thought Blake Neely's score was particularly effective as was the subplot with the villain, Rival. No, we don't have any idea of his motivations or what the heck he was doing against Wally's Kid-Flash, but the slight tease at the end with Alchemy written on a MIRROR was enough to get the hairs on my arm rise.

As much as Barry enjoyed flirting (but really stalking) with Iris for the first time, seeing Cisco run a company, Wally have powers, and living with his parents, I am glad that the Flashpoint timeline is over. The idea is very intriguing as a premise, but I'm far more interested in the repercussions from Flashpoint than I am of spending too much of the season stuck in the timeline. This was a great one- off episode with plenty of ramifications down the line. This season has me really excited.

+Flashpoint ramifications

+Fun changes with characters

+Reverse Flash presence

+Alchemy/Mirror Master/Rival tease

9.3/10

THE FLASH (2014-Present) returns for a third season, and it's not really with a bang. It tries too, but the premiere episode, FLASHPOINT, doesn't make much of a splash. With the death of Barry Allen's/The Flash (Grant Gustin) father, Dr. Henry Allen (John Wesley Shipp, who also played Barry Allen/ The Flash in the 1990 series.), at the end of season two, Barry uses the speed force to travel back in time to prevent his mother, Nora Allen's (Michelle Harrison) death at the hands of Eobard Thawne/ The Reverse Flash (Matt Lescher).

He succeeds. Both parents are alive, well, and in love. However, there's a cost for his personal happiness. Detective Joe West (Jesse L Martin) is a drunk and not speaking to his daughter. Iris West (Candice Patton) is a reporter, as before is a reporter, but she barely knows Barry. Cisco Ramon (Carlos Valdes) is a tech billionaire, Caitlin Snow (Danielle Panabaker) is an opthamologist, and Wally West (Keiynan Lonsdale) is now Kid Flash.

FLASHPOINT essential circles back to old themes and stories. It separates Barry and Iris, again. It forces Barry to choose duty over love, again.

The show feels very formulaic. There's the usual will they/ won't they get together, and the villain of the week/ story arc, but there's very little guess work. The show works, somewhat, because it's it's not as dark as ARROW or LEGENDS OF TOMORROW. The cast has great chemistry. I really do love the cast. All of the performances are strong, and never really just dialed in, but this show sort of needs some pizazz. The writers are getting a bit lazy.

All said and done, it's the actor who carry the show, and since I'm invested I'll keep watching