The Flash Round Table: Where's the Grief?
Carissa Pavlica
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The Flash Round Table is back, discussing whether or not The Flash Season 2 Episode 1 met its expectations.
Were panelists surprised to learn the fate of Ronnie Raymond? How did the feel about Henry's release from prison? Cisco's place on the metahuman task force? Will we get to see how the West family dealt with the loss of their friend Eddie Thawne?
Settle in and get ready for some scintillating conversation, and join TV Fanatics Allison Nichols, Hank Otero, Whitney Evans and Andy Behbakht of The Flash Podcast by jotting your feelings in the comments. Welcome back!
How do you feel about the fate of Ronnie Raymond?
Allison: He can't really be dead. I forbid it. I mean while he died heroically and all, it happened in a flashback. We didn't really get time to process it. He has to be back! I mean can Martin Stein even be F.I.R.E.S.T.O.R.M. without Ronnie?
Hank: I'm pretty sure the "Singularity" death means the door's open for Ronnie to return. Robbie Amell's absence from Legends of Tomorrow was a major hint he would not be playing Ronnie Raymond in the near future. Then a new F.I.R.E.S.T.O.R.M. appeared in a trailer, so it was clear they were "killing" the character off. However, it's The Flash no one really ever dies. I'm sure we'll see him again at some point.
Whitney: I'm with Hank here, in that I assumed he wasn't long for this world since he wouldn't be a part of Legends of Tomorrow. Considering we never saw a body, I think it's very possible we could see Ronnie again.
Andy: I feel that it was coming, sadly, but this is a comic book show and I honestly can't imagine that we will never see him again. I don't think he is dead, I think he is trapped in Earth 2 and at some point in season one for Legends of Tomorrow, we might hear from him or he will come in in some way.
Everybody was dealing with those events in their own way. Whose stories particularly touched you and why?
Allison: First off, I was annoyed we didn't see Iris and Joe grieving like at all. I wish we focused more on how everyone was coping. I enjoyed Barry's reaction, specifically how he didn't consider himself the hero of that day. He did a lot of great things, but he didn't sacrifice himself. It was interesting to watch how he coped with that (aka rebuilding all of Central City).
Hank: I agree with Allison completely. Aside from staring sadly at Eddie's picture on the wall, it was business as usual for the West family. I'm not trying to knock Iris, I loved her strength and the way she helped Barry refocus. It's just that Barry's way of dealing with things is why we love the guy so much. Things touch him on a far deeper level. I realize several months have gone by, but I'd have trouble moving on so quickly as well.
Whitney: It felt like we only really got to dive into Barry's feelings, which makes sense because this is The Flash after all. Caitlin did get some time to express her grief and I really enjoyed her scene with Barry. This was the second time she lost Ronnie and no one can really imagine what that's like. She needed to get away from her life for awhile and it seemed completely in character for her.
Andy: I agree with Allison, I wanted everyone's grief to be represented but it was heavily focused on Barry and Caitlin, which I don't hate, but I wish everyone had been represented in some way, equally. But yes, Caitlin's story was very heartbreaking, especially when we remember that she got married and lost her husband on the same day. I think we will get to see everyone's grief featured in coming episodes.
What do you think of Cisco's new position on the metahuman task force?
Allison: Cisco working side by side with the police took me by surprise, but Cisco was never going to stop hunting metahumans. It would just never happen, so it made sense that when Barry shut him out that Cisco would find another way to fight the good fight.
Hank: I was thrilled the CCPD recognized his talents and put him to work. The kid is brilliant, so let him do his thing. Of course, once the team was all back together at S.T.A.R. labs it felt like The Flash again. I love that they also name-dropped Cisco on Arrow. He's the man!
Whitney: Cisco and Joe are a great team, so bringing him to CCPD was a great move. Now that I think about, pairing Joe with ANYONE is a good move.
Andy: It was fun and I agree with Hank that it was sweet to see CCPD giving his talents the recognition that he deserves. Also, how adorable was he when he got his badge!
In another shocker, Henry Allen was released due to Harrison Wells' living trust. So many feels from both sides of that situation. React!
Allison: I was really surprised that Wells did that. I never expected it to happen. I gave credence to Wells' comment that him and Barry were never truly enemies. I just can't believe that after all of that, Henry shared that he was leaving town. I mean we couldn't have had Barry and his dad together for one episode?
Hank: Didn't see that confession coming at all, but I loved the twist. Why couldn't Henry hang out for a few episodes? The writers just love to torture poor Barry. He can't get a decent win and enjoy it. Still, I'm fairly certain Henry Allen will pop up on the show now and again. The father/son chemistry is just too fantastic for the showrunners to leave him out of the mix for long.
Whitney: That was a really nice surprise and I think it played out just as it should have. Henry is an important part of Barry's world, but I'm not sure I see where he fits into the dynamic of the show on a consistent basis. Barry will always need his father, and I hope Henry comes around a few times a season to check in and share a few wonderful scenes with his son.
Andy: I'm conflicted on this, I'm happy that Henry FINALLY got released, but I do find Harrison's confession very questionable, mostly because of Eddie's sacrifice, Eobard would never have ended up here. But time travel is wibbely wobbely, so I will go along with it. Now, on to Henry. Why can't we have a scene with Henry where I don't get emotional and all? Damn you John Wesley Shipp and your talent!
However, this decision bothers me, and it feels so unfair to Barry. He spent 14 years trying to get his dad out, and Henry couldn't at least stay for a few days? I trust these writers, so I know there will be a good reason, maybe a big mystery. But for a premiere: it would have been great if Barry could have had a win and not gotten it taken away so fast.
What memorable moment stuck with you from the premiere that you'd enjoy watching again right now?
Allison: Wells' video message to Barry. I was just in shock the first time I watched it, so after the episode finished, I went back to watch that part again. I'll miss Harrison Wells. I really enjoyed his relationship (pre-evil reveal) with everyone.
Hank: I'm a glutton for punishment, but the visual effects for the Singularity stuff blew my mind. I went back and rewatched the Flash/Firestorm scene. The Jay Garrick tease was killer as well and I can't wait to learn more about Earth 2.
Whitney: For some reason I absolutely loved the ending and watched it more than once. From Stein's fashion advice, to the appearance of Jay Garrick and Cisco's "For real?", I thought it was the perfect ending to an awesome premiere.
Andy: Flash Day. Seeing Barry arriving at the celebration and seeing his city cheer for him, are the type of moments that makes me all soft inside.
Although we only got the briefest glimpse of what's coming with Jay Garrick and Zoom, what are your hopes for the season?
Allison: I'm very interested in Jay Garrick's storyline. I'm hoping that we will branch out more mythology wise. I'm also hoping for some kickass crossovers.
Hank: The crossovers are coming Allison, there's no doubt! I'm just hoping the second season is bigger and better, but that they don't switch up their successful formula too much. The show's working, don't mess with a good thing guys. Everything about Earth 2 is ridiculously exciting to me. I can't wait to learn more about the other speedsters and meet Wally West. Woohoooo
Whitney: I can't wait to see how Jay integrates with the team and what he teaches Barry. I too hope the season is bigger and even more thrilling than the first. It sure is off to a great start.
Andy: I'm excited for all of it, Jay, Zoom and the whole idea of the Multiverse. I'm excited about everything that has been announced so far, Wally West, Mama West and so much more!
Here's your look ahead to The Flash Season 2 Episode 2:
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
