The Flash premiere picks right up where Season Four left off, offering up an emotional story involving Barry Allen and his fiance Iris West. Barry has been trapped in the speed force for six months when he is rescued by Cisco and Caitlin Snow ( she’s back). Barry returns but mentally damaged, a far cry from the hero he once was. He is locked up in Star-Labs drawing strange symbols on the walls; the time in speed force has taken a toll on his mind.
This leaves Iris and Team Flash vulnerable to a new Samurai-inspired villain, who is obsessed with fighting the Flash. In desperation Iris allows the Samurai to kidnap her in hopes that this will awaken the old Barry. Her strategy works in amazing fashion, spurred on by Joe West, the incoherent Barry awakens from his eccentric state and races to save Iris. The villain is deemed “Samuroid” after his defeat reveals that he was a robot. Audiences get a glimpse at the real villain and he looks very menacing.
The Good:
Cisco/Vibe:
- The promotion of the character Cisco is evident in this season premiere and it is a welcoming sight. Sure Cisco has been in the "Vibe" suit before but now it looks like he has full control of his powers and is permanently in the field. The episode still allowed him to be the tech-geek audiences have fell in love with.
- Watching an episode of the Flash always gives audiences warm and fuzzy feelings. This premiere was not different, showcasing the emotion and love that is the foundation of Team Flash. Joe and Iris West’s love for Barry is evident in every scene and truly feels authentic. The show thrives off of these family moments, giving the story lines more substance.
- The emotional awakening of Barry Allen perfectly represented what this show is about. It is more than a superhero show, it's a show about family and strong friendships. Joe wakening Barry by telling him Iris was going to die was very fitting and visually spectacular. Seeing the hero burst through his glass prison to save the day will be very memorable for audiences.
- Flash episodes have an air of predictability to them and this episode, while good, followed a familiar mold. It will be interesting to see if this season can differentiate itself from past seasons. It also would have been nice for the villain Samuroid to have a bigger role in the season, making his “robot reveal” a little more interesting. The CGI in this episode was a little fuzzy as well and hopefully will be improved upon.
- Team Flash is off to good start, reuniting all the members and doing so in emotional fashion. The episode while following a familiar Flash formula still delivers. Score: 8 out of 10