On Oct. 7, the CW unveiled “The Flash,” a new show based on DC Comics’ speediest superhero.
A spin-off of the network’s other heroic hit “Arrow,” “The Flash” tells the story of forensic scientist Barry Allen (Grant Gustin, “Glee”) as he grapples with his newfound superhuman abilities.
The show is off to a roaring start with a premiere as epic and enjoyable as any big-screen superhero blockbuster. Despite small doses of the CW’s usual cheese, “The Flash” lands on its feet with style, humor and a lot of potential.
The pilot opens with Barry recounting his childhood trauma—hey, every superhero’s gotta have one. When a mysterious man murdered Barry’s mother, the cops pinned it on Barry’s father and left him an orphan. Raised by Detective Joe West (Jesse L. Martin, “Law & Order”), the father of his best friend Iris (Candice Patton, “The Game”), Barry grew up to be an adorkable police forensic scientist.
Elsewhere in Central City, super genius Dr. Harrison Wells (Tom Cavanagh, “The Following”) has just built a powerful particle accelerator with the help of Dr. Caitlin Snow (Danielle Panabaker, “Justified”) and Cisco Ramon (Carlos Valdes, “Arrow”). The machine malfunctions, creating a freak lightning storm that gives several citizens—including Barry—superhuman abilities.
Despite the complicated and slightly-contrived set up, “The Flash” does a surprisingly good job balancing it all out. The first ten minutes feel rushed, given the hefty amount of background information, but once Barry receives his power of super-speed, the show really kicks into gear.
The music, the cinematography and the special effects help set a pictoral tone that runs throughout the show. Watching Barry zoom through the streets of Central City backed by a booming, melodramatic score is utterly thrilling.
The strongest aspect of the show is in its diverse and talented cast of characters. Notable actors Martin and Cavanagh are well-utilized, balancing out an otherwise-young cast more common to the CW.
Martin’s role is reminiscent of his crime fighting days on “Law & Order” as Detective Ed Green, but here he plays a more paternalistic, tough character. Cavanagh, meanwhile, is as charming as he is mysterious, playing a scientist who might know more than he lets on.
Filling out the supporting cast roles are Patton, Panabaker and Valdes. Patton gives Iris a charismatic humor well matched with shy and awkward Barry. Panabaker and Valdes also carve out memorable moments in the episode as Caitlin and Cisco, the intellectual and the daredevil.
The real highlight is Grant Gustin as Barry Allen. Gustin has the perfect balance of charm, pluck and dashing good looks necessary for a leading man. DC Comics’ fans know the Flash to be one of the more wise-cracking members of the Justice League. Gustin instead plays Barry as a confused kid whose world has just turned upside down. The humor is there, but Gustin prioritizes Barry’s ferocious curiosity and bravery over his wit—a change that makes Barry relatable and grounded.
The show’s only flaw is in its maker. The CW ought to stand for the Cheese-Whiz, given its reputation for acting, writing and pretty faces; and “The Flash” definitely falls victim to certain moments of cringe-worthy curdling. But given the comic book nature of the flashy, fantastical show, the cheese is, at least a little bit, warranted.
With such notable characters and a production quality putting the rest of television to shame, it’s easier to focus on the simple fact that “The Flash” is a dazzling good time.
“The Flash” continues its run on Tuesdays at 8/7c on the CW.
