In this week’s episode of The Flash, Barry entered the speed force and was quickly reminded of the damage he has done to the people closest to him. On the surface, it’s an emotional and somewhat depressing episode, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but enjoy Barry’s misery. First, he was berated by Eddie for creating Flash Point and then he was reminded by Ronnie of the potential family he took away from Caitlin. This week we’re reminded of all the good and all the bad that Barry has done but for some reason, all I could focus on was the reasons we shouldn’t like him.
As for the speed force itself, things were not nearly as exciting or dramatic as I hoped. As he looked for Wally, he was challenged by people like Black Flash and Captain Cold. Although he needed help from Jay Garrick, it never felt like Barry was truly in danger. We knew he would escape safely with Wally, just like we know Jay will eventually be saved from the speed force as well. The Flash just doesn’t have that element of surprise right now.
What’s worse is this week basically reaffirmed that Barry has been relatively useless. He went into the speed force to save Wally but it’s Jay who should really be thanked. While in the speed force he once again admitted that he isn’t fast enough to save Iris, and then while all this was going on, Jesse Quick figured out Savitar’s weakness. Yes, Barry realized that he needs to be the one to save Iris, but right now all he’s done is sulk in his own misery. It’s just gotten repetitive and old.
And then there was the big new at the end of the episode. Apparently, the best way for Barry to save Iris is for them to break up. I guess this was supposed to tug at our heartstrings but it did absolutely nothing for me. Does that make me cold? Their relationship has always felt so forced and expected to me so I never really bought into it. And let’s be honest, we all know they are going to get back together by the end of the season so what’s the big deal (besides the cheesy and awful reasoning, that is)?
With only a few episodes left in the season, it’s going to take a big shakeup and some major surprises to bring The Flash out of its slump. The season and its stories have grown so stale that I can’t help but think I’m going to be disappointed with the outcome of season three. Let’s hope I’m wrong.
Score: 6.5/10
