The Flash The Flash, Season 1, Episode 8 "Flash vs. Arrow"
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kedrell
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This episode was ok but I had kinda expected more from it, quality-wise. There were a few times where things just jumped ahead a few paces without any payoff...like when they just captured Bivolo, matter-of-factly. There was at least one other very awkward transition but at the moment I can't remember what it was. Still, overall not a bad episode, but I hope the other side of this crossover is better. And who the hell was that woman Oliver met in the coffee shop at the end?
7/10
7/10
DigificWriter
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My review (cross-posted):
Before I get into offering my thoughts on the episode, I want to say that whoever played the character of Ray Bivolo/Prism wasn't Patrick Sabongui as the official synopsis claims that it was. Sabongui plays David Singh, Barry, Eddie, and Joe's boss at the CCPD.
Now, onto my thoughts on the episode itself.
Barry just running around doing random stuff was really weird... doubly so because it had absolutely nothing to do with anything else that happened in the episode. Had I been in charge of editing the episode, that's something that would've immediately hit the cutting room floor.
I liked Ray Bivolo's relatively unassuming nature and the way that we never found out exactly what caused him to be able to affect people's negative emotions the way that he could. It was not only a nice departure from the rest of the episodes and the way they've dealt with introducing their MotWs (Metahumans of the Week), it allowed most of the episode's plot to rightfully focus on Team Arrow's interactions with Barry and "Team Flash", and to explore the different ways that certain characters reacted to both the presence of The Arrow in Central City and the practical realities of Barry's activities as The Flash. Even with Joe on his side, it was somewhat inevitable that somebody in the CCPD might decide to take exception to what Barry has been doing with his 'free time', and it was nice to see that particular story point show up, something that I don't think would've been possible if the episode had spent time trying to explain Mr. Bivolo's abilities and their cause.
I do wish there'd been more of a focus on the plot point that will dominate the Arrow side of the crossover event - Digger Harkness' boomerang - but that's my only real complaint about the episode, and as far as 'macguffins' go, it was a pretty neat way to get "Team Arrow" to Central City and give them an excuse to interact with the members of "Team Flash".
Speaking of said interaction, there are three things that stood out to me about it that I want to briefly touch on:
* Diggle's reaction to what Barry can do was priceless, and played absolutely perfectly by David Ramsey
* I loved that the writers had Oliver basically voice what we as an audience have known since the Pilot: there's something 'off' about Harrison Wells. I just wish he'd said it within earshot of Barry, Cisco, and Caitlin
* There should've been more of a reaction from everybody in the room when Wells randomly outed Oliver as The Arrow, especially since he'd very shortly before asked Felicity to tell him who The Arrow was
* Oliver shooting arrows at Barry was a funny scene sequence, but didn't seem to have much point in and of itself, although I did like the scene where Felicity admits that she knew Oliver was planning to shoot Barry with arrows, especially his reaction and her "it's hard to tell when Oliver is joking" response
* Caitlin and Cisco walking in on a bra-clad Felicity after Barry had to rip her burning blouse off was perfectly played, and a perfect way to follow up on the obvious chemistry between Grant and Emily and the not-quite-resolved issues in their relationship from Felicity's previous trip to Central City
I've made it publicly known that I really want the writers/producers of this show to deviate from the comics and not pair Barry and Iris together, and was therefore really glad to see them take the bold step of severing the blooming relationship between her and Barry's red-clad alter-ego, because it's the first sign that they might end up giving me what I want to see, and also helps strengthen the relationship between Iris and Eddie - which I really enjoy - by giving them a 'common cause'. It also puts Iris on a very interesting path as far as her journalism and blogging activities goes.
Speaking of Eddie, I think tonight's episode pretty much cements it that, contrary to speculation, he's not going to turn out to be "The Man in the Yellow Suit" (whose proper debut will be coming next week), and I think that's great because it allows the writers to do things with his character that are far more interesting and nuanced than just having him be a bad guy.
We knew from the official synopsis for next week's episode that Ronnie was set to return, but I liked that we didn't actually have to wait until next week and got his official return in tonight's episode stinger. I'm not sure how this whole 'dual consciousness' thing is going to work vis a vis his character, but am interested to see what happens when he and Caitlin are reunited and if she ends up finding out about his fiery condition.
All in all, tonight's episode was a very satisfying way to kick off the 2-part crossover event between the two shows, but I also liked that the crossover wasn't the only thing that the episode set up, which can sometimes happen when you have big events of this kind (where the story is all about the crossover and not about stuff that's actually going to be pertinent beyond the crossover).
Before I get into offering my thoughts on the episode, I want to say that whoever played the character of Ray Bivolo/Prism wasn't Patrick Sabongui as the official synopsis claims that it was. Sabongui plays David Singh, Barry, Eddie, and Joe's boss at the CCPD.
Now, onto my thoughts on the episode itself.
Barry just running around doing random stuff was really weird... doubly so because it had absolutely nothing to do with anything else that happened in the episode. Had I been in charge of editing the episode, that's something that would've immediately hit the cutting room floor.
I liked Ray Bivolo's relatively unassuming nature and the way that we never found out exactly what caused him to be able to affect people's negative emotions the way that he could. It was not only a nice departure from the rest of the episodes and the way they've dealt with introducing their MotWs (Metahumans of the Week), it allowed most of the episode's plot to rightfully focus on Team Arrow's interactions with Barry and "Team Flash", and to explore the different ways that certain characters reacted to both the presence of The Arrow in Central City and the practical realities of Barry's activities as The Flash. Even with Joe on his side, it was somewhat inevitable that somebody in the CCPD might decide to take exception to what Barry has been doing with his 'free time', and it was nice to see that particular story point show up, something that I don't think would've been possible if the episode had spent time trying to explain Mr. Bivolo's abilities and their cause.
I do wish there'd been more of a focus on the plot point that will dominate the Arrow side of the crossover event - Digger Harkness' boomerang - but that's my only real complaint about the episode, and as far as 'macguffins' go, it was a pretty neat way to get "Team Arrow" to Central City and give them an excuse to interact with the members of "Team Flash".
Speaking of said interaction, there are three things that stood out to me about it that I want to briefly touch on:
* Diggle's reaction to what Barry can do was priceless, and played absolutely perfectly by David Ramsey
* I loved that the writers had Oliver basically voice what we as an audience have known since the Pilot: there's something 'off' about Harrison Wells. I just wish he'd said it within earshot of Barry, Cisco, and Caitlin
* There should've been more of a reaction from everybody in the room when Wells randomly outed Oliver as The Arrow, especially since he'd very shortly before asked Felicity to tell him who The Arrow was
* Oliver shooting arrows at Barry was a funny scene sequence, but didn't seem to have much point in and of itself, although I did like the scene where Felicity admits that she knew Oliver was planning to shoot Barry with arrows, especially his reaction and her "it's hard to tell when Oliver is joking" response
* Caitlin and Cisco walking in on a bra-clad Felicity after Barry had to rip her burning blouse off was perfectly played, and a perfect way to follow up on the obvious chemistry between Grant and Emily and the not-quite-resolved issues in their relationship from Felicity's previous trip to Central City
I've made it publicly known that I really want the writers/producers of this show to deviate from the comics and not pair Barry and Iris together, and was therefore really glad to see them take the bold step of severing the blooming relationship between her and Barry's red-clad alter-ego, because it's the first sign that they might end up giving me what I want to see, and also helps strengthen the relationship between Iris and Eddie - which I really enjoy - by giving them a 'common cause'. It also puts Iris on a very interesting path as far as her journalism and blogging activities goes.
Speaking of Eddie, I think tonight's episode pretty much cements it that, contrary to speculation, he's not going to turn out to be "The Man in the Yellow Suit" (whose proper debut will be coming next week), and I think that's great because it allows the writers to do things with his character that are far more interesting and nuanced than just having him be a bad guy.
We knew from the official synopsis for next week's episode that Ronnie was set to return, but I liked that we didn't actually have to wait until next week and got his official return in tonight's episode stinger. I'm not sure how this whole 'dual consciousness' thing is going to work vis a vis his character, but am interested to see what happens when he and Caitlin are reunited and if she ends up finding out about his fiery condition.
All in all, tonight's episode was a very satisfying way to kick off the 2-part crossover event between the two shows, but I also liked that the crossover wasn't the only thing that the episode set up, which can sometimes happen when you have big events of this kind (where the story is all about the crossover and not about stuff that's actually going to be pertinent beyond the crossover).
Frodo
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I'm a bit more torn by this episode than everyone else is. While it was good overall, the gimmick to get "Bad Barry" was a bit iffy to me but I understand if you're gonna have them fight you've got to go that route . I just don't want to see that happen when BvS comes out.
I also ended up liking Iris less at the end of the episode than I did going into it , and kinda hoping Eddie finds someone better. They're starting to take her down Lana and Laura land and I really hope they don't do that. That's just me though .
I do think they made Oliver look better in this episode than he has the entire season of his own series. I did find it odd Felicity was making goo goo eyes at him after what happened between them in the "Cupid" episode of Arrow and that was kinda a glaring inconsistency to me. That said, I do like that they're moving forward toward the baby mama stuff on Arrow.
The fight fine though I didn't entirely buy Arrow bringing it to a draw outside of him outsmarting Flash. Other than that, the repressed anger stuff I thought was good even if the villain was kinda week. That said though I'd give it an 8/10.
My only personal concern really going forward is with how Iris's character is being written.
I also ended up liking Iris less at the end of the episode than I did going into it , and kinda hoping Eddie finds someone better. They're starting to take her down Lana and Laura land and I really hope they don't do that. That's just me though .
I do think they made Oliver look better in this episode than he has the entire season of his own series. I did find it odd Felicity was making goo goo eyes at him after what happened between them in the "Cupid" episode of Arrow and that was kinda a glaring inconsistency to me. That said, I do like that they're moving forward toward the baby mama stuff on Arrow.
The fight fine though I didn't entirely buy Arrow bringing it to a draw outside of him outsmarting Flash. Other than that, the repressed anger stuff I thought was good even if the villain was kinda week. That said though I'd give it an 8/10.
My only personal concern really going forward is with how Iris's character is being written.
antonydelfini
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Great episode. The greatest live action superhero series ever. And it keeps on getting better.
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That was about as good of a fight (visually and strategically) as I could have expected. Some of GA's reaction to Flash's speed punches was off, but overall it was a treat.
Diggle's reaction to Barry and a number of Cisco's quips (particularly the Jedi one,which is exactly what I was thinking at the time) were hysterical.
Captain Singh mentioning his boyfriend. Pied Piper?
I am not looking forward to the Oliver babymama drama. On a similar note, the Eddie-led task force and Iris 'leave me alone' bit seemed inevitable. Don't care. At all. The latter seems especially ridiculous given that Flash offered a plausible explanation, has more than proven himself to be a force for good and how nonsensically gaga she's been to this point. Just spare me.
I'm glad the episode had a definitive ending, rather than some 'to be continued' that picks up tomorrow mid-fight. Good to see Ollie picked up on something being off about Wells.
That Firestorm shot was completely unexpected... and sensational. Although, the way Amell was talking about it earlier, I thought he'd have some crazy wig on and look ridiculous. His words. I suppose the forced inclusion of the preceding shot with the Kaitlin/Ronnie photo was needed for those of the non-fanboy persuasion to make the connection. Can't wait to see where that goes.
And we get Boomer tomorrow.
Diggle's reaction to Barry and a number of Cisco's quips (particularly the Jedi one,which is exactly what I was thinking at the time) were hysterical.
Captain Singh mentioning his boyfriend. Pied Piper?
I am not looking forward to the Oliver babymama drama. On a similar note, the Eddie-led task force and Iris 'leave me alone' bit seemed inevitable. Don't care. At all. The latter seems especially ridiculous given that Flash offered a plausible explanation, has more than proven himself to be a force for good and how nonsensically gaga she's been to this point. Just spare me.
I'm glad the episode had a definitive ending, rather than some 'to be continued' that picks up tomorrow mid-fight. Good to see Ollie picked up on something being off about Wells.
That Firestorm shot was completely unexpected... and sensational. Although, the way Amell was talking about it earlier, I thought he'd have some crazy wig on and look ridiculous. His words. I suppose the forced inclusion of the preceding shot with the Kaitlin/Ronnie photo was needed for those of the non-fanboy persuasion to make the connection. Can't wait to see where that goes.
And we get Boomer tomorrow.
dreammaster
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awesome episode
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The first part of the crossover delivered big time for me, tremendous fun! 
I loved seeing the characters from the two shows mixing, Digg's reaction to Barry, Iris's reaction to Ollie, the Felicity and Caitlyn science girls scene, and Digg and Cisco debating on who was gonna win between Flash and Arrow lol.
I thought Joe not wanting Arrow in his city made sense as he's a straight shooting cop, he's had no communication with him and Ollie has killed a lot of people.
I also thought Wells reaction made sense as well, he's a manipulator, it was one thing for him to play friendly when Ollie was in another city, but he doesn't want him too close with Barry as Ollie is one of the few people that may look fully into Wells, he's an element Wells can't control and thus a threat, hence he immediately turns Barry's mind to the negative regarding Arrow's influence. The fact Ollie immediately feels there is something off with Wells bares this out.
The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the sudden change in Eddie and him wanting to become JJJ with a badge, it was totally out of the blue. It was as if the writers read the positive feedback on the characters "none cliche love rival for the lead" personality, and decided to do something to assure the audience want him away from Iris.
There is no doubt the show runners played Ollie very much as Batman here, from the way he out-thought Barry to the way Joe made reference to terrorist attacks hitting Starling since The Arrow showed up, blaming him for the villains ala Batman.
Using the villain of the week as merely a means to set up The Flash vs Arrow fight was fine with me and I thought bar the speed punches part the fight was brilliantly done.
Now hopefully they deliver an equally satisfying action sequence tomorrow with Arrow and Flash combining their skill sets as a team!
t:
I loved seeing the characters from the two shows mixing, Digg's reaction to Barry, Iris's reaction to Ollie, the Felicity and Caitlyn science girls scene, and Digg and Cisco debating on who was gonna win between Flash and Arrow lol.
I thought Joe not wanting Arrow in his city made sense as he's a straight shooting cop, he's had no communication with him and Ollie has killed a lot of people.
I also thought Wells reaction made sense as well, he's a manipulator, it was one thing for him to play friendly when Ollie was in another city, but he doesn't want him too close with Barry as Ollie is one of the few people that may look fully into Wells, he's an element Wells can't control and thus a threat, hence he immediately turns Barry's mind to the negative regarding Arrow's influence. The fact Ollie immediately feels there is something off with Wells bares this out.
The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the sudden change in Eddie and him wanting to become JJJ with a badge, it was totally out of the blue. It was as if the writers read the positive feedback on the characters "none cliche love rival for the lead" personality, and decided to do something to assure the audience want him away from Iris.
There is no doubt the show runners played Ollie very much as Batman here, from the way he out-thought Barry to the way Joe made reference to terrorist attacks hitting Starling since The Arrow showed up, blaming him for the villains ala Batman.
Using the villain of the week as merely a means to set up The Flash vs Arrow fight was fine with me and I thought bar the speed punches part the fight was brilliantly done.
Now hopefully they deliver an equally satisfying action sequence tomorrow with Arrow and Flash combining their skill sets as a team!
t:
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DarthDorranceBane
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So, Connor Hawke?
roach
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Heat Wave uses a gun
DigificWriter
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Plus, we've already been introduced to Heat Wave at the conclusion of the episode "Captain Cold", and he's being portrayed by Dominic Purcell.
Caitlin looking at the photograph of her and her fiance Ronnie Raymond literally seconds before the scene cut to that outdoor location should've been a giveaway that we were about to get our first glimpse of said character's superhuman alter-ego.
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gugumugats
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Omg omg omg omg omg omg.
That was a good fight without too many contrivances.
That was a good fight without too many contrivances.
antsman41
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Maybe they shoot food in like how banks do drive-thru tubes?
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Last season on Arrow, we found out that prior to the island, a young, irresponsible Oliver had fathered a child while cheating on Laurel. Oliver's mother paid the girl $2 million to tell him that she'd miscarried, and to leave Starling City, never to return.
The young woman in the coffee shop is Oliver's "babymama."
roach
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In the comics that child Connor Hawk grows up to become Green Arrow
kedrell
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Oh, thanks. Yeah, I do remember that now.
rashad
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Actually it did. That setup was paid off at the end when Oliver got the upper hand on Barry. "Fool me once".
Asteroid-Man
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DammitHahaha, that's so funny, I ALSO heard "Batman" but the close captions confirmed it was "that man" haha.
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