So I had some some concerns with this episode, color me surprised however when this episode of The Flash balanced the villains and put some focus on Barry while showing off his own issues.
To me, this episode felt like one big test for Barry. An exam if you would. How does Barry react under pressure, without his powers (and with multiple instances of danger). While I do feel it was a bit early to use the 'hero lost his powers' plot, I thoroughly enjoyed the episode and the fact that it actually managed to surprise me at one point.
Lets start with Blackout who has an endless need for energy. I liked the fact that we saw part of his life before the incident that turned him into a metahuman. It adds a humanizing quality to the episode that at times made me feel something for the character.
Barry's loss of powers I felt was handled well but at times the same as any other show that has used it as a plot point. It aims to show that heroism is deeper then just 'having powers' or 'having cool toys'. When it came to Barry, we saw just how deep that heroism was. Barry was willing to put his life on the line for his friends in order to keep them safe. The end result, that it was all psychological was a letdown though. Harrison's comments at the end however could hint otherwise (but we'll get to that later).
Too many superhero movies and TV shows seem to force us into the brooding superhero. But Barry is what I always picture a superhero to be like. Someone that straight up has fun and enjoys these gifts. In the end, powers are not what make a hero. This is something that Barry has now found out.
We also got a small dose of Girder again this week. I wasn't too interested in the character last week since he felt very much like a steretypical TV bully. Seeing him play a bit of role reversal (however forced it was) was fun to see and it gave added depth to the character that was really needed. Alas however Girder was killed off. I was beginning to really want more from him. In turn I guess that saves Barry who last week revealed his identity to his childhood bully, but it raises yet another issue.
Good old Harrison once again raises even further questions through his actions. I'm really finding his character one of the most fascinating points of the show. Much of the time he feels like such a mentor to Barry, guiding him to become one of the most important heroes in the world. But then as always, his motives become much more murky and that much more interesting.
Harrison appears to have a need to save a specific point in time. Why I have to wonder? Is he trying to get a more positive outcome to The Flash's future disappearance? Or is he trying to perhaps... make something else happen that day?
Overall Feelings:
An overly enjoyable episode. While the plot at times was cliche it was handled really well which made it an enjoyable watch. Harrison continues to raise further questions and Iris is beginning to become a whole lot more likable then she was a month ago. Now if they could just stop killing off the villains (or give us some sign that they might not be dead), that'd be great.
