This week we learn that Joe West is a force to be reckoned with. Seriously, if you even touch his kids, he’s going to punch the daylight out of you.
Cisco’s quirky supervillain nicknames are back, and thus we see the birth of Tar Pit – a villain whose entire body is made out of molten asphalt and who can fling flaming chunks of tar at his enemies… that’s gotta hurt. Like any revenge story, seemingly killed Joey Monteleone has returned two years after the particle accelerator explosion, seeking revenge on the two people who dropped him into a tub of boiling tar as an execution. Meanwhile at STAR Labs, Harry creates a device that is able to (sort of) drain Barry’s speed and attaches it to his suit. Shortly after, our sweet Barry gets a scolding by Wells when Barry brings up the previous Harrison Wells, who was a father figure to Barry, with Earth-2 Wells claiming that he already has a kid and doesn’t need another. But the two continue to work together and successfully close a breach of Earth-2.
Iris, who tries to make Wally give up his rebellious dreams of street racing, is accompanied by Joe to one of Wally’s races, in connection to Tar Pit’s sudden act of violence. Going after Tar Pit a second time, Barry is unable to save Iris from a piece of glass that flew straight into her shoulder, making him realize that his speed has indeed decreased. While Barry confides in Cisco and Caitlin over the recent event and his apparent guilt of being too slow, Wells confesses and reveals that he stole Barry’s speed and gave it to Zoom. Which is when Joe throws the first punch of the day – we all knew Joe was the one who was the least eager to work with the new Harrison Wells so this was understandable. The second punch comes when Joe and Barry successfully apprehend Tar Pit, who’s actions led to Iris getting injured.
Wells, trying to plead his case, tells Barry to send him back to Earth-2 and that saving his daughter wasn’t their problem anymore. But this is Barry Allen – possibly the nicest guy you will ever meet. He doesn’t care if you’ve wronged him, he will help you save your daughter from a mad speedster. Understanding why Wells did what he did, Barry explains to the others that they would’ve done the same thing for their loved ones, and so Team Flash sets off on a journey to Earth-2.
A journey to Earth-2? Well, we all know what this means. Killer Frost and Deathstorm. Cue the dramatic background music.
Can you imagine the look on Cisco and Barry’s faces when they see two villains who happen to be the doppelgangers of two of their closest friends? I can’t wait until Cisco names them.
We all knew that Wells would eventually betray Barry, but I personally didn’t think it would be resolved so soon and in such a way. But I’m actually kind of glad, because it would’ve been repetitive otherwise. We’ve seen how Barry has grown as a person, and has learned to let go and do what’s necessary for the greater good, and to see Barry be so understanding of a man who has hurt him so deeply was truly heartening.
But can we just take a moment to talk about Tom Cavanaugh? I honestly did not think he could amaze me any more than he did in the first season. Remember when he was a bowling alley lawyer? I do. Sure, Ed wasn’t the typical show for a nine year old brown girl to watch, but it was on TV and I eventually got bored of watching the Powerpuff Girls, and (with the permission of my parents) moved onto more mature television content. With the second season of The Flash, I’m truly glad that we get to see him kind of bond with Cisco once again, because that was a favorite for me in the first season. Cavanaugh has incredible on-screen chemistry with everyone. If you had to give him a scene with Keiynan Lonsdale (Wally West), I’m sure even that encounter would be worthwhile. He definitely steals the show for me in this week’s episode.
Speaking of Wally, now that he seems to have come to terms with the dangers of his illegal street races does this mean we get to see more of him interacting with Barry? I think that would be interesting. Who knows, maybe the two don’t initially get along and would fight for Joe’s affection. Wally having a bigger role in the upcoming episodes could also be linked to the recent introduction of Hunter Zolomon, but it’s clear that the writers love to play around with original comic storylines and give characters new origins and stories.
And how could I forget the fun little easter egg in the beginning of the episode!
See that pizza box? Yup, the West’s are eating the supposed best pizza ever which hails from Coast City, which also happens to be the home to Hal Jordan aka the Green Lantern. We have gotten Coast City references before in previous episodes, but it still always excites me.
Prepare yourselves to be welcomed into Earth-2 on February 9!
