The Flash S5 E2 Recap
The Flash is back with it's second episode this season, and so far the show is doing alright. It is a lot better than last season, they introduced great new mysteries in the season premiere, and this episode takes those and (Pardon my pun) runs with it to a mostly satisfying evening of television.
The episode starts off immediately with Barry and Nora catching everyone up from the premiere. No more secrets of why Nora can't go home, everyone is on the same page. We also get to see Cicada's abilities while he takes down Gridlock, and get a glimpse of how he seems like a normal citizen at a factory job.
Episode 2 has two main story lines; Barry trying to connect with Nora, and Ralph and Caitlin trying to help out Cisco get over his breakup. So far I am loving the Barry/Nora relationship. It's cute, and gives Barry a new hurdle to overcome by becoming the Joe of this season and finding the balance of fun with parenting. Cisco's breakup wasn't my favorite part of the episode. He had a few good comedy scenes, but I've seen Cisco depressed before, and it's not a good look for the character.
One subplot that I thought I'd hate is Joe and Cecille dealing with the fading psychic connection to their baby. Instead, I thought it was a nice surprise to see Cecille's motivation for wanting to keep her powers. It was very heartfelt to hear how she had been psychically linked to her baby since pregnancy, and I thought it highlighted a nice moment of how close mothers can be toward there babies, but once their born that connection wavers and parents struggle to give their kids what they want. Nice detail show!
But this is The Flash! We need speed, and villains, so let us keep going back to the boring villain of the week who can make jello cubes around you. Is that not enough? Okay, how about we throw in some gangstas who never learn? Still not enough? Alright, then we'll add The Flash and XS to the mix and it'll really be thrilling...not in the least. It allowed XS to have nice teaching moments with Barry, but the writing down-plays this villain so much that Barry could have easily beaten her, especially when he brought another speedster. Luckily, she doesn't last quickly and the episode ends with Cicada killing said villainess of the week, taking away everyone's powers, and beating them, but stops short of killing when Nora gets back and shouts "Dad!"
Overall, I liked this episode. It has shades of Season 4 in it, which I don't particularly like, but I think it's still going in the right direction, and I am loving the Barry/Nora/Iris relationship. The subplots are thankfully one episode wonders, but they do offer little surprises from time to time. This episode isn't as strong as the premiere, but it's still a promising start to an optimistic season.
Key Points:
- Cicada is an average Joe (Does he get power via the weapon?).
- Cicada can temporarily take away powers.
- Caitlin's Mom has something to do with her Dad's disappearance.
- Nora may know Cicada from the future.
- Nora is still uncomfortable with Iris around.
What did you think of this week's episode? Leave a comment below and join in the fun!
