What I’m Watching: The Flash

The Flash: Season 1, Episode 4 “Going Rogue” (B+)

I stopped watching “Arrow” in the middle of its first season, citing “unexciting directions” as my reason for dropping it. I had a vague recollection that Felicity was a character on that show, but I didn’t remember that I called her “the most annoying character currently found on TV” in my review of that show’s eighth episode. I have to assume that she’s grown into herself on that show because she certainly was a fine addition to this hour. Her chemistry with Barry was great, and she worked in scenes both with the regular people – a.k.a. Iris and Eddie during trivia – and with the smart ones – Caitlin and Cisco – who she managed to outwit with her incredibly quick hacking abilities. I’d love to see her again, and I think her presence was an important reminder for Barry that some people really do root for him even if others can’t hope to notice him. I was also impressed by this week’s villain, who may be back again since he wasn’t caught and put in the basement. He’s the first bad guy not to have powers, and though I thought he might be a version of Mr. Freeze, it turns out Captain Cold is actually a well-known Flash foe. It was great to see Wentworth Miller, whose particular demeanor suited “Prison Break” perfectly, in a role that’s just as fitting and allows him to truly live on the other side of the law. I didn’t mention Joe finding out about Iris and Eddie last week, but I do think that’s being properly handled in a way that feels genuine and doesn’t seem too unserious.