What I’m Watching: The Flash

The Flash: Season 2, Episode 5 “The Darkness and the Light” (B+)

And just like that, we’re back to having Harrison Wells as an influential figure who seems to be wise beyond his years. The crucial difference is that this Wells is just as accomplished and knowledgeable, but he is not a kind person. Cisco put it particularly well, and Jay’s rivalry with Wells seems to be more personal than professional. Having him as an ally is definitely a boon to the team, since they’re obviously going to be encountering new threats on a regular basis, starting in this episode with Dr. Light. I didn’t remember who Linda was when she took off her mask, but I do like the idea of having people from Earth One who we know appear as different versions of themselves from Earth Two, and I’m looking forward to whoever we meet again next. Barry temporarily going blind was a helpful device to make his first date with Patty plenty awkward, but kudos to him for not cancelling and her for pointing out the very clear fact that he couldn’t see and not letting it put a damper on things. I was also thrilled to see Kendra, the barista who shut Cisco down, encourage him to ask her out so that she could answer the right way this time. I’m paranoid that she’s up to no good, but in fact it’s him who’s hiding something from her, the newly revealed fact that he’s a metahuman with a pretty awesome and descriptive name, Vibe. Hopefully that won’t send her running.