What I'm Watching: The Flash

The Flash: Season 3, Episode 17 "Music Meister" (C+)

So I don't really read much about shows or episodes before they air, and as a result some major crossover events like this one come as a surprise to me. I'm not sure I would have been any more excited had I known what was in store. The entire existence of the Music Meister felt unnecessary, and showing up to teach them a lesson about the power of love was far from a convincing legitimization of his appearance. I'm also not sure why we needed a musical episode, though I can understand that the talent involved makes it seem like a no-brainer. I remember seeing Grant Gustin, Jesse L. Martin, and Victor Garber in musicals back when I first heard of each of them, and it suddenly occurred to me halfway through the episode that the Meister was played by Darren Criss, who had a thread with Gustin during his breakout role on "Glee." Having Cisco, Stein, Winn, and Merlyn play parts in the musical was moderately fun, but I've seen the same thing done better in other projects in the past. I honestly would have preferred to see Kara and Barry get together before going back to the old inevitable couples from their respective shows. Barry re-proposing to Iris while belting out an incredibly operatic tune was one way to reignite the romance, and at least it means that they'll be back on the right track, united to finally try to defeat Savitar once and for all by the end of the season. This musical diversion shouldn't last past this episode, and I think there's more to be done to cover the team in its own universe without the need for more musical tunes.