What I’m Watching: The Flash (Season Premiere)

The Flash: Season 8, Episode 1 “Armageddon, Part 1” (B)

It’s weird to have this show premiere now, but it hasn’t been that long since I last saw it given that its finale only aired a few months ago in July. I had remembered reading something about a major crossover in this premiere, but I didn’t realize that – fortunately – it’s all confined to this show, which means I don’t have to pick up a number of series I don’t usually watch for just one episode. It’s fun to see Brandon Routh back as Ray, though he seemed a bit cockier than usual, especially in his interactions with Chester and his complete lack of awareness that Barry and Iris weren’t exactly expecting an unannounced visitor. It’s good that he’s there, of course, given the newfound threat against Team Flash, one that seems like it’s going to be infinitely epic in nature. After easily outthinking the poker gang, Barry went up against a far more formidable nemesis in Despero, and I like that he’s choosing to do what he does best, which is to be honest and forthright about his sincere intentions, to show Despero that he could never become the threat that he believes him to be. That concept is similar to what Superman did on “Superman and Lois” with John Henry that ended up working out in an interesting way. I’m curious to see what the next few episodes bring in terms of familiar faces, and how much time we’ll spend on subplots like Allegra fighting to be taken seriously in her new role.