Seriously, they just did "The Pied Piper" as a villain on The Flash? Touché, to the writer with the testicular fortitude to pitch this episode. I know a lot of you watching at home were upset that the Piper did not go into battle with his deadly flute, but I'm going to take the unpopular stance and say it was a good change to the character which helps keeps with the strong science theme of the show, while still staying true to the comics. I also have to praise the writing team for making the villain connected to the overarching story and not just a ''villain of the week''. I also find the character of Piper interesting as he is not just at odds with the Flash, but Dr. Wells as well. As we know, this may make the Piper a potential ally for the Flash when the Reverse Flash story comes to a head. Keep an eye on this villain, and I can't believe I am about to say this but, the Pied Piper may play a large part in the coming season.
One plot point that I found very interesting is the fact that Dr. Wells is picking these gifted individuals and mentoring them into becoming something more. The Piper says that the Flash is Dr. Wells new toy, so does this mean that he has pushed others into similar situations? We also get a tease of what may have happened the night of the explosion with Caitlin's husband; was it really a mistake that he was trapped down there or was Dr. Wells trying to create a super hero like the Flash? We Know Dr. Wells is reading a magic newspaper from the future and is working to stop this crisis on... well one earth for now. We will have to wait and see.
I know, I know.. I always seem to talk about Barry Allen last, and I was trying to think why that is? I love the character and the actor portraying him, but I think that the real juicy story points are happening more behind Barry's back. Friends and villains scheme, and the Flash plays a very reactionary roll. We see Barry work with the team and find clues at crime scenes and that's great, but I am looking forward to his character being tested and pushed more; like we got on the mid-season finale. Come on Flash!! This is your show man, let's get a strong story ark going! I know they tried the last two episodes with the whole Iris dilemma, but she was clearly not into Barry, so it wasn't like a "will they, wont they" thing. It was just a 'dude... you're like her brother that wants to bone her?...' I mean, creepville at the corner of happy and unhealthy relationships. Fear not though, Iris is like Barry Allen's Gwen Stacy, and sooner or later the writers will spice things up with a Mary Jane. That's right, I just compared one comic hero to another popular comic book hero, because I didn't go outside as a child... wait, what?
This episode did a great job of pushing the Reverse Flash story forward, without blowing it's load. We also got an interesting new villain that has a silly name, which for once Cisco did not come up with. Finally, seeds of tension have been planted on the team which will play a huge part in the coming weeks... O ya, and Iris got a job...See you next week!
Patrick Delaney is a nerd baptized in the flames of Dungeons and Dragons, who would grow up reading comic books, and watching Star Wars like it was the only three movies ever made.. this nerd would one day share his opinions .. on the internet. God save us all ... and follow up on twitter .. @x_fenderx
