With The Flash Season 2 set to premiere next Tuesday after an agonizing five month long summer break, I thought I'd take you all back down memory lane for some of last season's best moments. It's fair to say this CW show surprised everyone, racking up delivering plenty of heart, excitement and nods to DC Comics - with a healthy dose of cheese on top for good measure.
I've compiled a list of my personal favorite scenes from the show's freshman run below. Naturally, there will be SPOILERS so don't come crying to me!
10) Hannibal Hamill, Tricksters
“You know, when I was free and at my height, a day without casualties was like - well, like the Cubs winning the pennant - it just never happened.” – James Jesse
Personally, I felt the fan-favourite Tricksters episode was a little too over the top, but it was hard not to be impressed by Mark Hamill’s delectably devious Hannibal Lecter impression. I love it when shows pay homage to those that came before them, so the decision to bring back Hamill as an ageing Trickster was a stroke of genius in my book. He’s clearly having a blast here – toying with Barry & Joe in his triumphant return – and reminding fans why he’s revered as a geek icon.
9) Back In Time, Out Of Time
“Oh boy…” – Barry Allen
Up until its fifteenth episode, The Flash had been a fun but ultimately fairly routine weekly adventure. This was when things changed. The writers burst through their ceiling with two little words: time travel. Not content to stash storylines for later seasons, the show moved at a breakneck pace (sorry) – introducing all kinds of goodies from Flash lore. The inclusion of time travel was so unexpected, so brilliant… it’s perfectly epitomized in this final scene from Out Of Time.
8) Captain Cold Tricks The Flash, Rogue Air
“It's true I did [give you my word], but here's the thing: I'm a criminal. And a liar. ANd I hurt people. And I rob them. What did you expect me to do? Not be what I am?” – Leonard Snart
Love him or hate him Wentworth Miller’s wonderfully campy Leonard Snart always left his mark. Despite spending most the first season hamming it up with his former Prison Break co-star Dominic Purcell's Heatwave, Captain Cold had his fair share of badass moments – and this one takes the cake. Manipulative, calculating and… well, cold, Snart delivers a monologue worthy of his comic book counterpart here – all the while laying the foundations for his infamous Rogues…
7) Barry Meets His Mom, Fast Enough
“This won't make any sense, but it's me, Mom. It's Barry. Your Barry.” – Barry Allen
You might criticize me for not placing this moment higher, and I can understand why. For most people, the Season 1 finale was an emotional rollercoaster, full of shocks, tension and plenty of fan service. For me it was… not quite as great as the mid-season finale. There’s no complaining about this scene though. Barry finally gets the opportunity to save his mother – but opts to say goodbye instead. Bittersweet and heartbreaking, it's some of Grant Gustin’s best work all season.
6) Enter Gorilla Grodd, Fallout
“That voice, it's in my head... Dear God.” – Wade Eiling
“Not God... GRODD!” – Gorilla Grodd
The Flash surprised me throughout its freshman season. From the VFX to the performances, the show always exceeded my expectations. Still, I never saw this coming. Not in a million years. While Grodd Lives was a strong episode in itself, nothing could replace the pure shock of seeing that walking, telepathic beast come to life (excellently voiced by David Sobolov). To see Grodd alongside the increasingly formidable Reverse-Flash was just the icing on the cake.
5) Run, Barry, Run!, City Of Heroes
“I am responsible for all of this. So many people have been hurt because of me, and when I looked at you all I saw was another potential victim of my hubris. And yes, I created this madness. But you, Barry, you can stop it. You can do this now RUN, BARRY, RUN!” – Harrison Wells
It’s time we talk about Tom Cavanagh. Charismatic, versatile and consistently brilliant, the former Scrubs star elevated every scene he was in – whether it be as a father figure or villain. Here’s a prime example of the former. At the end of the Pilot, Cavanagh delivers an impassioned speech that not only puts a well-known Forrest Gump catchphrase to good use, but also sets the viewer’s pulse racing. Pair it with Blake Neely’s fantastic score and it's remarkably cinematic.
4) Thawne Kills Cisco, Out Of Time
“The truth is, I've grown quite fond of you, and in many ways, you have shown me what it's like to be a son... Forgive me, but to me you've been dead for centuries.” – Eobard Thawne
There are two sides to every coin. In what is probably his finest hour on the show, Cavanagh blends’ his character's dual personas during a heartbreaking conversation with Cisco. Though this scene would eventually get retconned by time travel, it’s difficult not to well up (sorry) watching it. Cavanagh is terrifyingly evil, but Carlos Valdes helps make this scene special. You share Cisco’s fear as Thawne toys with him - before eventually delivering that devastating killer blow.
3) The Flash v. Reverse-Flash v. Firestorm, The Man In The Yellow Suit
“Don't look for me again.” – Ronnie Raymond
The Man In The Yellow Suit had everything: mystery, tension, emotion and a captivating finale. While the Reverse-Flash’s final fight against Barry/Ronnie/Oliver is marred by plot holes and horrendous dialogue, this action piece works. Short but sweet, it has shades of Malcolm vs. Oliver in Arrow S1 - with Barry left completely outmatched by his nemesis. Robbie Amell’s Firestorm steals the show though, swooping in like a badass with the best kind of Deus ex Machina.
2) I Know What You’ve Given Up, The Man In The Yellow Suit
“You were too consumed with what happened to me and your mom to let yourself have a life. Well let it go now Barry. Hear me now. The man in the yellow suit, he's taken enough from us already. Don't let him take anymore.” – Henry Allen
If you thought bringing Mark Hamill back was a good idea, then casting 90's Flash John Wesley Shipp as Henry Allen was a masterstroke. This man always delivered the feels - whenever they were required. And yet, out of all of his and Barry’s heart-to-hearts, this is easily my favourite. It’s touching yet comforting, and perfectly captures that bond between father and son. Both actors nail the scene, aided once again by Blake Neely with an overwhelmingly emotional score.
1) "Cool", City Of Heroes
“You can be better, because you can inspire people - in a way that I never could. Watching over your city like a guardian angel. Making a difference. Saving people... in a Flash.” – Oliver Queen
I loved the crossover episodes. Bold, exciting and, most importantly, fun, they encapsulated everything about what these DC TV shows should be. However, the best moment between the Scarlet Speedster & the Emerald Archer came in the Pilot. Stephen Amell delivers a memorable speech that’s borderline inspirational, Mr. Neely produces his best score so far - and those closing moments are so gloriously cheesy! This. This is what comic book TV is all about.
So that's my list! Do you agree/disagree? Are there any great moments I've stupidly left out? Drop me your thoughts in the comments below or let me know if you enjoyed the read!