*Disclaimer…this will be long…but informative and will touch on nearly every aspect of the show to prove its point…please read it…and enjoy - Arrowverse*
To begin, I would like you all to do me a favor and pretend like you know nothing of Harrison Wells, if you have a conflicting theory, it may skew your belief to what seems to be quite clearly placed in this analysis. Clearly the Arrow/Flash writers may have some huge twist in store for us fans and Harrison Wells may not be The Reverse Flash, but as a fan of the comics, as well as the series, I will be taking the time to explain my very logical conclusion as to who he is, while also addressing and disproving some theories that I see floating around the web.
Prior to even delving into theories I would like to clarify some things for everyone, as I have seen that many people still don’t understand this. The name “Reverse Flash” is more of an overarching category name; Eobard Thawne was the first Reverse Flash (if you ignore Jay Garrick’s “Rival”) but he also went by the name “Professor Zoom”. Hunter Zolomon, the second Reverse Flash also went by “Zoom” and lastly Daniel West, the Reverse Flash of the New 52 has been the only Reverse Flash to use the former as his codename, and so:
Pre-New 52
Eobard Thawne = Reverse Flash = Professor Zoom (also goes by Zoom in The Flash: Rebirth)
Hunter Zolomon = Reverse Flash = Zoom
Thaddeus Thawne = Technically a Reverse Flash = Inertia
Edward Clariss = Technically a Reverse Flash = Rival
New 52
Daniel West = Reverse Flash
All are pictured in order above. Most of those names you don’t need to know for this write up, but I figured if I was going to explain, I might as well not cut it short.
Above you'll see Tommy Merlyn next to Merlyn the Archer AND Wintergreen next to Slade Wilson: Both were used as red herrings to the truth.
The second I would like to address is a “red herring”. A red herring is used to refer to something that misleads or distracts from the relevant or important issue. It may be either a logical
fallacy or a
literary device that leads readers or characters towards a false conclusion. A red herring might be intentionally used, such as in mystery fiction or as part of a rhetorical strategy, or it could be inadvertently used during argumentation.
The final thing I would like to address is the “Wells as Reverse Flash is too obvious”…I see these comments every now and then on forums, comment threads, and Facebook and would like to point something out. To whoever is commenting…YES…Wells is the Reverse Flash “obviously” but given the number of theories regarding his identity…and the number of separate theories surrounding others being Reverse Flash…it isn’t really as obvious as some seem to think…on top of this…was revealing Malcolm Merlyn as The Dark Archer in/prior to the mid-season finale of Arrow (Season 1) when they could have left the speculative screen up (as to whether Tommy was Merlyn the Archer) “to early” or “to obvious” as well? No…nor was it seen as such.
Now, for the TV show…. prior to addressing my own theory, I must also touch on one possibility that doesn’t make sense to me as a fan of the comics, and a fan of pure logic. Clearly adaptations take liberties, but when it comes to “big bads”, both Arrow and the Flash have stayed true to the characters at their core, and because of this I must begin by saying.
I think seeing Hunter Zolomon on this show is highly unlikely given the circumstances. Zolomon is the Pre-New 52 Wally West's Reverse Flash, and it has been confirmed that the take we will be getting is more of a post New 52 Wally. To boot, in the comics Zolomon has never faced Barry Allen one on one, the only time they have ever crossed paths is on various occasions where Barry and Eobard, travelling time, run across Wally and Zoom, and even in this case the longest these 2 Flash 2 Reverse Flash battles have lasted is 2 issues. Therefore, rather than putting Zolomon to waste, or using him for no reason, the writers took some of his character traits and divided them among two likely candidates, Wells and Eddie, to create a better red herring for the fans. It wouldn’t be the first time they had done this, they used Isabel Rochev’s character but gave her elements of Slade Wilson’s daughter, Ravager, because Ravager was/is unlikely to show up. They also seem to be doing the same for Barry, drawing a lot of the comedic elements from Wally West’s time as the Flash. On top of this, Geoff Johns aka DC’s Head Consultant Honcho among other things has said that this show sticks close to general comic book canon.
So from that I would like to present you with my theory…
My Theory:
Eddie = Malcolm Thawne aka Cobalt Blue, BUT with some Zolomon traits...rather than being a janitor at the station...he is the top cop...like Zolomon was...among other things (I'm not completely sure, nor can anyone guess how much Zolomon influence they are going to use, they could [although this seems stupid to me] even make Eddie a second Reverse Flash with more likness to Zolomon. However, seeing as Eddie's story is rumored/hinted at to be unfolding next season, I highly doubt they would run Reverse Flash has a villain for two concurrent seasons, so Cobalt Blue being his moniker seems more likely, even if his powers or even origin are modified to slightly follow Zolomon's) That theory can be found here
Wells = Eobard Thawne aka Professor Zoom, BUT with some Zolomon traits...being confined to a wheelchair, the time when he snapped his fingers (Zolomon fans will get this)...among other things
Now before you write my theory off as one you have seen before…I bid you to keep reading…as I have done my research, I know the show, and I know the comics
Evidence - Episode Breakdown:
Episode 1 – The Pilot: The second I saw this shows pilot (when it leaked in July) I felt something fishy about Harrison Wells, and my mind immediately jumped to the fact that he could be the Reverse Flash. It was made quite clear by the end of the pilot that Harrison Wells knew something of the future, as seen by the paper from 2024, and that his paralysis was clearly a sham. Eobard Thawne aka "Barry Allen's Reverse Flash" is from the 25th century. The wheelchair however, seemed to draw elements from Hunter Zolomon or Zoom. In the comics Zoom, in his Zolomon persona is for a time trapped in a wheelchair, and then after gaining his powers keeps the ruse up to throw Wally West (the Flash at that point) off of his scent, but as I mentioned before…I also realized that Zolomon most likely won’t, nor should he appear.
I will touch on the 2024 paper further down in detail.
Another key element that fans seem to overlook is that Eobard Thawne, in most appearances is significantly older than Barry, to the end that he even has grey hair. Although he did at one time, before hating him, have his face modified to look like Barry’s, in later appearances and storylines he still looked significantly older. His last unmasked appearance was in The Flash: Rebirth, seen belowWells is also, clearly, significantly older than the characters on the show whom he spends his time with.
The final battle of this episode against Weather Wizard Beta (as in the comic his brother is the true Weather Wizard) also provides evidence that Wells is Eobard Thawne in what he says to motivate Barry. As a final push Wells says “Run!, Barry, Run!”…this could be pure coincidence, but the same phrase is also used in the past when Nora Allen is killed by none other than Eobard Thawne (although Barry is there as the Flash…but that’s a whole different write up). Granted, it was said by Barry’s father…the only people who could have heard him say this were both past and future Barry, Henry, Nora, and the Reverse Flash (who according to Rebirth and Flashpoint in this case IS Eobard Thawne).
Much like the paper, I will touch on Wells’ motivation to “help” Barry later on…the two tie together and deserve their own section
One thing many fans have used as backing in their (in my opinion) false arguments is a quote from Geoff Johns that they seem to have misunderstood, they claims that because Wells is a new character as proof that Wells isn't Reverse Flash...BUT the actual quote from Johns was...
"Harrison Wells is a new character that was created, the name obviously is brand new. I don't think we can say anything else about it," says Johns. "
... the NAME IS NEW...the character is not...John's took care to rephrase and hint quite clearly that it is the name, not the character that is completely new. Some may have noticed that this name is not uncommon; it is actually a play on the name H.G. Wells, who wrote...wait for it...The Time Machine. This allusion to the author of the Time Machine also implied to me that Wells was a traveler of time, not someone who was from the present but had knowledge of the future.
After the pilot fans saw this happen...this photo (left) was “leaked”, making it seem pretty clear that the chin of the finalized version of Reverse Flash matches that of Tom Cavanugh who has facial features that are very hard to replicate.
See below for the "Run, Barry, Run" Clips
Episode 2 – The Fastest Man Alive: The second episode of the Flash further showcased Wells' "helping" Barry through his trials and tribulations. Although in the pilot he acted as if he didn't want Barry to become the Flash...by the second episode he has done a complete 180, and was pushing Barry to be the Flash. Then BOOM that ending...Harrison Wells killed the first person in his attempt to ensure Barry Allen becomes the Flash. This episode and its predecessor sparked the belief that Wells was characters like... Future Barry Allen, Rip Hunter, Booster Gold, Pariah or Bart Allen, all of these theories and more are touched upon or questioned at the end of this post, so if you are interested read after my theory is concluded.
Again Wells’ motivations/need to help Barry are touched on later
Episode 3 – Things You Can’t Outrun: The third episode of the Flash contained a few minor hints that Wells is Eobard Thawne in things that he says, such as “I have waited for this day for centuries”, again Eobard Thawne does hail from the 25th century, waiting for centuries does not solely imply being from the past and waiting for the future, it can also be applied in the opposing direction. Wells also says, “The future will be here faster then you think”, another allusion to the future. “Surprised what you can get used to”, another one of his lines, referred to two things, the first being trapped in the past whereas the second is Wells’ adjustment to sitting in a wheelchair despite being 100% mobile. The final scene of this episode, in which we see Wells watching a recording of Barry in his lab prior to the lightning also made it clear that he knew WHO Barry was prior to the accident, and he intentionally created the accident so that Barry would become Flash. In the comics, one thing that Eobard Thawne recognizes, especially prior to Flashpoint, where he attempts to take Barry’s place in history as the Flash is that HE (Thawne) CAN NOT exist unless Barry Allen becomes the Flash. This scene also made it clear that it was not the “future room” that had granted Wells’ his mobility in the first episode, he was simply and is simply faking his need for a wheelchair.
Note: Thawne DOES exist in the Flashpoint universe where Barry isn’t the Flash, BUT this is due to Barry’s accidental tampering with the time stream NOT Thawne. We also learn that Thawne is a paradox in this case, he technically should NOT exist, but since he was inside of the time stream when it was tampered with, he was unaffected
Episode 4 – Going Rogue: As another time traveler based throwaway reference, the writers choose to give Wells’ the word “foresaw”. It is in this episode that we see the emergence of Wells’ “mad” side, yes, he had killed prior to this, but in a calm and collected manor, in conjugation with this “mad” side of Wells…one might think Wells’ is insane as I did. Of all of the Reverse Flashes Eobard Thawne is known for his mentally “breaking” at a few points in his career and having residual effects of his temporary insanity popping up at various points. There are even points in his career where he forgets his hate for Barry Allen, something that, especially after episode 9 could be a certain character trait of Wells, it is possible not even he knows of his hatred for Barry at this point…and is slowly beginning to remember or have Flashes of said hatred.
Episode 5 – Plastique: This episode established that Wells had been in the present time for at least 10 years, OR that he has an established fake history for 10 years. If this history is real, it could mean that as Eobard, Wells’ went back in time, killed Barry’s mother and then stayed in the present timeline. Wells also uses the phrase “Reversing one’s fortune” another nod to his probable identity. In this episode we also see Wells being extremely manipulative something that Eobard Thawne is known for being in the comics, always attempting to manipulate everyone’s beliefs to fit his own agenda. One thing fans point out as “evidence that Wells is Hunter Zolomon” is his connection to Gorilla Grodd that is established in this episode. In my theory I state that Wells does draw minor influence from Zolomon, since he is unlikely to appear, but Wells is indeed, Eobard Thawne. Zolomon’s connection to Grodd in the comics is that it is Grodd who cripples Wells, we have yet to see HOW Wells’ gets crippled, but we know he is faking…so even they may chose to use Grodd as some form of a ploy in his crippling…HOWEVER, it is not only Zolomon who has connections to Grodd…at one point in history Eobard Thawne is known for making changes to Gorilla City, Grodd’s homeland.
Episode 6 – The Flash is Born: It is in this episode that we learn Wells history, or fake established history dates back 14 years, to when Nora Allen was murdered, and that this is when he moved to town. This episode ends with Reverse Flash destroying the evidence of Nora Allen’s murder and threatening the life of Iris West, all after Wells was accused or being involved. Despite initially wanting to be Barry Allen at first in the comics Eobard Thawne soon made the shift to villain, but even then, for a time he wanted Iris West, so threatening her to many fans seemed “out of character” if this was Eobard, but if we look to more recent comics, we will see that in The Flash: Rebirth, Eobard actually attempts to kill Iris, exactly as the show foreshadowed.
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Episode 7 – Power Outage: When I first saw Wells frantically searching his computer program GIDEON to see if the future was unchanged and looking for “all signs of Barry Allen”…I thought that Wells was trying to make sure the Crisis happened. Then I realized that Wells had asked G.I.D.E.O.N. to search for ANY trace at ANY time of Barry/The Flash...and something began to process. Maybe...just maybe the Crisis isn't a huge event Wells is trying to make sure occurs...but that particular paper is his guarantee that Barry Allen existed...his past self (from the future) gets his powers, and then Barry Allen disappears. In taking the DNA from the meta, it showed that Wells wanted want to synthesize a failsafe, or maybe even a neutralizer for Barry. All this "pushing Barry to be faster" may just be to ensure Wells becomes Reverse Flash. As many people may know Eobard Thawne’s original plan was to be "the next Barry Allen"...at points he even went as far as to try to replace him in the comics...gaining speed and then allowing the Flash to lose his speed would serve this purpose as well. It was in this episode that I realized the over analysis people had been placing on the papers significance, something I will touch on later. Lastly, as a sort of mini-theory within this grand scheme of things, many fans originally believed that Wells’ computer having the name “Gideon” was a reference to Wells’ being a new god…but upon further reading I confirmed my thought, this Gideon is nothing like the new god Gideon, not even “its” gender is the same. Then a thought hit me…Wells’ name is comparable to that of H.G. Wells, writer of the time machine, although up until this point, the acronym simply stood at H.Wells…but the name Gideon seemed to be chosen on purpose…Gideon…had subtly filled the place of the “G” in the acronym. This little mini theory may be completely off basis and not what the writers intended BUT it also has no effect on this overall theory either way.
Episode 8 – Flash vs. Arrow: This episode has noticeably less focus on Wells, but concludes with Oliver noting that something is wrong about Wells. Also earlier on we see Wells “deduce” Oliver is The Arrow, although this wouldn’t be a difficult feat, it could just as easily be explained that he used his knowledge of the future to deduce his identiy.
In a recent interview Grant Gustin said two things, "all fan theories are wrong" and that we won't see Reverse Flashes face because he will be using the same face vibration trick that Barry has been using. To touch on the "all fan theories are wrong", many should realize actors are literally paid to do just this...he can't come out and say "I have seen the rumors...some may be true"...because it takes a lot of the mystery off the table.
Episode 9 – The Man in the Yellow Suit: This episode concluded with Wells’ putting the tachyon particle creator on the Reverse Flash suit that is revealed to be in his keeping, we also see that he has a Reverse Flash ring that features clasps, a means that both Barry and Eobard use to store their costumes at points throughout the comic…this episode ends up being interpretable in two ways:
Option 1: Although I have this listed as one choice, …this option can also be read in two ways, the first as if Eobard is using a power he was given in The Flash: Rebirth, his ability to create multiple after-images of himself (I would hope they go this route, the Flash has done an excellent job showing us that he is more than a guy who runs fast...and I would hope the same logic is applied to Eobard), the second as read below:
The above theory states that Wells (as Eobard) lost some of his power when he went back to kill Barry’s mother, to the point where he could no longer travel time freely...This is FURTHER confirmed as true in episode 11 "Sound of Fury" but read on to see that
The above theory states that Wells (as Eobard) lost some of his power when he went back to kill Barry’s mother, to the point where he could no longer travel time freely...This is FURTHER confirmed as true in Episode 11 "Sound of Fury" but read on to see that
Scene Analysis:
The scene opens with them (Cisco, Cate, Wells, Joe, Eddie and Swat Team) watching a security camera feed of this place where Cisco has set up a force field to stop the Reverse Flash...then suddenly...on the camera...he is there...and then he is trapped. Next scene, all but Cisco and Cate go to the room, with Cisco and Cate monitoring from the control lab...Reverse Flash doesn't speak...and then Joe steps up to ask him a question...he ignores Joe and turns to Wells and speaks ONLY to Wells... Then Cisco realizes there is an issue with the forcefield... some fluctuation...it isn't going to hold. After this, Wells is "pulled" from is chair and beaten to a pulp by this so called Reverse Flash...but ALL in real time...no slo-mo like when Barry is running at top speed.Joe hits the generator keeping the field up to "save" Wells, and Reverse Flash escapes. Reverse Flash then kills all of Eddies men...but not Eddie...and then stares Eddie down...Why doesn't he kill Eddie? Because if Eddie dies...his ancestor...there is no Reverse Flash...No Wells...Then he speeds off and a battle ensues.
Reading the Scene: Please note I do take a film studies class...so I'm not just spewing random stuff...
First lets start at how they see Reverse Flash initially...over a security camera feed...something many of us have seen time and time again tampered with in both movie and film. There is no guarantee that what we saw...is what happened in REAL TIME.
Slide 1 - Note the group shot, it was set on purpose to confirm everyone was in the room (Wells, Eddie, etc.)
Slides 2 and 3 - Note how the Reverse Flash ONLY appears on the camera feed, there is never a direct shot of him
Again you can also read this as if he is using his power to create mimicking after images
Next let us move to the fact that even after Joe asks Reverse Flash "Why he murdered Nora Allen?" the RF takes no notice of him asking...instead he ignores him and speaks directly to Wells. If this was a prerecorded encounter, Wells speaking would know what to say...the timing...etc…because he asked the questions...and he couldn't account for what others would do or say...and that is why Joe's question goes unnoticed...
Also if it is a projection...this could be the reason why the face seems to change from each angle...it looks different each time they zoom in...BUT...once Wells is pulled in...there are significantly less close ups and clear shots of his face beneath the mask...
Slide 4 - Joe asks "
Why did you kill Nora Allen"
Slide 5 - RF doesn't even glance in Joe's direction, he looks and speaks only to Wells
Slide 6 - And Wells responds
Again you can also read this as if he is using his power to create mimicking after images
Next Eobard/Wells wasn't grabbed and pulled into the force field...he moved so fast all we saw was the speed...it is in this speed that Wells dons the costume himself...and the projection becomes Wells without costume.... and it is also here that we stop seeing the lower part of Reverse Flashes face as clearly...and his vibrations become faster and therefore he is more blurred...
Slide 7 - Note the shot, and the direction of the lightning bolt, they seem to lead IN not OUT of the force field. Also note there is no body scene, just red lightning
Slide 8 - And then Wells is gone
Again you can also read this as if he is using his power to create mimicking after images
***In conjunction with this, I also though that the disruptions in the field could be because Wells' was moving so fast and being in both places at the same time...now that I rethink it...it seems less plausible...BUT WE SHOULD NOTE...this ENTIRE SCENE TAKES PLACE IN REAL TIME...NO SLO-MO***
Then we see Wells beat himself to a pulp...how does he do this?...Speed...its all in the speed...this is all shot in real time...anything that is being tone at TOP speed...we wouldn't even see...he could just as easily be hurting himself.
Slide 9 -Note how Well's doesn't fight back, but the scene is in real time, barely any movement is made
Slides 10 and 11 - Note how Wells doesn't say anything after he is pulled into the field
Again you can also read this as if he is using his power to create mimicking after images
Reverse Flash then kills all of Eddie's men...but not Eddie...and then stares Eddie down...Why doesn't he kill Eddie? Because if Eddie dies...his ancestor...there is no Reverse Flash...No Wells...Then he speeds off and a battle ensues, but not before OPENLY responding/speaking to Joe...something he couldn't do before...and the few shots of Wells' body we DO see...he is unmoving...no moans...no speaking...no twitching...and his body is fairly hidden throughout and NEVER leaves the platform...
*Take notice that he never leaves the platform and that RF is significantly more blurred in these scenes*
Slide 12 - Note that Wells just stops moving
Slide 13 - Note Wells again still has yet to move in the background
Slide 14 - Reverse Flash is now free to address others
Slide 15 - Wells still unmoving
Again you can also read this as if he is using his power to create mimicking after images
But the ending seems to confirm it was Wells/Eobard who stole the tachyon device...and that he is Reverse Flash....TACHYON particles are moreover associated with time travel…it would make sense that after killing Barry’s mother, Wells lost SOME of his speed and was simply unable to time travel…hence the need for tachyons.
Also (not pictured) he didn't hurt Eddie because it would have been paradoxical...Eddie is (theoretically) the CW's Malcolm Thawne aka Wells (Eobard's ) great grand father...therefore if Eddie dies...then Wells/Eobard dies
I had seen people claim that if Wells' ring was flipped it would be the Flash's logo, so take a look above to see that...well that isn't the case.
The scene then concludes with Wells' face healing,
something that an experienced user of the negative speed force could control the time of... he then looks into the camera and says "Merry Christmas" and the scene concludes
Some fans claim that his face only heals
after the tachyon device is placed on to his suit...whichwould support the first opinion (above)... BUT ...
A) That is not the purpose of tachyons
B) The device doesn't actually come into contact with Wells'
C) Watch the scene again...there is no other place where is face could have healed and he could have said "Merry Christmas" that would have carried as much weight
If your confused about point C...just imagine the scene differently...imagine that... Wells' turns to the camera and says "Merry Christmas" and his face begins to heal... the emotion is high and then...he takes 1-2 minutes to put the tachyon device on and THEN the episode ends
IGNORE as Option 1 was proved correct - Option 2: The Reverse Flash they trap is a past version (from the future…I know it sounds weird) of Eobard Thawne aka Harrison Wells. The disturbance in the force field is the meeting of both a past and present Harrison Wells. The tachyon particles in this case give Wells’ his power back, something this theory says he lost when he travelled back in time to kill Barry’s mother. For a time, in the comic Eobard Thawne DID use an old, recolored Barry Allen suit, and replicated its vibrations to produce his speed.This portion of this secondary theory of mine MAY still be true seeing as we saw Wells' run in the costume BEFORE he had the tachyon device, but only saw him run without it after getting the device. It is quite possible that this is Eobard's shifting from using the costume to his own version of Speed Force, the Negative Speed Force. The issue with this theory is it denies basic time travel laws that nearly ever TV show and movie follow…the meeting of a past and present self would cause a lot more than a little disruption in a force field. On top of that…for a show in its first season it would seem insane to introduce characters from the past and the present, and have them meet.
**Cavanugh's confirmation should also serve as proof he is Eobard because we all saw Eobard not kill Eddie..or as I like to call him Malcolm Thawne.
**Since it has now been confirmed it was Cavanugh in the yellow suit the whole episode, the Reverse Flashes line on the football field "We've been at this for years, but I'm always one step ahead" should add further support to the Eobard claim...and yet again deter the "Future Barry" claim...unless you are suggesting he has been "at it" with himself for years...which makes all of zero sense.
Episode 10 - Revenge of the Rogues: Much like the crossover this episode served as a return/different episode and so not much mention, in any form was made to the Reverse Flash aside from the fact that Barry is training to .... BE FASTER (See below as to why this is bolded...). Wells' also boasts to Cisco that he "likes the name" when Cisco suggests the "Reverse Flash" as a possible nickname for Barry's opposite. Otherwise, not much hinting to Reverse Flash in this episode.
Episode 11 - The Sound and the Fury: WOW, despite this episode being a Pied Piper based episode, the actual content gave quite a few hints as to the Reverse Flash and how his powers function, all of which, support this theory. Throughout the episode we see Wells' move at his super-speed without the presence of the tachyon device both in his home and at Star Labs.
Also note that when Wells' runs he has RED LIGHTNING left behind him, rather than yellow like the Flash. This symbolizes his connection to the NEGATIVE Speed Force, something Barry, nor Bart EVER had....
In the shot to the right we see Wells' fall to the ground, unable to move or run at super speeds, this would further imply that, as I theorized, he lost some of his speed that day that he traveled back.
The final scene, as it usually does shows Wells' in his future room charging himself up...which is something new. YES, you could claim that the tachyons are what are allowing him to travel at super speeds in the first place...but think back to episode 9...Cavanugh has confirmed it was him in the yellow suit...and he ran just fine without the tachyon device... again further supporting my theory that the tachyons are merely there to increase and stabilize Wells'/Eobard's speed. It would seem the secondary Speed Force energy is being syphoned as a means to increase and fix Wells' speed as I had deduced before...and to some end to help him travel at speeds that allow for his time travel.
We should also note that Wells' mentions the
SPEED FORCE, this alone should take away from the idea that he his Hunter
Zolomo
Episode 12 - Crazy for You: Unlike the previous episode there were little to no allusions or statements about "The Reverse Flash" in this episode
Episode 13 - The Nuclear Man: In this episode we see Cisco discover that Barry was one of the speedsters at the scene, the other however has blood that can NOT be found in the database, "but wait...that proves it isn't Wells!"...no...no it doesn't... Wells is a mastermind and keeping true to everything he has done, it would seem a lot of his past is fabricated...swapping a blood sample as a counter measure in the police database would be not unlike him ESPECIALLY because if it was in the database...when Eddie signed up to be a cop....Wells would have been a match for blood (in some DNA aspects) seeing as Eobard/Wells is his grandson...that would have raised questions...right? If this point of view doesn't sit well with you, reddit user HappinessIsWarmPoop (why did that have to be his name), said that when he watched the episode a second time he got the vibe (Cisco pun intended) that Cisco didn't ever test Wells' blood. He said that he noted, at the end of the episode after Cisco reveals it was an adult Barry's blood found at the crime scene, that Joe jokingly asks "What about Wells?" To which Cisco replies "I told you Dr. Wells had nothing to do with it". This could suggest either he didn't test Wells' blood, or what I said prior to that.
Also...don't you think giving away that it was Wells' kind of ruins the overall mystery...for the 10 remaining episodes? Clearly Wells is a one season character so I would assume they want to draw that out as far as possible (his story) in this season.
Lastly this also ties in nicely with the fact that there is an upcoming episode where we see Nora Allen's murder from the Reverse Flashes perspective..."but it may not be Wells" is what people have been quoted to say...now that their is speculation (on the show) that it isn't due to DNA mismatch...it is clear they would believe it to be someone else. Much like people believed it "to obvious" and in the clear that Wells' was a Reverse Flash at all.
Episode 14 - Fallout: Not much came from this episode but confirmation that Wells was in the yellow suit, we see our first look at him, mask off in the costume and that Wells IS working to some end with Grodd. For those who know the comics NO this does NOT mean it is Hunter Zolomon solely...as my theory states he is an amalgam of both characters...and in the comics Grodd's ONLY connection to Zolomon is 5 panels where Grodd destroys his legs...thats all.
*He also tells Barry to "Run Barry Run" in this episode once again, an homage an nod to what he said in the first episode, and Barry's father, who could have only been heard by the Reverse Flash, had said.
Speculation Prior to Episode 15 - Out of Time: The promo did confirm something that I previously theorized, and you MAY see it around the web now, but believe me I checked before hand, I am the only theory that postulated this, (complain about me being self absorbed all you want...I spent hours searching...not one result but mine until my theory reached well over 200k hits). Wells uses and used his ability to create speed mimics in episode 9.(see images below)
Again, simply just judging by the promo I wonder myself why Wells reveals himself to Cisco, it is possible that yes, this is a hologram as I previously stated in my episode 9 analysis, but a speed mimic is much more likely (either or both is suitable). As for why he reveals himself to Cisco, we will have to wait until the episode airs to tell.
Notice the angle at which Cisco is looking at the Reverse Flash, and the angle the Reverse Flash is looking The right is from episode 9 and the left is from episode 15 This would imply he is either viewing the scene somehow like Oliver did OR this is a hologram.
Post PaleyFest: At this years Paleyfest we were treated to a sizzle reel which didn't reveal much about Prof. Wells in terms of where his character would be going, but it did end with Wells saying an interesting thing, "trust me Barry Allen you will die" this supports my theory that Wells only needs Barry to a certain point, possibly until his own Negative Speed force can be created in the future so his younger self in the future is guaranteed to become the Reverse Flash (sounds confusing right...take a second I promise it isn't that confusing)...it also should again put to rest the "Future Barry" argument, unless you are going to suggest he is planning to kill himself. However, unlike New 52 Future Barry, who set out with a similar goal, kill himself, Wells has had ample time to accomplish this goal, and has chosen not too.
This is easier to understand if you read the text on the image below.
Episode 15 - Out of Time: (SPOILERS) And there it is...confirmed as I had previously suspected, not only was Wells using a hologram, but also speed after images, his true motivations for helping Barry (below) and that he is also *SPOILER* Eobard Thawne and Eddie is his distance relative aka Malcolm Thawne, to see that theory click here. What's interesting is that seeing as Barry is now stuck in a "groundhogs day" scenario, Cisco will NOT die, no one will know (but us) Wells is Eobard, and Iris may not learn Barry's secret just yet.
Episode 16 - Rogue Time: It would seem my pre-show update to the 2024 paper section may have been correct, not only does Wells mention the enormous changes traveling to the past could cause, but he also DIRECTLY acknowledges the HUGE repercussions that would follow if Barry went back and saved his mother. Another thing I found VERY interesting is what Wells said to Cisco about choosing between two people and how hard it could be. Is it possible that this version of Wells is still fresh off of his "love" for Barry (Eobard did start his career loving Barry Allen), but also his love for his (fake?) wife? Maybe Wells actually fell in love with his cover story wife...but to continue pursuing his goal...he had to kill her.
Linda Park is Being Introduced: Wait...why is this section here? Is what some of you may be asking yourselves...the answer to that is quite simple...Linda Park's introduction to the world of BARRY ALLEN as the Flash...
For those who don't know she is typically Wally West's (the 2nd Flash in the old continuities) wife represents a merging of mythos' and further confirms that we will most likely see a post New 52 Wally on this show. Some of you may claim this as grounds to introduce the viewers to both Eobard and Hunter as two separate characters, but I again must say that is VERY VERY confusing to those who have never read a comic... yes... it could easily be explained over the course of a few seasons...but having the multiple Reverse Flashes as season villains becomes slightly repetitive if that is the case. The way I see it, no Linda won't become Barry's wife...probably a short term love interest, but this also confirms that Hunter Zolomon's traits and Eobard Thawne's traits may just as Well be merged into one character for this show as I theorize. On top of this, it gives them grounds to expand one Reverse Flash's actions to a much greater level. They could easily modify Hunter Zolomon's only true "big" story arc, where he kills Linda Park, for the show and make Wells/Eobard (with Hunter's traits) simply kill Linda Park, successfully writing her out.
The 2024 Paper And His World, His Time:
"Return to my world, my time" is what Harrison Wells tells Cisco when he reveals that he is Eobard Thawne. Many fans take this as evidence of a multiverse and that Wells is from a different world...however I see it differently. In the clip to the right, and at other points, we see Wells warn Barry of the effects of time travel.... We also know this version of Eobard Thawne still has a "big twist" in store for us. Thus far we have seen a different take on Eobard Thawne, one who isn't content on ruining the life of Barry Allen, but one who is ok with killing a young Barry (something I offer pure conjecture for here), the other different trait seems to be his need to return home. It would seem that based on the evidence that Wells is subtly warning Barry of the effects of Time Travel, and that he wants to return home, that this version of Eobard wants to PREVENT FLASHPOINT. I think it is quite possible that in this version of events Eobard goes back in time to kill Barry/Nora because it will PREVENT Flashpoint from occurring, and therefore will prevent Eobard from losing "His world, his time". The newspaper itself serves as a marker that the current timeline is going according to planned and that Wells will have a future to return too. In the episode "Power Outage" we see Wells check the future because Barry loses his speed...no speed means no Flashpoint BUT it also means that Eobard never becomes the Reverse Flash. In the clip we see him check the future to make sure that Barry's minor time travel mishap hasn't changed anything because if the future reads that Crisis on Infinite Earth's has NOT happened, then Eobard future, Eobard's world never happen either, therefore if Flashpoint DOES occur, Eobard wouldn't be content as he is in the comics, but distraught at the loss of his world, his time. This also still allows the paper to function as a marker, that Barry Allen has reached that point in time and that he is able to travel that fast, and therefore, since he has travelled to that speed and to that point, the NEGATIVE Speed Force, that Eobard draws his speed from is successfully created.
This is why Barry is the "target" in this timeline...because that FORCES future Barry to save himself...and allows his mother to die. So TECHNICALLY Nora was a casualty...because the target WAS Barry...but overall the intended scheme was to allow Nora to die.
The SPECIFIC date in 2024 is used because it show that future Barry is still going back in time to strike himself as the bolt of lightning. That was what happened at the end of Crisis on Infinite Earths, Barry went back and became the bolt that struck himself...the date in the paper, along with the headline represent that Barry will still become the Flash. |
One timeline, not multiple, not a multiverse, one timeline that has been heavily modified a few times...JUST like DC comics main timeline.
IGNORE as New 2024 theory is above, although these may provide context
Up until now people have been looking at this paper as a sign of what is to come…Crisis on Infinite Earths, and while I don’t deny that is what the paper literally suggests I believe this is where many people have gone wrong in their analysis. To pull of Crisis on Infinite Earths you would need a lot more than what we have now, plus there are some huge key players missing…I am not saying that they couldn’t introduce the characters between now and 2024…but it is unlikely there are…again…a lot…and they have already alluded to another BIG and much more feasible (without the change in reality) storyline, Flashpoint. Now…What is the 2024 paper then?...What purpose does it serve?... In the comics Eobard Thawne’s initial motivation to be his time’s version of the Flash, and his reasoning for loving the Flash stemmed from a book he had, The Life Story of the Flash, this is a detail long forgotten by many comic fans, and could easily be what this paper represents. Despite being born in the 25th century, and the paper being from 2024…this paper would (as it suggests Barry Allen’s death prior to Flash: Rebirth) serve as the apt time for Barry to become a legend…and if this is what allowed Barry to become a legend, then it could easily be what inspired a young, solemn, secluded Eobard Thawne to love the Flash. This would explain his reasoning and NEED to have this paper cover return in the episode Power Outage, because had it not been for this paper, or its cover more specifically, the Flash would have not become the legend he was in the 25th century.
or
a secondary explanation is that it simply serves as a marker, that Barry Allen has reached that point in time and that he is able to travel that fast, and therefore, since he has travelled to that speed and to that point, the NEGATIVE Speed Force, that Eobard draws his speed from is successfully created.
or
a final explanation is that it is simply...a marker of Barry's existence in the future and a way to make sure the future has yet to change to the point where the Flash does NOT die at that point in time.
Wells’ Motivations:
In terms of motivations I continue to see people cite this quote as proof that he is Hunter Zolomon because according to them Wells’ is trying to make Barry a better hero:
“My name is Hunter Zolomon. Despite what the public believes, I am the fastest man alive. I am Zoom. But I am not a Rogue. Far from it. I have taken the name and colors from Eobard Thawne -- the time travelerknow as Professor Zoom -- in order to terrorize my friend. Wally West.
The Flash. I suffered through tragedy. I lost my family to it. I understand the depths it will drag one down to. And only by surviving it does one
become stronger. I will recreate myself to help my friend and in turn –
the world. I will do anything to make the Flash a better hero.”
The constant citation of this quote as “proof he is Zolomon” makes me question if people are actually watching the show. Not only is this not what Wells does on the show… but in the comics, Zolomon subjects Wally to painful experiences to make the goal above become true…on the show, Wells/Eobard does something completely different…every “goal” he has set for Barry has been speed based…because if Barry doesn’t reach his top speeds, then the occurrence that inspired a young Eobard Thawne (Wells) to become what he is…would never occur. Wells’ himself says it… his goal is to “keep the man in the red mask SAFE”… he isn’t trying to improve him in any way…nor does he subject him to any tests that help him grow. Eobard began loving Barry Allen when he was initially introduced…but as time passed he did grow to hate him due to his insanity and the belief (for a time) that he was Barry Allen…as time passed (in the real world) and he was reintroduced in The Flash: Rebirth his feelings seemed to be similar…he disliked Barry Allen BUT he recognized he wouldn’t be who he was without him…and to some end acknowledged and lives/lived with that fact. Also...the fact that Barry's speed force is needed to reach a specific point in order for Wells to have his speed force created (negative and positive), serves as reasoning for Wells not pushing Barry as a hero...but as he is constantly saying "to be faster". Wells pushing Barry to be faster is a clear reference to something revealed in Flashpoint, Barry's Speed Force needs to become strong enough that it can exist in the 25th Century allowing Thawne to create his own negative speed force.
It seems I was correct...this "need to be faster" is actually confirmed by Wells is S01E15 "Out of Time" he says that he is only pushing Barry, to be faster, so that there is enough speed force energy for him to absorb.
I will be updating this with minor facts that I left out accidentally here and there as time goes on, but in closing I would like to restate my theory that the facts seem to support:
Eddie = Malcolm Thawne aka Cobalt Blue, BUT with some Zolomon traits...rather than being a janitor at the station...he is the top cop...like Zolomon was...among other things (I'm not completely sure, nor can anyone guess how much Zolomon influence they are going to use, they could [although this seems stupid to me] even make Eddie a second Reverse Flash with more likness to Zolomon. However, seeing as Eddie's story is rumored/hinted at to be unfolding next season, I highly doubt they would run Reverse Flash has a villain for two concurrent seasons, so Cobalt Blue being his moniker seems more likely, even if his powers or even origin are modified to slightly follow Zolomon's) That theory can be found here
Wells = Eobard Thawne aka Professor Zoom, BUT with some Zolomon traits...being confined to a wheelchair, the time when he snapped his fingers (Zolomon fans will get this)...among other things
Also…if your wondering why I think The Flash: Rebirth is a heavy influence (or carries some weight) this photo…a screenshot from a VERY RECENT holiday video shot in Tom Cavanaugh’s trailer should give you a hint.
Well this took extremely long to tranfer from my site...