While Iris West-Allen's status is very much in jeopardy heading into tonight's season eight finale - especially considering she appeared to die last week - it sounds like we can expect to see her again next year as TV Line has confirmed that leading lady Candice Patton has signed on to return for season nine.
She joins Grant Gustin (Barry Allen) and Danielle Panabaker (Caitlin Snow) as the only two original cast members to return as series regulars for the hit superhero show's ninth and potentially final season. However, it's unclear at this time whether she'll still continue in a reduced capacity, similar to this season, or if she'll back full-time next year.
Either way, Patton should be a welcome presence next season and helps maintain some continuity, as Jesse L. Martin, who plays her father Joe West, will exit as a series regular following tonight's finale - although he's still slated to appear in a recurring role.
Danielle Nicolet (Cecile Horton), Kayla Compton (Allegra Garcia), and Brandon McKnight (Chester P. Runk) are all also expected to return as series regulars.
As for tonight's finale, TV Line has shared an exclusive sneak peek clip (which you can view HERE), and it sounds like Barry is finally about to get some answers that could set up a wild season nine. Showrunner Eric Wallace teases,
“And then you’ll hear it in the words of the people who are putting this all together, the masterminds behind everything that’s been happening in Season 8. You will get an explanation from our ‘Big Bads,’ the Negative Forces themselves (played by Christian Magby, Ennis Esmer and Sara Garcia), about why they’re doing what they’re doing, and why they did it now, which is pretty awesome."
Check out the new extended promo for tonight's season eight finale, titled "Negative, Part Two," below:
"Negative, Part Two" - (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) (TV-PG, LV) (HDTV)
SEASON FINALE - With The Flash (Grant Gustin) still reeling from everything that just happened, the rest of the team rallies to support him when he needs it the most. The series also stars Jesse L. Martin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Danielle Nicolet, Kayla Compton and Brandon McKnight Marcus Stokes directed the episode written by Eric Wallace (#820). Original airdate 6/29/2022.
Every episode of THE FLASH will be available to stream on The CW App and CWTV.com the day after broadcast for free and without a subscription, log-in or authentication required.