The Flash, aka Barry Allen, actually bolted his way onto television in the early '90s, on the heels of the Tim Burton Batman craze, with John Wesley Shipp in the title role, offering a darker ambiance than what generally graced its DC counterpart. (Incidentally, Shipp portrays Allen's father in this new version.)
CW's take stars Grant Gustin in the title role. It's also an offshoot of "Arrow" ("Green Arrow", damn it, to those of us who are traditionalists). As with the '90s version (and his comic-book '50s re-establishment), Allen is accidentally transformed via extraordinary scientific means, but unlike the original show, where a Soviet outfit was refurbished to streamline the Flash's flights, Gustin's is a high-tech, prototype firefighter outfit. All the same, his amazing quickness is, indeed, a breath of fresh air in a time where slow-poke indifference (and the perplexing exaltation of getting nothing done) has become a bizarre pastime. Allen truly wants to move on matters, right wrongs, save the day and hot damn--damn fast!
Above all, as with the prior television incarnation, this new Flash is lots of fun. As long as the plots dare to expand beyond just a few select, Central City locales (and hopefully give us some colorful villains, preferably lifted straight from DC's tried-and true mythology), it's bound to gain and sustain a loyal viewership. (The ending of the initial episode also insinuates some time-travel--oh, boy!)
On the returning side, Marvel's "Agents of SHIELD" re-enters ABC, commencing its much anticipated second season. Clark Gregg is once more in tip-top form as the mysteriously resurrected Agent Phil Coulson, as is his entire, intrepid band, even if the threat of some being revealed as HYDRA pawns remains an unsettling constant.
To wet our appetites, the opening episode treated us to an appearance by fan-favorite Lucy Lawless, and ongoing episodes will include Adrianne Palicki, whose "Wonder Woman" pilot was unjustly squashed by accursed NBC, seemingly for being too right wing. Nonetheless, it makes one wonder who else will eventually appear: perhaps another Nick Fury (Samuel Jackson) resurgence or two?
Though some claim "SHIELD'"s first season started unevenly, it certainly became required viewing by Spring '14, when its plots corresponded with the wildly successful "Winter Soldier." In fact, Season 2 opens with a cool WWII flashback featuring Cap's pals. (Heck, I'd go for a series just based on them!)
Right now, SHIELD's agents are in full swing furtively fighting the dreaded HYDRA, but it also seems likely to offer plots insinuating "Avengers 2", and if it extends to a third season (as it most likely will), "Cap 3". These prelude connections alone should ensure avid watching, keeping the series fully stationed in its current hit mode.
Caught "Hen in the Wolf House" on SHIELD: Adrianne Palicki's intro as Bobbi Morse. It was quite an action-packed installment, and for Palicki, this stands as a big comeback in the comic-book adaptation field. Yep, NBC may have unjustly stolen her glory as Wonder Woman, but at least ABC has her back on superheroic track with the famed Marvel ensemble. She'll be a strong asset to the series for certain.
ReplyDeleteCaptain Cold enters "The Flash". Hot damn!!! (The villain's presence has just made this series all the more historic.)
ReplyDeleteQuite enjoyed the "Out of Time" installment of "Flash". Not keen on the mush angle, though. (Why can't tenderness stem from a basic brother-sister relationship and be left at that? I know one of the participants is adopted, but still...) Anyway, the Reverse Flash/time-travel component has been kicked into faster gear, bringing "Flashpoint" elements further into the story line. That's a big plus; most interested to see how this accelerated additive might dominate the season's final phase.
ReplyDelete"The Tricksters" episode of "Flash" was a real stand-out: one of my faves of the season. I was thrilled to see John Wesley Shipp and Mark Hamill reunited. Also, it was just as fulfilling to discover another piece to the Reverse Flash puzzle: most significant, indeed!
ReplyDeleteWanted to mention (and really should have done so sooner) how cool I think it is that Brandon Routh is back in superhero action as the Atom: an ideal element to Green Arrow/Flash television lore (sweetened as well with a Ra's al Ghul component--holy Batman homage, folks). The latest Flash adventure, "All Star Team Up", is a damn good one because of Routh's presence. Anyhow, I know some folks don't like the idea of actors playing multiple heroes and/or iconic figures, especially within such tight gaps, but to me this is a noble tradition. Buster Crabbe did such, for cryin' out loud, with Flash Gordon, Buck Roger, Tarzan...Billy the Kid. Personally, I think it's nifty that Chris Evans is not only the Human Torch but Cap America. That one will say Ben Affleck has played both Daredevil and Batman is also kinda neat. Anyway, Routh always had the right attitude regarding Superman. Though WB decided against another entry in the series started by Chris Reeve, that shouldn't have left the gracious Routh out in the cold. Casting him as the Atom is obvious compensation for such, and I sure do hope he gets plenty of mileage out of the character...and why not? The Atom has a spiffy suit and a congenial attitude to match: perfect for Routh...perfect Arrow/Flash...perfect for the fans.
ReplyDeletePS: Read that CW is considering the Atom for its next DC series. I say go for it! It makes sense, feels right.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed the latest Flash installment, "Grodd Lives". The Barry/Iris relationship is growing very tedious, though, but at least Grodd saved the adventure...so to speak. I've always liked Grodd, but then I'm also a big "Planet of the Apes" fan. I suppose the two sort of go hand-in-hand.
ReplyDelete"Fast Enough", the finale after the Flash/Arrow crossover finales, was nothing short of outstanding. The time-travel component was handled superbly, with all the necessary complexities. If this is any indication of the direction the series may take for the next season, we're in for a major treat.
ReplyDeleteWanted to mention that I found SHIELD's second season finale quite entertaining, but overall I wish it (as well as this season in general) had connected more to events in the latest Avengers. No cameos, either this season. I thought for sure Nick Fury would have surfaced somewhere along the line. I imagine that the next season might possibly connect with "Cap 3", but maybe the Inhumans story line will become the focus instead. Only time will tell, I guess...
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