The Flash 5x08 "What's Past Is Prologue" Episode Review
Major Spoilers are included in this episode review. Please Read with Caution.
The show has reached 100 episodes. Five years ago, we were introduced to geeky Barry Allen during season two of Arrow. A lot has happened to expand the Arrowverse and much of that expansion has been due to Barry traveling through time and to other dimensions. Not only is the episode a tribute to the show itself, but it also managed to move the plot of the season along.
The threat of Cicada is addressed, Barry/Nora’s bond grows, and the secret behind Nora’s visit is finally revealed. Tom Cavanagh directed this entire episode and played three different versions of Harrison Wells all at once. What a guy. The Flash will never let him go and they shouldn’t… the man is outstanding and can play the hell out of these Wells.
Harry Wells, Sherloque Wells, and Eobard Thawne pretending to be Harrison Wells… He is a genius. Let’s talk about that intense scene in the time vault for a minute. You know the one… where Eobard and Barry screamed at each other. The hatred between the two speedsters made Nora so uncomfortable. She had no idea that Eobard killed Barry’s mother—her grandmother!
The Flash Museum needs an update on these current events. While Matt Letscher is the original face of the Reverse Flash, what Tom Cavanagh brings to the character is surreal especially when he spits out all the future references like Jesse Chambers and Dawn Allen.
The ending twist was predictable as that scene continued to unfold. Nora was willing to tell Eobard about the purpose of their visit and the villain they were trying to face. At one point during the scene, I got mad at the screen and said, “Stop talking to him!” then it clicked. She was working with him in the future. There was no doubt especially when she reached out for the Reverse Flash suit.
Eobard Thawne somehow became her father-figure in Future Barry’s absence. This man will do everything he can to destroy Barry’s life.
Revisiting the key moments of the show was a nice reminder on how far things have gone and the craziness of time travel. My main complaint about the 100th episode is how the show brought back Teddy Sears as Hunter Zoloman / Zoom. He wasn’t given enough screentime, and it felt like some of his scene was cut. I’m betting that was a time remnant that the time wraith took away… it’s the only way I can see the events of season two staying intact.
The theories of either the doctor being the main villain or Eobard Thawne are pretty spot-on. I believe either one could happen. I’m betting on the latter, but the doctor helping out Cicada would be another fun twist. She was working the hospital on the night the particle accelerator exploded. Eobard Thawne and Barry Allen were getting escorted into the hospital together.
Cisco, Caitlin, Ralph, and Iris took backseats during the 100th episode (boo!), but they got notable mentions… except Ralph. Cisco’s fun/disturbing interaction with Eobard Thawne was reminiscent of his death scene in season one. I only laughed with awkwardness. Caitlin went Killer Frost and saved the team from getting killed by Cicada. I call bullshit on how she’s unaffected by the dagger… but okay.
West-Allen moments were sprinkled throughout the episode. Iris convinced Barry to take Nora along and high-five her daughter. The bond between Iris and Nora is getting better… I’m here for it… because Barry and Nora’s relationship is going to explode once he finds out she’s been working with the Reverse Flash.
One of the best episodes this season—hell in the entire series. The time vault scene was the most memorable one. I can’t wait to see what the second half of the season dishes out! Now… Elseworlds is next week!
The Flash will air on Sunday in place of Supergirl. Let’s have fun, yeah?