The Flash 5x16 "Failure Is An Orphan" Episode Review

Major Spoilers are included in this episode review. Please read with caution.

Things are out of control in this episode. The Flash dug itself in a corner with Cicada. While not a bad villain, Cicada has just run his course. The twist involving Future Grace should’ve happened episodes ago because I like the idea of another future daughter being thrown into the mix. However, the twist failed to save the episode and in a way, makes it worse because it prolongs the Cicada villain even more! Plus, Cicada’s dialogue is awful and I’m sorry to anyone who has to hear that.

Nora’s alliance with Eobard Thawne is the only storyline that keeps me going, but the writers are probably going to prolong that too until the near end. I mean, yes, the next episode is going to have Nora tell Barry about her working with the Reverse Flash, but I feel like they’re going to mess that up too or not go into it enough.

The whole “Barry speech” being turned into data seemed forced. Nora’s desperate attempts to have her dad say the right words to Cicada made the previous “Barry talks” seem stupid or less valuable. By the way, thanks for reminding us on the Savitar fail back in season three. Of course that didn’t work! I wasn’t a fan of the Joe / Cecile storyline, but I’m going to allow them a pass because Jesse L. Martin is back on the show!

The new timeline breaking through is the most interesting thing that came out of this episode. I hope it relates to Thawne’s master plan or next year’s crossover. We all know Thawne’s going to stick around for that drama. It’s his destiny to disappear with The Flash or start the whole time loop over again…

Overall, I’m over Cicada. Bring us the Reverse Flash!