The AV Club review of this episode pretty much hit the nail on the head for why this "twist" sucks: The Flash loses a loved one as Zoom unleashes the metapocalypse
The Tomorrow People did this exact thing already when the entire show was built up on the lead character finding and bringing back his dad, only for his dad to be killed 2-3 episodes later. It's absurd. I was looking forward to Barry having his dad back.
It just was completely unnecessary. We already know Zoom is dangerous. Having him kill a character wasn't necessary to raise the stakes. I mean, at least it wasn't Joe. I thought he was a goner when he said that line about having grandkids.
It was unnecessary but didn't bother me per se. He has contributed a lot of great scenes, particularly in S1, but I didn't get much out of him playing a major part in recent episodes. I'd rather have him dead than in the main cast (though the best would have been for him to not come back to begin with, so we can just keep getting random great scenes with him). Though, if the theory that his Earth 2 equivalent is the real Jay Garrick in the iron mask is true, that reveal would probably have more impact if this death had come a little earlier this season. Truthfully, in spite of this season's recent problems, I've still been loving this show. When Arrow fell, its cast became unlikable. Here, even when the plot takes puzzling turns, I can't get enough of these characters interacting with each other.
I was never able to invest in Henry's character once he got released from prison and inexplicably decided to leave so his death didn't really affect me. More screen time can now be devoted to characters and relationships that actually matter. Overcrowding on these shows is a real issue.
I'm less concerned with him being gone and more concerned with the "omg, the big bad killed the hero's loved one right in front of the hero!" storyline again. Just feels like lazy writing for me. Do something else!
I feel like once Zoom and Barry had their scene at CCPD, it was inevitable that this would happen. I wasn't necessarily expecting it this episode, though, since Zoom did go back to Earth 2. I thought they maybe would've had him stay there until the next episode. Either way it'll be interesting to see how they end this season next week.
As soon as the happy dinner scene started, I knew it was coming ha. I'm fine with him being killed off. As was mentioned above, the cast was getting crowded. Been digging Zoom as of late. And yesssss Vibe!
Siiiiiiiiiiigh Loved Katie Cassidy as Black Siren. I wouldn't totally hate her being recurring next season. I really can't take Teddy Sears seriously in this role. I think part of what was initially perceived as him just not being a great actor as Jay was a specific acting choice, because Zoom isn't a hero and doesn't want to be so clearly he would think Jay is a cliche. But I just can't buy him as Zoom. Overall this episode didn't feel like it was setting up the season finale until the last 5 minutes or so.
Kate Cassidy was gorgeous (and terrifying) as Black Siren. I couldn't look away. Best part of the episode
Danielle Panabaker stole that scene for me. You could see her constantly being like "Oh, shit, I'm supposed to look menacing" and then trying to screw up her face
Finally caught up on the last few episodes and I'm finally starting to like Zoom as a villain. The dark mirror of Barry is a nice idea that I wish they had done more with before now. Iris has been amazing lately and I am really excited to see that relationship going forward. It's about time we see a normal, long term couple on these shows that not just a huge mess/source of constant drama (looking at you, Olicity). I do think Henry's death was a little too out of no where but I think if he plays actual Jay Garrick, it will just be a clunky way to get to something even better. Lastly, my bold prediction is that Cisco's visions are of a future Crisis and that will be how Supergirl is brought to their Earth cause I definitely saw some red skies in that last one.
Seriously. I do not care one bit about anyone on Arrow anymore. Once the season is over, I'm out. Whereas, I care quite a bit about characters on the Flash. It surprises me how much I care about Wally.
When it comes to caring about comic book show characters, Agents of SHIELD and Arrow are at opposite ends of the spectrum for me, with Flash coming very close to SHIELD. I don't even like most of the Daredevil or Jessica Jones characters as much as I do Flash--if we're talking about quantity. Daisy and Jessica > everyone else.
I care the most about the Flash's cast overall, but I care a heck of a lot about Daisy Johnson. If I could pick any character from Marvel's television department to migrate to the movies, it'd be her.
the entire episode was about how Barry felt "invincible" after being in the speed force, and had multiple characters foreshadowing that bad things can still happen to him. i think that was the main signifcance the death was supposed to have. also, im thinking barrys father is the guy in the mask on earth 2.
Yeah, its gotta be OG Flash at this point. I feel like they should have Barry continue to feel invincible, get killed, and have Wally take over for a season or so until Barry somehow comes back. The way they casually set up he and Iris should spell disaster. Barry's death would be the ultimate gut punch.
Barry getting killed for a season would be the death of the show and a hilariously dumb idea. That has to be one of the dumbest suggestions I've ever read on a message board.
Barry was dead for 20+ years. The show has a stellar cast that could work without him. How in the hell would it kill the show?
How much of a draw does Grant Gustin have on his own? Unlike Arrow, I'm invested in every one of those characters on The Flash. Also, I'm willing to bet the average viewer is well aware that there are multiple Flashes in the comics and that Wally West is one of them. I don't read them and even I know this. Killing the lead is a gutsy move for sure, and I personally wouldn't want that any time soon, but if Arrow is allowed to get this shitty and still keep running, The Flash would do just fine.
I've actually read a ton of comments on youtube and other sites saying they would stop watching this show if Barry died, so I can see where you're coming from. Right now I'm hesitant to say what my stance would be. I mean so far Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) is the only reason I'm watching this show, and without how him I would be bored (despite how awesome Cisco may be) so I guess in some ways it would make the show a struggle to watch like Arrow was (before they killed a certain bird themed character and I ended up dropping that show), and Legends of Tomorrow is for me right now, but again I'm not certain if I would out right drop it like I did Arrow (we'll have to see if it ever gets there).