Amon Warmann | On 03, Apr 2015

Coming off of its best episode so far in Out of Time, we were sceptical as to whether or not The Flash would be able to top last week’s impressive effort, but we were excited to see it try. And while there’s no denying that Rogue Time is underwhelming when measured against last week’s shenanigans, it still makes for an enjoyable, if frustrating, episode.

The number one question for audiences in the 16th hour of The Flash is how many genies are going to put back in the bottle, after the revelations of last week included Cisco finding out about Wells, Wells killing Cisco, and Barry telling Iris he was The Flash after the two had confessed their feelings for one another. All of this has been ret-conned by episode’s end, and no revision is more frustrating than that of Barry and Iris. We probably sound like a broken record at this point, but having Iris in the know about Barry is exactly what the character needs. Given everything we’ve seen from The Flash so far, we’re banking on this being rectified by season’s end, one way or another. With that said, the acting from Gustin, in particular. is impressive in these scenes, effectively depicting Barry’s barely-contained optimism.

It should also be said that the do-over isn’t entirely negative, as it gives us a welcome look into Cisco’s family and the return of the Rogues. Cisco has really been blossoming of late and it’s great to see The Flash focus on this member of the ensemble. The prickly relationship between him and his brother, Dante (Nicholas Gonzalez), has a pay-off that will be significant going forward, and it also leads to the best scene of the hour, between the tech genius and Dr Wells.

In a clever twist on Out of Time, the pair again have a meaningful conversation but without the tragic ending. Though Wells’ secret remains intact, the ending of the episode makes it clear that the façade won’t last much longer, and we’re looking forward to seeing how this storyline plays out.

Captain Cold and Heat Wave, meanwhile, are joined by a third villain: Lisa (Peyton List), Cold’s sister. In the comics, she’s known as The Golden Glider and she has the ability to fly and move at extreme speeds. Here, she is disappointingly saddled with a nonsensical gold gun. Nonetheless, it is fun watching these villains chew up the scenery, and, while the climax is less thrilling than we’ve come to expect, the conversation between Flash and Cold at episode’s end is an important step to establishing the mutual respect between Barry and his villains that exists in the comics.

An entertaining episode it may be, but Rogue Time doesn’t quite do enough to fully placate our desire to see the events of last week built on, as opposed to ignored.

The Flash is available to watch online on NOW, as part of a £7.99 monthly subscription – no contract. Sign up before 27th September and new customers will only pay £1 for their first month.

 

Where can I buy or rent The Flash online in the UK?

The Flash is available to watch online on blinkbox, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play and iTunes.

 
 

Photo: Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.

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