Pros:
Harrison Wells’ Voice Over: The opening scene was SO good! I loved Wells’ voice over about getting back everything he has lost. He is still evil, but in a small way, I do feel bad for the guy. Plus, his speeches are some of the best in the series. In the mean time, everyone looking at pictures of those they have lost, made it seem like he was just part of our rag-tag team of heroes. We know that’s not the case, but I like the writing here.
Wells’ Spinning Sorcery: It was a neat touch that the wheelchair that Wells was actually the source of his power. In a battery! That you can’t buy from Radio Shack (FYI, Joe, you can’t buy anything from Radio Shack anymore)
Iris was sorta smart this time: Iris saved Caitlin from Peek-A-Boo’s leg. Then she was upfront with Eddie over his fear of their marriage not happening because he “saw the future”. The thing about the future is that you can change it, and Iris knows that.
Eddie Thawne, Professional Shade Thrower: Eddie is saved, and seems cool with Barry not finding him. But he is upset at Iris because he can’t see what has been in front him the whole time. When he throws shade at Iris, he also gives some MAJOR side eye. It was pretty funny.
It’s from the fuuuuttuuuuurrrrrre: When Cisco discovers the tube that is charging the particle accelerator, the group tells him to turn it off. His response was classic. There is no power button on this thing… “It’s from the fuuuuttuuuuurrrrrre.”
Meta-Human Fight!: I thought all the effects from the five meta-humans were pretty neat. I particularly like the tiny weather in Weather Wizard’s hand. Also, Peek-A-Boo leaving after seeing all the chaos was exactly how I would react.
I’m a criminal: When Barry finds out about Captain Cold’s sabotage, Cold tells Barry that he is a liar and a criminal. Barry should just be mad at himself. That was just about the best thing Captain Cold has said.
The crossover: Ronnie and Ollie finally show up and help Barry kick some Reverse Flash butt. The slo-mo and effects were AWESOME! And they got the bad guy, so that felt pretty good, too.
Commentary on the Penal system and the Legal system: Joe had some great moments this episode. He was constantly there to tell the group (mostly Barry) when they were wrong. But reading between the lines, there was a lot about how police treat people, how police are treated, and how inmates are treated. Joe makes it clear he doesn’t like how STAR Labs never rehabilitated the meta-humans they house. Caitlin chalks this up to being “too busy.” Then Joe and Barry argue about what police can and cannot do. While Barry claims they are protected and can therefore get away with anything, Joe tells him that cops have to follow rules, and breaking them is no different than what criminals do. Barry says this is different. I don’t know if I am reading too much into the conversation, but this seems really important for the state of our country currently. Could The Flash be the best political show out there? I don’t know, but this was pretty damn good.
Cons:
Locksmith: The employees of STAR Labs (how are they getting paid?!) don’t ever lock the doors. Shocker… Harrison Wells has been in this super high tech building the whole time and you never knew! Surprise… here comes Leonard Snart through the front door. I lock my car when it is in the garage; I’m sure STAR Labs can think of something to keep the bad guys out.
Joe always grabbing his gun: Joe grabbed his gun when Wells and Snart were both in STAR Labs. You really think your little pistol will stop a guy faster than Barry and another guy with a freeze ray? No. No it will not.
Finding Eddie: It’s really hard to believe that Barry never found Eddie BELOW THE PRISON IN STAR LABS. I mean it’s right there. I don’t know. I just think it’s silly. Also, Iris looking around the room and only finding the engagement ring was dumbing down females to “Oooohhhh, Shiny!’
Wentworth Miller: I know we say this every time, but his acting is so bad as Leonard Snart. It’s really hard to watch.
Barry’s terrible plan: Why would Leonard Snart not lie? Also, how could he stop the meta-humans anymore than what Barry could do? Involving him at all, other than to give his sister a nickname, and releasing the meta-humans, seemed really unnecessary.
Destroying the evidence: Barry destroys all the evidence about Captain Cold at his request. How would Cold know if the computer evidence at CCPD was gone? He wouldn’t. Also, Barry brings physical evidence and Cold’s sister shoots it with her gold gun before they even check. Barry could easily have lied and said that he destroyed it all. But we know that Barry is a terrible liar, so there is that.
The Sabotage: How did Captain Cold and Golden Glider sabotage the prison break? They didn’t seem to have a lot of time, or smarts for that matter.
Easter Eggs:
Address Labels: Iris and Eddie’s address was:
203-2320 Western Ave.
Central City, USA 74912
I think it is funny that there is no state. Also, 74912 is not a real zip code in the good ole U.S. of A.
Scarlet Speedster: Leonard Snart address Barry as such when they meet at the bar. The only gripe I have with this is that the only other time “Scarlet Speedster” has been mentioned is from the newspaper in the future.
What was on the paper?: I don’t know if this is really an Easter Egg, but when Barry asks Leonard to help, Leonard writes what he wants in return on a paper. Barry declines. We never find out what Leonard originally wanted as payment. I am very curious if this will play out in the future.
Ferris Air shut down: Captain Cold notes that Ferris Air is shut down, and Barry tells him it is because a Test Pilot disappeared. Hello Hal Jordon reference!!
Golden Glider: After some serious flirting, Captain Cold’s sister finally is crowned with her moniker by Cisco: Golden Glider.
The Costume Ring: Harrison Wells shows Barry his ring, and then his costume flies out of it and Wells runs into the ring. How cool! Also, it is a direct reference to Barry’s costume ring in the comics.
Predictions:
Meta-Human Shield: Wells may not have factored in the meta-human prison break into his plan, but that doesn’t mean he won’t use them against Barry in the future. Especially if it means protecting himself by putting his “army” on the front lines to distract The Flash.
Flashpoint: I didn’t really get the sense we were there yet until the preview for nex
Line of the Week:
When Cisco realizes that the Golden Glider actually does like him, he says “Really not enjoying being one of the good guys this week.” Ha!
Hush Comics gives “Rogue Air” a B for delivering some of the best special effects the show has had, getting some sympathy points for Wells, and Joe being the best dad on TV, but for a lame plan and Captain Cold’s terrible acting.
All images belong to The CW and DC Entertainment. They are credited to Dean Buscher and Diyah Pera.
Hush Comics 