If you are anything like me (which by calculations would make you pretty cool), there is something about superheros and comics that really interests you. Whether it be the fantastical-actiony story lines, the compelling characters with decades of history, or those tight fitting outfits, there is some definite appeal to the comic book superheros that have taken the forefront in movies and television. If you are a fan of the Marvel movies, read comics, watched "Batman: The Animated Series," or just like quality television, and you haven't watched "The Flash," you really need to get on that.
What makes it so great? Why should you watch it?
1. Best dad Joe West
Joe West, played by the talented Jesse L. Martin, is the adoptive father of Barry Allen after his mother is killed and his father is arrested for her murder.This done to earth, hilarious police detective works side-by-side with Barry at Central City Police Department where he is a forensic assistant.
2. Barry Allen's smile ![]()
Barry Allen, played by the insanely adorable (and 100% single) Grant Gustin, gets struck by a bolt of lightning during a particle accelerator explosion and gains super speed, becoming The Flash. He's like the nerdy cute kid that suddenly can get back at bullies. This, on top of the fact that his smile should be considered a national treasure.
(One more for good measure)
3. Hella girl power
Investigative reporter Iris West, played by Candice Patton who is full of #BlackGirlMagic, is Joe West's daughter, which gives her a whole lot of practice in badassery, and Barry's main love interest (even though for the most part it was not reciprocated). She still continued to be his friend. No drama. That's what makes the women of "The Flash" awesome.
Preach, Caitlin. You can be scientist and still have fun. (And yes, that is Danielle Panabaker from Disney Channel movie and Sky High fame. She's awesome.)
4. The characters are on point
Okay, so I know I talked about how awesome Joe and Iris West are as his adoptive family, but it's pretty important to acknowledge the stereotypes being broken with this family set up. The best part about the diversity of the characters in "The Flash" is that the writers don't treat it like it's something special, it's just normal.
Who is that? The red-blooded police captain David Singh casually smothering mayo on a hamburger while harassing his subordinates.
5. Cisco is the real MVP ![]()
Cisco Ramon who is known in the comics as the superhero Vibe, played by the fantastic Carlos Valdes, is basically the funniest character in the entire series. Hands down. He is like a fanboy that somehow inserted himself into the television series and managed to stay as a character.
6. Even the villains are sassy
Flash's "Gallery of Rogues" includes some of the most dangerous, scheming and devilishly hilarious villains to hit the small screen.
7. Harrison Wells is written so well it's disgusting
I don't want to include any spoilers for people, but Harrison Wells pretty much embodies shadiness from the beginning, but still works with "Team Flash," which include Cisco, Caitlin, Joe, and Barry. What he's really up to you don't find out, but the suspense and how Tom Cavanaugh acts as Harrison is awesome.
8. All the characters are as nerdy as you are
Some of the lines from this show can make you seriously laugh out loud or are just so damn relatable you can't help but feel like you could be best friends with Team Flash if you ever happened to be Central City Jitters.
Caitlin Snow: asking the real questions
9. The writers are pros at adapting comic story lines
It seemed impossible to me (as a fan of "The Flash" from cartoons and comics) to see such seemingly ridiculous components of comics be adapted. However, the writers of The Flash brought characters like a psychic gorilla and the concept of time travel totally natural.
The first season is on Netflix, the second will be on it soon, and the third season starts October 4 at 8:00 p.m. EST, so y'all have more than enough time to binge.
