Written by John Edward BetancourtTHIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...If there's one thing I have truly enjoyed when it comes to season three of The Flash, is the fact that the show is forcing Barry Allen to truly earn his hero status. Sure we've seen him do some amazing feats through the years and suffer greatly considering all the hell Zoom put him through last year, but Barry has yet to truly embrace what it means to put that lightning bolt emblem upon his chest, nor does he fully understand what his identity as the Flash means to others. But last night's episode, 'The Once and Future Flash' was filled with some serious surprises when it comes to all of that. Because what seemed like standard Flash-fare suddenly became a tour de force episode that not only embraced the darkness that has permeated over season three, but it finally allowed for Barry to embrace those all important things I made mention of a moment ago. He finally acted like a true hero through and through and he now understands what kind of a symbol he is and all it took for Barry Allen to step into that role was a terrifying trip to the future in an attempt to learn Savitar's true identity where he discovered what the world would look like without The Flash. Because in 2024, there was no Flash. Just a barren and dystopia-esque Central City where villains reigned supreme and the reason for the speedster's exit from public life and public service was a simple one, the death of Iris. Yes, future Barry Allen, a dark and brooding version of the man we've come to know surrendered to the pain of losing his true love and disbanded the team, breaking every single promise he's made in the present and well...seeing what will become of a world without Barry was downright fascinating and heartbreaking since the vast majority of team Flash fell upon tough times without Mister Allen there to provide them with purpose or direction. Wally was relegated to home care for a major injury he suffered battling Savitar. Joe was distraught and shattered over being abandoned by Barry. Julian went off to care for and watch over Killer Frost in prison and poor Cisco lost his hands and his powers in a battle with the darker form of Caitlin and he was desperate to keep Barry in the future so that maybe...just maybe, he could have a shred of hope again in a world without it, and that's when Barry finally saw the light. He realized that everyone looked up to him for guidance and direction because he inspired others to be more, and be better and every time he put that suit on, he gave an entire city of people hope and by embracing these facts he was able to bring the team back together and he even managed to inspire his future self to do the right thing once again. It was a refreshing little twist and one that made you proud of Barry, and while he may not have learned Savitar's identity in 2024, he did at least uncover the name of the physicist who built the Speed Force trap and he brought her work back to the present where no doubt the hunt for Tracy Brand will get underway come next week but when all is said and done, I really loved this episode. It was simply wonderful to see Barry embrace his destiny at long last and inspire others and really, everything about this story worked perfectly. The acting was on point, the story was sublime and this might be the finest episode that season three has delivered to date. Either way, Barry could not have picked a better time to find his calling because he's going to need every ounce of that bravery and strength as we barrel toward an epic showdown with Savitar. Until next time.
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