"The Flash" Raises The Bar Again

I just realized that my love for "The Flash" is simply mirroring my distaste for "Arrow".

"The Flash" has definitely become my favorite out of the two, for so many reasons and the second to last episode of this season definitely reinforces this.  There have been a few missteps, but overall, this season has been very, very good.

The thing about this show is that it does what "Arrow" can't as of late: make the audience care about the characters.  Also, Barry Allen has a support network that cares for him and watches his back.  I remember a time "Arrow" had this but their characters slowly became more and more ridiculous. The team at Star Labs (specifically Cisco and Harry) have grown and have become better, smarter and more fun.  Back in season 1, I didn't really care much for Iris but this season, she has grown into a much interesting character and I would love to see her and Barry finally get together. It works. Kudos to the writing staff for developing everyone incredibly well.

Another part worth mentioning is how incredibly FUN the show is.  There are dark moments but it's only complimented by how lighthearted some parts are. Barry runs, saves the day and we applaud his optimism and his heroism. He gets a win and it's wonderful. We cheer and we laugh. On the flip side, that's not to say the moments overcast by shadow aren't good but are gut-wrenching and emotionally powerful.  When Barry flies high and smiles, the tragic moments are not far behind and when they come, it hits HARD. It's fantastic.

However, the second season had a few questionable moments, choices and episodes, as well as the casting of some characters (Wally and Jay), as well as stretching out stories instead of making things more streamlined and compact. The show could easily be shortened to 13 episodes rather than then the robust 23. After a while, it feels exhausting. However, after a bit of a drag, it gets right back into it and continues on raise the bar yet again.

While it can NEVER be like "Arrow" it's still worth pointing out that "The Flash" can't have lightning strike twice. It can however, manage to amaze and dazzle us in the majority of their storytelling. It works hard to not only please the comic book fans but people who enjoy good TV.

I look forward to the season finale with anticipation and await the next season eagerly.