As The Flash gets ready for its big crossover event with its fellow DC/CW shows, this week’s episode dealt with Barry’s psychological struggle after being defeated by Zoom. Additionally, Gorilla Grodd returns to Central City and goes after Caitlin, but for an unexpected reason.
The writers gave Grodd an incredible — and shocking — vulnerability by having him not just being the villainous monster from last season. As someone who is one-of-a-kind, Grodd is lonely and wanted Caitlin to give him more gorillas like him, which is not what one would have initially expected when hearing that Caitlin would be kidnapped by him. The way the confrontation towards Grodd was handled, with Harry having to suit up as Reverse-Flash, aka Grodd’s “father,” was neat as well as humorous, as Harry had to channel his inner Eobard.
Eventually, Team Flash defeats Grodd by sucking him into a dimensional breach that takes him to a jungle that had been experimented upon in Earth-2, and this is, without a doubtm the introduction of the famous Gorilla City from the comic books, where there are several super-intelligent gorillas, along with Grodd. The bigger question now is, how will it play into The Flash moving forward as Grodd will probably not be showing up for a good time? While it might be expensive from a VFX standpoint, this could be something that could be used as a main arc for the third season of the series, or maybe at least as a half season arc, because if we’d get multiple gorillas on the show, it would probably cost a lot to visually create them. But with the ratings that The Flash pulls in, it wouldn’t be unrealistic to see The CW be willing to supply the show with a boosted budget for at least a good eight-nine episodes worth of a Gorilla City storyline.
“Gorilla Warfare” also gives the viewers a much better look at Legends of Tomorrow character Kendra Saunders, as she kicks off her romance with Cisco, who gets all sorts of vibes when he touches her. While it was quick, it was great to finally get to see the wings of Hawkgirl, as photos of Ciara Renée in the costume has been wingless so far because of them being CGI. The complete look is breath-taking and gets you even more excited for the upcoming crossover episodes, where she will become Hawkgirl. Although it will be sad to see this cute romance having to come to an early end, but with Hawkman around the corner, Cisco won’t have much of a choice.
Last, but not the least, it was both surprising as well as understandable that Barry’s legs started healing very quickly in this episode, but luckily, overcoming the mental struggle was something that got a lot of good focus. This arc gave viewers the return of Henry Allen as Iris, with the big heart that she has, reaches out to him to give Barry some support. John Wesley Shipp and Grant Gustin continue to have incredibly emotional-charged scenes every time they share the screen together. However, something was slightly off with Henry, which was perhaps what the Flash writers were going for, because there is something mysterious about him right now. Maybe not Zoom-related, but something is there.
Overall, “Gorilla Warfare” was more enjoyable for its focus on Grodd and Cisco learning more about Kendra through his vibing as opposed to Barry’s struggles with overcoming his fears of Zoom and his issues with Patty, who was questioning his honesty to her. Even though the two of them came to a resolution at the end, it’s only a matter of time now before Patty finds out his secret. But that will have to wait, because Savage is coming, and the heroes of The CW’s DC TV Universe are going to have to team up big time in two weeks.
The Flash returns with new episodes on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 8/7c on The CW with Part 1 of the upcoming The Flash, Arrow, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow crossover, titled “Legends of Today.”
[Photo credit: Cate Cameron/The CW]
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This was an episode that had to build up slowly to show Barry humiliated. We knew his fast physical recovery would get his legs working. But what that couldn’t cure Barry’s PTSD. His flashbacks to his bloodied face being held high by Zoom enforcing his fear and despondence were well done to show PTSD. It was a normal reaction, hero or not. Zoom didn’t just beat Flash to a pulp but utterly humiliated him. I can understand Barry’s reluctance to go back out into action. Henry showing up was a surprise, although I don’t buy the camping excuse. Could be, but seems a little lame. Where he was important was in giving Barry back some sense of himself. He could relate to the humiliation knowing he was innocent but people whispering behind his back. He played a big role in inspiring Barry and rebuild his son’s confidence. As his father, he showed he had faith Barry was going to be OK, just as Barry did for him. Good for Iris to think of getting him back, but how did she know where he was? Barry didn’t.
Grodd’s return was good. Took care of him as a problem. Yea, he was a little destructive for his mission, to have a family. He knew from before the particle accelerator accident that Caitlin cared about his well being so it made sense to ask her back but scary in that he wanted her to replicate him. More scary was Caitlin apparently willing to help. Cisco, as usual, brought something to help the situation. The 2nd suit seemed somewhat contrived, though. He taught Wells-2 to act like Eobard towards Grodd because of the father connection. Good idea, just couldn’t complete because they didn’t appreciate Grodd’s intellect. Thought of him as a big Gorilla. Wells-2 came up with a thought out plan to remove Grodd from Earth 1 through the portal. Good thing that they discussed this and how to accomplish it. Flash got his fears under control by pushing Grodd into the portal after having been beat down and stepped on earlier so hopefully he is over PTSD. The Gorilla world? Could that be a reference to “Planet of the Apes”? And what’s with Caitlin? She seemed to have concerns and empathies for the “bad guys”, Didn’t want to let any go, especially her reaction to both Wells-2 and Grodd. Still no mention of Jay. Is he gone for good? Liked Barry’s request to have a suit in the ring so he didn’t have to carry a bag with him all the time. Can Cisco do that.
Joe, being a father figure, did try to bring Barry out of his slump and got Barry to listen and think as he always does, but it took Henry to really make an impact on Barry. Joe praised Iris for thinking and acting on it without being irritated. Near the end it seemed strange that Barry would go right to Patty and kind of ignore Iris. I know they are trying to encourage the thought of Patty and Barry as a real couple, but Iris didn’t have a reaction, different than she did with Linda. Patty knows something is up and wants Barry to open up. Patty offers Barry homemade chicken soup, Barry -“That’s ok, I’ll have soup in a can” Joe “I’m going to bring Barry some homemade soup, he hates soup from a can.” Get your stories together guys, Patty is sharp. The truth is going to have to come out soon. Barry intimated as such.
Overall a good episode, not on the same level as Season 1 Finale and definitely not Enter Zoom (that was awesome). Build up slow, get Barry back to shape and more confident. Towards the end he seemed to be in good spirits but I wonder how much this Zoom beating affects him in the future. Hopefully, it shouldn’t take so long to bring him back to full powers.