The Flash - Going Rogue - Review

Finally! After so many villains that felt one dimensional or just evil for the sake of being evil, we've been introduced to one that has been fully realized and brought to life perfectly. In this weeks episode of The Flash we had our first crossover with Arrow along with Wentworth Miller being introduced as Leonard Snart/Captain Cold and I have to say, this was my favorite episode thus far.

Snart was the focus from the onset and while his origins and background weren't really touched on, they played it up well through Wentworth's mysterious yet cool portrayal. I personally loved how they put some focus on his intelligence, Snart was willing to plan things out rather then rush them. A formidable foe indeed. The groundwork has really been laid for his future which I hope includes multiple appearances allowing him to be as fleshed out as one of the main cast. It was also great to see that not every villain will relate to the Particle Accelerator incident.

Team S.T.A.R. Labs also had their own battles to face this week, which was different in tone to previous episodes. Previously we saw their interaction as fun and playful, this time it quickly delved into a slightly darker tone. The topic of guilt took up the the secondary plotline this week. Delving into both Barry's guilt at his failure while Cisco was made to deal with his guilt over the creation of the cold gun. Originally I wasn't sure if Carlos could pull off such a plot. However in such a short time his acting has really improved and while still not the best he really did make me feel for Cisco.

Iris, Eddie and Joe didn't get much to do this week although some setup was placed for future episodes. Unfortunately while Carlos is improving, Candice still isn't selling me on Iris. I hope that changes in future episodes but she still feels like the weakest link.

Lets not forget good old Harrison Wells either. After the past few weeks, it feels like theirs a conspiracy behind everything he says. Did he allow for the gun to be stolen? Did Cisco's actions almost ruin his plans? And what does he know of Felicity's future? I feel like once we find out the truth of his character, all these hints will carry so much more meaning and will making re-watching the show that much more fun.

On the topic of Felicity, initially I felt she was just pushed in randomly for ratings. But pretty quickly that changed and she added in a fun dimension to Team S.T.A.R. Labs that I almost wanted her to swap shows permanently. I loved seeing her give some sage advice which really has shown her growth since she was first introduced in Arrow. Emily and Grant also play off each other well with the scene in the train standing out to me. It was bittersweet to see them admit such affection for each other and I wonder if it will play into future crossovers.

Also can we talk about that final scene? Snart recruiting his first member to the Rogues was chilling and yet showed a deeper side to his character. I was also glad to see that Wells wont constantly be the final scene of each episode. The first time it happened it surprised me and the second time packed a big punch but by the third the shock value was mostly gone. Using the final scene to show other characters in surprising situations really adds in the shock value, especially when we don't know who will be shown. If they keep using these final scenes effectively, it could really end each episode on a high as we contemplate what the future of The Flash has in store for us all.

Overall Feelings:
Overall I have to say that this is my favorite episode thus far. Much as Arrow did, The Flash is constantly improving in each episode. We now have a memorable villain and the start of the Rogues. Felicity was also used perfectly, not too much to feel forced but just enough to leave a memorable impression. It's going to be tough to top this episode but I'm so ready for them to try. Bring on next week!