The Flash Season 1 Episode 12 Review: Crazy for You
Carissa Pavlica
at
.
Updated at
.
It seems like forever since we've had a glimpse of Henry Allen and in The Flash Season 1 Episode 12 we were rewarded for putting up with his extended absence.
Not only were we treated to incredibly emotional scenes between Barry and his father, Barry and Caitlin deepened their bond of friendship and Cisco got something off his chest that had been weighing him down since the particle accelerator exploded.
While the case of the week was, well, weak, the meta ability behind it was not and we had another cool tease of something to come.
The teleportation ability has to be my very favorite metahuman function so far. It would be the most handy, assuming someone didn't run by and dim all the lights or (God forbid) blind you. You could pretty much escape anything or go anywhere. That's officially the first ability I'd like to have. You could even take others along for the ride!
Barry's training has been going really well. It surprised me he was able to reach Shawna before she teleported and he's officially faster than a speeding bullet. He's kind of on top of the world, outside of the dating thing, which also picked up thanks to tracking down Shawna and Clay.
Barry: I'm not much of a singer. And you're not much of a drinker.
Caitlin: We are gonna bring this place down.
I was under the impression Caitlin was going to purposefully suggest they get out there as a way to get over Iris and Ronnie. Instead, it started as a bit of a work assignment. Barry gets the raw end of the deal since he can't catch a buzz (he can catch everything else, though, so there's that!), but how great was it when they started to sing.
It was a brilliant way to showcase the talent he used formerly on Glee. Everything about their scenes together felt so natural and the way Caitlin trusts Barry so implicitly is really beautiful. I know there are many people who have suggested they have chemistry above friendship, but I don't feel that. Yes, Barry was a little embarrassed when Caitlin started disrobing in front of him, but that's natural.
Caitlin: Did you sneak a peek at my goods?
Barry: I wouldn't be much of a hero if I did.
Caitlin: Yeaaaaaaah, but it's OK if you peeked a little. You deserve a peek for all of the good stuff you do.
Barry: Drink lots of water.
Barry appears to have a type, anyway. Reporters! Linda Park took notice of his voice at the karaoke bar and Iris took note of the two going on a date. Yes, the look in her eyes was one of wonder. But that's not what's really on my mind when it comes to Iris.
How in the hell did she capture that photo of The Flash, have it blown up to newspaper size and not recognize her best friend? With all the clues dangling out there, she she should have realized it straight away. Yes, it is a story requiring some suspension of disbelief. Not everyone seems to fall under that requirement, however.
Gosh I've missed Henry. Until Barry shared with Iris how much it meant to him for Joe to arrange for his dad to wander by while they were there, I didn't even think about the face-to-face meeting and the lack of glass and phones.
Barry was concerned for his dad's safety, of course, when he was helping with the case. It was a valid concern and Henry got stabbed and beaten in Iron Heights as a result of poking around where he didn't belong. Barry started to chastise him and Henry stuttered as he started to reply that he has very little opportunity to be helpful and he'll not pass them up when they're offered. John Wesley Shipp can really bring the feels, can't he? He and Grant Gustin, when together, are experts at bringing brimming tears to their eyes without ever letting them fall.
As I said, not everyone has missed the clues laid before them about The Flash. Henry saw The Flash more than once before, and it didn't escape his attention that both he and Joe have been saved by him, as well.
Barry: Dad, if I was The Flash, don't you think you'd be the first to know about it?
Henry: Yeah. Well if The Flash were my son, I'd tell him a few things. First off, I'd tell him it's a dangerous world so be careful. Then I'd tell him he's a hero and he's saving a lot of lives, but the most important thing for him to know, I feel, is that his father's proud of him.
Come on guys?! That was simply marvelous. The entire conversation was so well done. Dad may not come by often, but when he does his moments are not wasted. Every one counts.
Yet that's not all! Cisco let Hartley go to find out what happened to Ronnie and that story is finally out in the open. We got our first, however brief, glimpse of Victor Garber as Martin Stein. Caitlin doesn't yet know why Ronnie wasn't himself, but she soon will. Cisco was worried she'd be angry he shut the door on him before the explosion; instead she was concerned he carried it along inside so long.
Other bits:
- Grodd is out there roaming the sewers of Central City, writing his name on the walls and killing maintenance men.
- Iron Heights is the most insecure prison ever.
- Did we ever hear anything about Captain Cold and Heat Wave not making it to Iron Heights?
- Why was the guy Barry flashed out of the prison dressed like a horribly aging 80s rocker (akin to Brett Michaels) instead of wearing prison garb like Henry?
- It's hard for me to call Barry The Flash because even in the suit, he's still all Barry all the time. He doesn't change to be The Flash, as Barry is good and kind in both personas. Anyone else?
I didn't mind the lack of Harrison Wells mystery or an over the top villain. The up close and personal touch with Barry and those close to him worked really well. It's time we got to know them all a little better. What do you think?
If you've missed any of the fun, you can always watch The Flash online!
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
