The Flash Season 1 Episode 19 Review: Who is Harrison Wells?
Carissa Pavlica
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It's about damn time.
They certainly didn't get the answer to the titular question "Who is Harrison Wells?" in The Flash Season 1 Episode 19, but what we got was an hour that provided some much-needed focus onto Eddie Thawne.
Eddie hasn't been given his due, and by being one of the first pawns in the game of Hannibal Bates, the shapeshifting "everyman" as Caitlin dubbed him (Where is Cisco when you need him?), both Eddie and Rick Cosnett got their opportunity to shine.
All things considered, this was an installment fairly light on delivering information. With the title, it was kind of a bait and switch as we prepare for The Flash Season 1 Episode 20, "The Trap," when it looks like all the big stuff goes down. Was I losing my marbles, or did Cisco cry out for mommy in the previews?
Nonethess, it was a whole lot of fun and all of the actors were given some different material to play with. Let's talk Eddie and Cosnett first, because this was a long time coming.
We've been feeling pretty damn bad about Eddie being burdened with the secret of The Flash and what it meant to his relationship with Iris. Part of that was also because that was the juiciest storyline Cosnett had until tonight. Being touched by Hannibal Bates allowed him to grow in so many different ways.
First, Cosnett got to show his humorous side, and he has really fun comedic timing. This was just one example of scenes featuring his The Flash quotes that hit the mark.
Cop: Waddya want us to do, Thawne?
Not-Eddie: [chomping gum] Die. [shoots them]
It was a simple line, but the delivery was everything. Being caught as the shooter also brought Eddie back into Iris' line of sight and her argument with him no longer seemed of consequence. That's good timing.
This case was equally good for Eddie because he realized the importance of Barry and The Flash in addition to regular police work. Never before had the whole metahuman thing hit so close to home, and he needed something to really kick it into place for him.
This isn't like your dad, Barry. When your dad was put away, you were a kid, there wasn't anything you could do. But you're not a kid anymore, you're a scientist. Hell, you're The Flash! You are gonna find Bates and you are gonna clear me, so go do it.
Eddie
When it was all over, he bought into the need to keep the secret and unburdened himself of the guilt. He told Iris a half truth. He's been working with The Flash. That's true enough. Does she need to know the rest? Perhaps, but it's not his truth to tell.
Speaking of truths, while Joe and Cisco were in Starling City finding Harrison Wells' carcass, Joe had a chat with Capt. Lance about Laurel. Will it be enough to smooth the waters over on Arrow? Let's hope so. It was an interesting chat about Lance's ailing heart. Metaphorically speaking, the best way to fix it is to open it to loving his daughter again with forgiveness.
Cisco with Laurel was everything we'd want it to be and he even named her Canary Cry. He may not have been around for naming the "everyman," but he was still on his game!
Speaking of Hannibal Bates, the others who got to play with him in town were Grant Gustin, Danielle Panabaker and Candace Patton. For what other reason would Barry and Caitlin be kissing or would Barry be giving her the once over? Seeing Barry be dismissive of Iris was as fun as ogling Caitlin and the fight scenes with Barry, Caitlin, Iris and Eddie were just a smashing good time. Hannibal getting out of the cage for more of that down the road wouldn't be upsetting.
Alright, it was probably a little too easy to find Well's body, but we'll let that slide. It needed to be found to move onto the next phase of this whole business.
The business is that the fab three found Gideon. Well, they don't know what Gideon is (neither do I), but the room, the suit and the fateful headline have been located and that's obviously what scares them into further action.
This was a fun hour of television. It was fast and entertaining. Did it add a lot to the overall scheme of things? Not really, but I can live with that. How about you? Did you have fun with it? Were you ready for some Eddie action and were you happy to have it? Hit the comments!
Remember, you can watch The Flash online any time via TV Fanatic. We'll see you next week!
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.
