The Flash Review: Tricksters (Season 1 Episode 17)

So, if this episode didn’t confuse you, and make you shed a tear, and maybe even make your jaw drop, I’m not sure if you watched it properly — or at all!

This week’s The Flash, entitled “Tricksters,” definitely helped set the plot back in line. After last week’s episode, I was a bit worried that everything that happened in the original story had been reversed. I wondered how long it would take to for someone to figure out Wells’ secret… again. But of course, this episode didn’t disappoint. Sure, no one’s figured out Well’s identity, but they’re getting there. And it’s so much fun to see them walk these steps.

Speaking of: does this mean that technically, this world of The Flash is an alternate universe?

The title of the episode serves a double purpose. The literal one is of course the storyline with the villain — or villains of the week. This whole plot line is very episodic. And honestly, it didn’t initiate any real emotions for me. I didn’t care that a trickster was being a copycat, nor did I care that the original one was the copycat’s father.

But you know what I did enjoy? That they kidnapped Barry’s father. And of course, Barry saves him. Watching Henry see Barry in the suit and then just hug him made me shed a tear. Watching John Ship and Grant Gustin play off each other is always a treat, and I honestly hope that some time in the near future, they can get Henry out of prison, and integrate him into Barry’s life on a more permanent basis. Best line of the night?

Henry Allen: You always did look good in red.

The second purpose for the title, the more metaphorical one (well done, writers), is of course, the ongoing mystery of Professor Well’s identity. Barry finally has his suspicions about his mentor, and is stopping at nothing to uncover the truth. So much so, that he even reveals himself to Eddie!

My jaw dropped, and I absolutely loved this. For so many reasons! One: Eddie can finally be part of the cool kids! And two: I hope this leads to Eddie’s inevitable rivalry with Barry. Because, you know, Iris is obsessed with the Flash.

Through a series of flashbacks, very Arrow-esque, we find out that Wells is not actually Wells. At least, not anymore, and not…100%.

In the first scene of the episode, we see the yellow streak run out of the house after killing Barry’s mom, and then coming to a full stop. As he tears his mask off, it is revealed not to be Harrison! It’s confusing, especially when the camera pans into this guy’s face, making the audience think we should know him.

At the end, something weird happens. After a car accident that kills Harrison’s wife, the Reverse Flash explains his diabolical plan to Harrison. Then he uses a device to… take Wells’ appearance. My theory is: merging two people thing will have the same effect as Ronnie and Professor Stein. That’s why Wells seems like he has double personalities — because some of Harrison’s traits are seeping through to Thawne!

As things begin to become clearer, I’m excited to see Wells slip up, like he does while describing the feeling of running so fast to Barry (and Barry starts to put the pieces together once and for all).

Random thoughts:

• Can I get a hug from Caitin?
• Did Henry get to watch Breaking Bad Season 5 too? Because I need to know his review ASAP.
• As the trickster told us about the bomb he had set, I couldn’t help but think: “The undertaking: Part 2 — Central City Edition!” Anyone else?

What did you think of The Flash Season 1 Episode 17? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Flash airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW.

Smriti Jasra

Smriti (a.k.a Sim) is a TV and comic book enthusiast, and has been since the days of Angel and Alias. She watches over 20 shows a week, and her perfect idea of a date is sitting on a couch with some pizza, while having the ultimate debate of Marvel vs. DC. When she’s not live-tweeting her favorite shows or working at her day job, she’s usually writing fan-fiction. Her favorite shows include: Arrow, The 100, Suits, The Flash and Kingdom. Follow her on Twitter: @simjasra