The Flash Review: All Star Team Up (Season 1 Episode 18)

Caitlin: Is that a bird?
Cisco: No, it’s a plane?
Felicity: No. It’s my boyfriend.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, starts off one of the best episodes of The Flash with “All Star Team Up.” From the looks of it, this show is getting ready to set up something. Something big.

Some of the stories are starting to mingle together, including the set up for this super secret spin-off, which includes Ray Palmer as The Atom. I was a bit confused about the timeline, because right now, Roy has just handed himself in to the cops saying he’s the Arrow. That leads me to believe that this storyline probably takes place a little while ago. Speaking of Oliver, there are some very subtle hints that compare Ray to Oliver in the potential boyfriend department. Just saying.

And, when Ray shows up because he needs help with his super suit, it’s hard not to wonder if he would somehow become a meta-human in Central City. But nope. He goes back in one peace, though there were still so many allusions to how partial he is to small things. It’ll be interesting to see how he will actually become the Atom. Will it be an accident, or intentional?

Another story that seems to slowly be inching towards something major, is the Iris-Eddie-Barry love triangle. In a world of all-stars, Iris sticks out like a sore thumb. She seems exceptionally whiny and overbearing, crying ‘give me attention’.

What is she so upset about? She thinks Eddie is hiding something. In the end, she finally tells Barry that she thinks Eddie is cheating on her. I felt bad for her in that moment, but it doesn’t excuse how awkward she makes dinner with Felicity and Ray — and Barry. Barry, who looks downright uncomfortable that he is the reason Eddie is getting so much heat.

Don’t air your dirty laundry in public, Iris. It seemed untactful.

And lastly, there is the whole concept of Dr. Wells’ identity. After the last episode, it became a much more interesting plot point, and I liked that they showed how hard it was for Barry to act like everything was normal. When Joe advises him cautiously that maybe Caitlin and Cisco aren’t on their side, it’s completely understandable where he’s coming from. But you can also see the heartbreak on Barry’s face.

I say it every week, but Jesse and Grant have a palpable chemistry on screen, and their little fist pump at the beginning of the episode, and this scene, proves it.

It’s nice to see Felicity backing up Caitlin and Cisco’s loyalty, even though she’s only known them for a small amount of time. But when Cisco takes a bee (from the Villain of the week) for Ray, Barry has no doubts in where their loyalties lie, and decides to bring them in on his discovery.

Caitlin: What do Doctor Wells and the Reverse Flash have to do with each other?
Barry: They’re the same person.

I cannot wait — repeat, cannot wait at all — to see how every single person at Star Lab acts around Wells now that they’re suspicious of his motives. If the promo is any indication, maybe they’ll learn Thawne took over Wells’ body the night Tess died very soon. And maybe they’ll be able to help get the real Wells back?

The Flash Promo: “Who Is Harrison Wells?”

Either way, so much is happening and everything is coming together in the next four episodes. It seems to be one hell of a ride. Stay tuned, everyone. It’s going to get crazy. I can feel it.

Things to think about:

• I agree with Felicity. I want a nemesis
• The word “sex” was used twice this week. Once to describe how great it was for Raylicity, and once to describe the lack of in Eddie’s life. I laughed at both.
• You are a hero, Cisco. You are.

What did you think about The Flash Season 1 Episode 18? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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