The Flash Review: Running to Stand Still (Season 2 Episode 9)

The Flash presses pause on the action in “Running to Stand Still” and gives a moment of reflection.

The characters face emotional crossroads, but superpowers cannot provide the answers. Instead, they must find the answers within themselves. And in true holidays fashion, their choices reveal the true meaning of Christmas.

Arguably, the best scene of “Running to Stand Still” is when Iris confesses to Barry she has a brother. Candice Patton’s performance is brilliant. Iris’ pain is brimming under the surface until she cannot keep it in any longer, and it spills over. Grant Gustin matches Patton’s beautiful portrayal with one of his own. Gustin’s nuanced performance reveals the dozens of emotions Barry is feeling all at once. As Barry absorbs the shock, the shift is almost immediate. Does this change anything for Joe? Will Barry still be his son when he finds out the truth?

Turning in his own Tour de Force performance is Jessie L. Martin. Joe faces away from Barry and Iris as he absorbs the truth, which creates an intimacy between Joe and the audience. We are the only ones to see his reactions. When Iris tells Joe his son’s name, Wally, the heartbreak on his face is crushing. Joe’s guilt is overwhelming. If he could feel when Iris is in danger, how could he not feel his son’s existence? The questions Joe is asking are ones any parent would ask.

In a bizarre twist, Joe meets with Francine off-screen. Simply telling Barry about the meeting immediately removes the emotional punch the scene could have had. However, Joe’s ultimate realization delivers. Part of the reason he never searched for Francine is because he was angry with her. Joe couldn’t fix her, and it was easier believing she was dead.

“What if” is a question haunting Joe West. He admits his anger played a role, albeit a small one, in separating him from Wally. If he’d simply chosen to forgive, maybe everything would be different. That said, Joe does not squander his second chance. He forgives Francine and a weight is lifted.

In a beautifully simple moment, Joe gives Barry his watch.. He explains he always intended to give it to his son. The heavy and meaningful silence reveals what isn’t said is more important than what is. Yes, Wally’s existence changes everything for Joe and yet, it changes nothing about his relationship with Barry. Barry will always be Joe’s son.

As Patty faces off with Weather Wizard, the man who killed her father, she is ready to kill him. This moment such a huge a crossroads for Patty. The Flash challenges her to let the anger go, otherwise it will destroy her life. Ultimately, Patty chooses to arrest the Weather Wizard rather than kill him and, by doing so, sets herself free.

Barry learns from both Joe and Patty. Eobard Thawne told Barry he would never be happy. Anger, helplessness, grief and darkness has plagued Barry all season long. He realizes by holding onto his anger, he’ll never be truly free of Eobard Thawne. And so in an act of mercy, Barry forgives Thawne. The message here is very clearly that forgiveness is given because it’s needed, not because it is deserved. Barry forgives Thawne for his own sake. By letting his anger go, Barry truly has a chance at happiness.

Jay Garrick jokingly asks Caitlin what Christmas is. She matter of factly describes celebrating the birth of a baby born 2,000 years ago who was killed by the Romans. It is a sweet, albeit scientific, explanation of Christmas. The Flash explores the deeper meaning of Christmas through Patty, Joe and Barry — forgiveness. Quite the appropriate message, when you think about it!

Stray Thoughts:

• Garrick and Caitlin are kissing under mistletoe. Earth 2 Ronnie can show up anytime now.
• Harry is helping Barry get faster so Zoom can steal his speed. Didn’t we do this plot last season? Let’s find a new theme for Harry.
• I think Zoom is Earth 2 Barry. How cool would that be? Barry would literally be fighting HIMSELF. He would be fighting his OWN darkness.

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

Jennifer Knutson

Wife, mother and TV enthusiast. She has a degree in Communications, a minor in English, a background in marketing, and a deep love for all story telling mediums. The TV obsession probably started from birth, but hit saturation level with Buffy The Vampire Slayer and hasn't dissipated since. She has a weakness for dark & twisty heroes and selfless love stories. When she's not working, raising her little human, or spending time with her spouse, she's writing, analyzing, tweeting, and obsessing about all things Arrow. You can check out her blog here: http://jbuffyangel.tumblr.com/ You can also follow Jennifer on Twitter: @jbuffyangel