The Flash Review: Fast Lane (Season 2 Episode 12)

For a show about speed The Flash‘s second season is moving at a snail’s pace. “Fast Lane” perfectly exemplifies why The Flash is in a sophomore slump.

I love The Flash and rather than focus on the negative in my reviews I chose to examine the elements of the show I enjoy. However, it’s time to look at the big picture. “Fast Lane” is the tried and true “Villain of the Week” format, but instead of bolstering the show it chips away at its weaknesses. Instead of being thrilled by The Flash, I am consistently bored because it feels like nothing happens.

Zoom is a fascinating villain and was sufficiently terrifying upon his arrival. However, he’s been relegated to the sidelines. The best villains always have a connection to the hero, but The Flash has gone twelve straight episodes without attempting to ferret out a connection between Barry and Zoom. Instead, Zoom zips in occasionally, demands Barry’s speed, and threatens Dr. Wells. It’s highly repetitive. When a villain achieves repetition it’s tantamount to twirling a mustache maniacally.

Eobard Thawne wanted Barry to go faster. Zoom wants Barry to go slower. This doesn’t instantaneously make them wildly different villains. The Flash is hoping the differentiation is enough, but it’s not.

Yes, Zoom wants Barry’s speed, but why? What motivates this villain? Who is he? Barry and his team are woefully on the defensive when they should be on the offensive. Why isn’t Team Flash attempting to research his identity on Earth or Earth 2? A twenty-three episode season can be difficult to pace, however, The Flash is hoarding the story to such an extreme level that the audience is left with filler episodes week after week. While the “big reveal” episode may be exciting it makes for a ho-hum season.

Repetition continues to be the name of the game when it comes to Harrison Wells, too. Yes, The Flash gave Earth 2 Harry a daughter to save, so his motivations this season are altruistic. However, Harry continues the same cycle of lies, manipulation, betrayal and mistrust as the original Harrison Wells. Harry comes clean in “Fast Lane” and doesn’t steal Barry’s speed.  It’s a small amount of character growth, but even Barry acknowledges the two men faced off in a similar manner last year.

When the characters acknowledge the repetition in the dialogue that’s when you know you have a problem.

“Fast Lane” integrates Iris West into the storyline better because at least she’s in this episode, but it still falls short. Iris spends most of her time trying to convince Wally not to race cars. There’s nothing wrong with this particular endeavor, it’s just Wally and Iris have had the same argument the last three episodes.

Furthermore, Iris admonishes Wally’s behavior while acting just as reckless when she confronts Clark Bronwen.  Iris tells Team Flash where to find Bronwen, but her methods are worrisome. Iris’ desire to protect her brother is admirable, but her best friend is a superhero. Is there a particular reason Iris doesn’t notify Barry of her plans or at least have Cisco on comms as back up? Police officers wait for back up. Barry has back up in Cisco and Caitlin. It doesn’t make them any less brave.  Notifying Team Flash could easily integrate Iris in a proactive way rather than isolating her storyline week to week. Barry and Iris could even speak to one another! Now that would be shocking.

It seems The Flash can only write one interesting, strong female character week to week, which is infuriating on multiple levels. Other than telling Jay Garrick she’ll help find his speed on a weekly basis, Caitlin Snow has almost no storyline. Jay Garrick isn’t in “Fast Lane,” so Caitlin is given even less to do. There is more to these women than their love interests and it grows tiresome seeing these multifaceted characters benched every time their love life isn’t front and center.

The visit to Earth 2 should be illuminating, but after twelve episodes it feels too little too late. The Flash has been revving in neutral for far too long.

Stray Thoughts

• “Who’s the best hacker in the world?” “Felicity Smoak.” HA!
• Seeing Joe rough up Wells for endangering Iris is enjoyable. It would be even more enjoyable if Barry did it.
• Iris and Wally act more like brother and sister in three episodes than Barry and Iris have in two years. I see what you did there writers.
• Despite her absolute lack of storyline, Danielle Panabaker’s hair is having an extraordinarily awesome season.

What did you think of this week’s episode of The Flash? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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

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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