The Flash Review: Rupture (Season 2 Episode 20)

Zoom returns to Central City to wreak havoc in The Flash’s “Rupture” and Barry must decide whether or not to become The Flash again.

“Rupture” kicks off with Barry visiting his dad Henry in the middle of nowhere. Apparently Henry decided to become a woodsman.

There’s a fair amount of exposition as Barry catches dear old dad up on the latest and I’m shocked it is necessary. I still don’t understand why Henry left.

One would assume after spending over half your son’s life in prison a father would like closer proximity. The Flash never offered a satisfying reason for Henry’s absence, but don’t Barry and Henry talk? Ya know… on the phone? Frequently? Or has he gone full on Thoreau?

Henry’s sudden return reminds me of my premiere speculation he will die this season.

Originally, I thought he had a terminal disease, but Henry is looking pretty spry. So probably not. He’s certainly in the running to be another Zoom casualty though.

Henry mentions Garrick is his mother’s maiden name. That would be Barry’s grandmother for all those keeping track of the Allen family tree.

The line is The Flash’s attempt at casual, but nobody is buying. They might as well hang a sign out that says, “THIS IS A KEY PLOT POINT.” Again, it’s an awkward information dump because it should have come a lot sooner.

Henry knew Jay and he didn’t put the last name connection together until now? Eh. Pass. It’s clunky, awkward dialogue because it’s significantly important information The Flash held onto because “FINALE.” Pacing on a twenty-three episode series can be a tedious nightmare.

Watching Henry, Joe and Harry argue over whether Barry should become The Flash again made it blindingly clear Barry has too many father figures. I say this with much love for all three, but there’s too many cooks in this kitchen.

It’s like Luke Skywalker having three Yodas. One can never have too much Yoda, but you see my point. Too many characters fulfilling the same role in the hero’s life diminishes their importance.

The Flash didn’t know how to use Henry without usurping Joe and Harry’s roles. Hence, Henry’s illogical exist. My bet is they are bringing Henry back because he won’t be sticking around.

Barry initially decides there’s too much risk with another partical accelerator. He believes something will go wrong because Barry has finally watched the show.

Welcome aboard the logic train, Barry. Bar is in the back.

The Flash continues to drive the nature versus nurturer argument between Barry and Zoom, and yup… we get it. Barry has a hero’s heart with or without his speed. It is fun to watch Cisco and Barry use their God-given intelligence to outsmart the metahumans, but it’s time to get real.

Unless he’s going to hit the gym Oliver Queen style and train in hand to hand combat, there’s not much Barry can do to stop metahumans… or Zoom. This truth bomb explodes before Barry’s eyes when Zoom kills a bunch of police officers. Barry decides it’s time to get back in the game. Thatta boy.

There is nothing better than an emotional Grant Gustin speech and he delivers another home run in “Rupture.”

Harry straps Barry in and makes it clear this is will hurt… A LOT. Barry bravely bolsters himself against the pain. Gustin does an exceptional job of balancing Barry’s fear and acceptance. Henry tells Barry one more time that he doesn’t have to do this, and Barry responds that he wants to.

Barry explains he’s the best version of himself as The Flash. Cue Grant Gustin’s single tear. Someday, this kid is going to win awards, and we can all yell, “WE TOLD YOU SO!” at the academy when it happens.

Before “Flash 2.0” commences, Iris finally tells Barry how she feels. PRAISE. JESUS. The Flash has moved Iris inch by incremental inch towards her realization that yes, she wants to have Barry Allen’s babies.

We’ve all known this for a while, Iris. Glad you could jump on board.

Once again, The Flash plays the “Because destiny” card as Iris explains her realization to Barry. I wish they’d drop the destiny angle.

It weakens the story for me, but Iris rebounds when she declares she was always Barry’s home. It’s Iris’ way of saying there was always something between them, regardless of destiny.

Barry pushes back a little. When he said these very same things to Iris last year she rejected him. The man does have his pride.  Iris explains she wasn’t emotionally available then and that’s okay. Love is seldom a straight line.

Barry is shocked, thrilled and confused. All natural reactions when you get everything you’ve ever wanted. Just as Barry’s about chuck his pride and kiss Iris they are interrupted.

Nope! Can’t have a kiss yet! It’s not the season finale.

Of course, The Flash decides five minutes of joy and honest communication for Barry and Iris is too much. So, Iris watches Barry die. Jerks.  It looks like Barry is taking an Oliver Queen dive off a mountain top, but I didn’t sob uncontrollably like with Arrow.

Maybe it’s because The Flash skips the whole “life flashing before his eyes” emotional trauma. I’ve also come to expect the time loopholes in The Flash. No way Barry is dead.

Stray Thoughts

• Dante and Cisco made up, which means Dante is gonna die. Thus, propelling Cisco to become Vibe in S3.
• Caitlin gets her S3 set up when Zoom remarks there’s a darkness inside Caitlin, just like Killer Frost.
• Jessie and Wally demand to know Joe is locking them away. He should have said, “I’m only doing this so you become your comic book characters. Cool?”
• I’d be cool with Leonardo DiCaprio being the man in the iron mask. I just want to know.

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

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

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