The Flash Review: The One with the Nineties (Season 7 Episode 6)

The Flash has struggled out of the gate in Season 7, but the bigger picture of the season arc, and what the show is trying to accomplish, is finally coming in more clearly. 

On The Flash Season 7 Episode 6, “The One with the Nineties,” the larger season story comes into clearer focus. It’s also a fantastic showcase for Cisco and Chester, and a 90’s homage!

Time travel looks a little different for The Flash in 2021. The multiverse has collapsed and time travel has fallen primarily into the hands of the Legends, but nonetheless, Chester and Cisco get transported to 1998!

The episode truly hinges on the relationship between Cisco and Chester. Luckily, Carlos Valdes and Brandon McKnight have excellent chemistry and it shines on “The One with the Nineties.” Everything on paper says that Cisco and Chester should get along, and their chemistry works to the show’s advantage.

Cisco: We’ve just been ‘Under the Dome’d’

Beyond the “Team Chesco” relationship, “the One with the Nineties” gets to know Chester on a deeper level. His hometown is explored, and in their time travel adventures they meet Chester’s father, and it gives Chester new perspective on his upbringing.

The episode really hinges on Chester and Cisco’s relationship, but there are other important elements worth exploring.

For one, Caitlin and Frost being in separate bodies but still living together creates an interesting dynamic. Danielle Panabaker has to really lean into the differences between the characters, but so far she’s managed this deftly. 

Caitlin, Frost, Cisco, and Chester mostly carry an episode that benches Barry, which honestly works pretty well. Obviously, you can’t do regular episodes of The Flash without The Flash, but this is a nice change of pace. But then, of course, there’s the mythology!

There is a new master of time, who controls time much like the speed force controls speed. Without some of the extraneous details of previous episodes, the story with these powerful beings is beginning to take shape. It still feels muddy, but clearer than in previous episodes.

It’s still unclear who these antagonists truly are or what they want. These things usually take shape a little quicker — but at least there are tremendous 1990’s references to keep fans attention in the meantime.

A few stray thoughts:

• Quincy Runk adds an emotional layer both to Chester as a character and The Flash as a whole. As a parent who has often had to choose between work and family obligations — I certainly got emotional watching Chester and his father interact.
• Speaking of parent dynamics – Iris treats the speed force much more like a mother-in-law on this episode, and I don’t hate it. There are strong emotions at play as they both speak of Barry as someone they care about. Candice Patton doesn’t get enough credit for her work on The Flash. 
• The best 90’s reference is easily Space Jam being in stock at Blockbuster. 
• Anyone else feel like the speed force might not be innocent in whatever is happening? Just me?

What did you think of this 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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