The Flash Review: Family Matters Part 1 (Season 7 Episode 10)
The Flash is racing (pun intended) toward something, but it’s still not completely clear what that is.
On The Flash Season 7 Episode 10, “Family Matters Part 1,” Barry, Iris, and Team Flash try desperately to reach Psych before Nora/Speed Force, who has already reached Deon/Still Force. Meanwhile, Joe and Cisco contemplate their jobs and their futures.
“Family Matters Part 1” is a busy episode. Joe goes toe to toe with Kramer and Cisco and Kamilla contemplate their future and next moves. All of that is outside of the main story, which involves Barry and Iris convincing their children (Psych and Fuerza) to join them instead of fighting them.
Bashir (Psych, played by Ennis Esmer) is easily the most compelling piece of “Family Matters Part 1.” It’s largely unclear what Nora/Speed Force is after and why she wants all of them dead, but Bashir’s backstory makes for compelling television regardless. Esmer is a delight in just about everything he does.
The Flash is clearly trying to tell a story about family and broken families and some of that reads well. But it feels forced (no pun intended) and rushed, and it takes itself very seriously. Those things are fine, but maybe not the best look for The Flash.
There was a time when The Flash was fun and lighthearted and could make you laugh as well as cry, but this is no longer that show. There are still funny quips from Cisco (a welcome relief from the tense moments), but this version of the show takes itself seriously to its own detriment.
Exploring serious, real-world stories still works on some level for The Flash. Cisco not knowing what his next steps look like, Joe questioning the kind of police officer he wants to be, and the rough pasts faced by characters like Frost, Deion, and Bashir are great for the show. They’re real and relatable.
The problem isn’t that these stories are told. The problem presented in “Family Matters Part 1” is that all of the stories are very serious. Other than the occasional Cisco (or Chester) quip — the show isn’t fun.
Hopefully the build up from this hit-or-miss season arc will pay off in a way that’s emotionally satisfying. That’s really the only way to make all of this worth watching.
A few stray thoughts:
- I’m not sure I understand why Kramer came back. The show made it seem like she was leaving for good.
- It’s also weird that Joe quits being a cop. Is Jesse L. Martin going to leave the show, too?
- “Magentacles” is a magical term that is just one example of what the show will be lacking when Cisco is gone.
- Best part of the episode? Mentions (BY NAME) of Patty Spivot and Julian Albert. This show needs Tom Felton and Shantel VanSanten back.
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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Nick Hogan
Nick Hogan is an experienced podcaster and writer (particularly on media topics), who loves discussion and analysis of TV and is always looking for new shows to watch. He is also a parent who loves buffalo wings, blowing raspberries, and his beloved Cincinnati Reds.