The Flash Review: Family Matters Part 2 (Season 7 Episode 11)

I have no idea what’s happening on The Flash. 

In theory, The Flash Season 7 Episode 11, “Family Matters Part 2,” should be an epic conclusion. Barry and Iris inadvertently created these forces when reviving the speed force, and they slowly become family and realize their true purpose in conjunction with the Speed Force.

While all of that happens, the execution of this story could not be more choppy.

For instance, since this feels like a major conclusion of a story arc, is having the subplot with Killer Frost’s escape and subsequent parole even necessary? This is something that could have been thrown into another episode, or even could have been made the focus of an episode. 

Instead – it feels incredibly out of place and pulls focus from the major threat to Central City- the rogue forces.

But maybe pulling focus from the rogue forces is a good thing. After all, one minute – Bashir and Alexa are on board with hiding out, then almost immediately decide to overpower Iris and escape the hiding spot within the Speed Force.

Dion, Alexa, and Bashir have compelling individual backstories, but almost none of their decisions in “Family Matters Part 2” make sense. One minute they’re bad, the next they’re good, and eventually they team with the Speed Force to balance the universe.

This is a story that could have been compelling. New forces controlled by humans who had yet to find their purpose and eventually become found family with The Flash and the Speed force? Sounds compelling in theory.

But the execution is miserable, resulting in “Family Matters Part 2” being almost impossible to follow.

At its core – “Family Matters Part 2” should represent some of The Flash’s best qualities. The show has always had heart and been about family, both biological and found.

Instead, though – Season 7 has been unnecessarily dour. The Flash at one time balanced heart with humor, excitement, and fun. “Family Matters Part 2” reflects a poor attempt at a family story that’s also the opposite of fun (save for an occasional quip from Cisco, Chester, or Bashir). 

Bashir: “How bout thank you Bashir, that was baller the way you stopped that mean lady from murdering us”

Ultimately, “Family Matters Part 2” tries to showcase what’s best about The Flash – its heart. But it falls short of achieving that, due in large part to poor execution.

With a better understanding of the five characters (Dion, Alexa, Bashir, and even Nora), digesting this story would be much easier and more compelling. The actors are talented and the backstory is there – but it’s executed so poorly that someone who has seen every episode of the show can barely follow it.

A few stray thoughts:

• I didn’t enjoy mopey Joe but I do appreciate the effort to help him find purpose and value outside of his profession. I (and certainly many others) can relate. 
• The constant reminders that Cisco is leaving are both annoying and heartbreaking. Cisco is the best part of the show.
• It’s great that Killer Frost is out of jail, but her “crush” on Mark feels a little forced (and please can someone get that man an undershirt or something?)

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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