The Flash Review: The People V. Killer Frost (Season 7 Episode 8)
The Flash is finally starting to clear up its story arcs and push the story forward in an exciting way. After an ironically slow start, things are finally beginning to pick up speed (pun intended).
On The Flash Season 7 Episode 8, “The People V. Killer Frost,” Team Flash makes a last ditch effort to save Frost from an inhumane sentence in her trial, and Barry and the Speed Force investigate a lead on Fuerza.
To this point in the season, The Flash hasn’t been clear about where it’s going or why, save for some minor hints. “The People V. Killer Frost” really clears a lot of that up, both from Killer Frost’s arc and the larger Speed Force arc.
Killer Frost’s trial arc is frustrating, but in a good way. It cements the viewers emotional investment in Killer Frost’s redemption when they celebrate the successful heist and their hearts sink at the last minute.
Among other things – Frost’s redemption arc comes full circle and she falls on her sword for the sake of metahuman kind. It’s hard to fully understand what the narrative goal is by putting her in prison for life without parole, but I’m guessing she’ll get out sooner rather than later.
“The People V. Killer Frost” also serves as a great showcase for Danielle Panabaker, once again doing double duty as Caitlin and Frost. Panabaker rises to the challenge, deftly displaying the differences between the two characters and navigating each emotional beat well.
Outside of the Frost trial, the story takes a couple of interesting turns.
Nora/The Speed Force is starting to appear as the true villain of the season, which has been previously alluded to. The fight between The Flash and the Speed Force could be a compelling one, but so far has not been.
But, the scene with Nora/The Speed Force turning on Barry to eliminate Fuerza is compelling in every sense. You can feel Barry and Iris’ surprise and devastation at realizing the Speed Force is out to protect itself, not the people of Central City.
Perhaps the most compelling element is that the Speed Force’s human form is Barry’s mother, when the other forces have clearly turned out to be (at least partial) humans. Could a piece of Nora Allen be in there? Either way, the Speed Force bearing her face is going to have powerful emotional consequences, and so far has been pretty compelling!
A few stray thoughts:
- The news broke yesterday that Tom Cavanagh and Carlos Valdes are officially leaving the show. Though the Cavanagh news seems pretty inevitable at this point, be sure to cherish the remaining Cisco moments.
- Kramer and her push to get Frost some cruel and unusual punishment has strong political implications. It’s a story everyone should pay close attention to, because similar things can and will happen in the real world.
- Joe West deserves all the love for his efforts in this episode. Jesse L. Martin is a consistent performer on The Flash and Captain West is such a force. You have to pay attention to him when he’s on screen. Absolutely phenomenal.
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.