The Flash Review: Timeless (Season 7 Episode 9)

The universe has very few certainties. Among them are death, taxes, and Barry Allen going back in time to stop something on The Flash. 

On The Flash Season 7 Episode 9, “Timeless,” Barry resolves to stop the creation of the Still, Strength, and Sage Forces by going back in time to the night they were created. 

Its become clear over the last few seasons that Team Flash wants to treat time-travel with more respect and reverence and not as flippantly as previous seasons. 

Despite the flashy (pun intended) time travel stories and the return of Timeless Harrison Wells — “Timeless” is truly about Barry and Iris and their responsibility to their own creations. The metaphors for parenting rebellious children abound within the episode, and Joe’s parenting advice rings in Barry’s ears as he decides not to undo the creation of the new forces. 

Then, there’s the opposite. The Speed Force in Nora’s form feels much like a parent to Barry, but has turned against him. His initial attempt to subdue the forces is about saving the lives of their hosts, but also about appeasing his mother figure. 

While the metaphors for parenting make strong statements and are well-executed, “Timeless” has little else to say. The episode’s basic function seems to be setting up and shuffling of chess pieces before the season arc can further progress. 

The notion of Nora/The Speed Force as the big bad for Season 7B is interesting, but to this point remains a good idea. 

 One of the biggest strengths of “Timeless” is the use of most of the main cast. To this point, many of the main cast have been absent on and off throughout Season 7 — but “Timeless” utilizes just about everyone. One of the biggest strengths of The Flash is their ensemble when they’re working together. 

So while “Timeless” has a strong standalone premise and some powerful metaphors for parents, the larger season arc feels a bit like the wheels are spinning.

Joe West: Don’t judge your kids. See them for who they can be.

But the parenting advice is still worth watching for. The world needs it now more than ever!

A few stray thoughts:

• Surely the parenting conflicts of Barry and Iris are setting up for the introduction of Bart and the return of Nora later this season. 
• This show is better with a Wells. Tom Cavanagh is going to be sorely missed. 
• One of the other primary accomplishments of “Timeless” is setting up Cisco’s exit. I’ve been trying to ignore that, but it will be incredibly sad when it finally comes.
• As Season 7 seems to be the year of the speedster and Speed Force, it’s nice to at least get a mention of Wally on this episode. 
• The only cast member missing from this one? Cecille. She’s missed, but this is still one of the better ensemble episodes in awhile.

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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