The Flash Season 9 Episode 4 Review: Mask of the Red Death, Part One
The Flash Season 9 Episode 4, “Mask of the Red Death, Part One,” picks up some much-needed velocity. We are given the scoop on what appears to be the big bad of the final season. It’s just enough to get us excited about what’s to come.
As we enter the scene, Mark works hard on the cosmic treadmill. We can’t help but wonder what is happening in this guy’s head.
Last season Mark was an integral part of Team Flash, helping take down the rogues alongside his love, Frost.
Their relationship was fun and showed a new dynamic for both characters. Mark and Frost made each other better, just like every relationship should.
Her death left a gaping hole in Mark, literally killing off his better half.
Knowing a large part of himself is now missing, Mark will do anything to regain that piece no matter the cost. Sadly, that includes selling out his former friends.
I’m sure Mark is at total war with himself. His pain is so deep he cannot even touch it. The only thing he can think to do is replace it with something else.
He needs something to occupy his time until he can be reunited with Frost forever. What better way to do that than by distracting himself with a task that will bring her back?
Barry: People make mistakes.
Let’s face it, Mark’s first choice isn’t to help Red Death, but he is desperate. Desperation breeds fear, and fear makes us act out of character.
It’s a fight-or-flight response. Mark could run off broken-hearted living in misery the rest of his days, or he can stand up, gather the pieces, and try to rebuild.
When Mark is honest with Barry, he acknowledges he messed up. He turned his back on his team, and in a way, feels homeless. Taking refuge in the next best thing is all he can do.
This is how people join cults and terrorist groups. I guess in a way, this team of villains is a terrorist group.
While this gives some interesting depth to the drama of the storyline, it is far from the most interesting part of the episode. The segment worth tuning in for is the unveiling of Red Death’s origin.
As we’ve seen from previous episodes, Ryan Wilder is the one under Red Death’s mask. While the reveal left us scratching our heads, it also excited us. Fortunately, the unboxing of it all doesn’t destroy the character Javicia Leslie helped build.
It would have been a travesty to Batwoman fans if the writers tarnished their hero’s legacy with a dark twist. Instead, they reused a trick from many seasons ago — a familiar face from another timeline.
While I’m not the happiest with the information dump we are given for the character, I realize why they do it. Unlike previous seasons of The Flash, we simply just don’t have the time. And I’ll admit, it is kind of refreshing to not have it strewn out over several episodes.
Better yet, Iris doesn’t even fall for this sob story. Iris uses her journalism background to tear apart Ryan’s tale of woes. She paints herself as the victim, but the glaring plotholes are clear to Iris.
Therefore everything up to this point becomes irrelevant as Ryan kidnaps Iris.
While writing this, I’m realizing that this ten-minute portion feels a little useless after the fact. If the end is unaffected, then maybe the whole scene was unnecessary in the first place. I’m not one for applauding the wasting of my time — let’s get to the point and maybe a little action.
In the climax of the episode, these two somewhat separate storylines converge leaving Mark with a major decision to make. Will he help Red Death in hopes of getting Frost back, or will he rejoin Team Flash and save the day?
Barry’s tried and true efforts to see the best in people pays off. His repeated pep talks to Mark have stricken a cord within him — reviving the good that lay just underneath the surface.
It is always smart to surround yourself with people who see the best in you — even when you are at your worst. They can remind you of who you truly are, and let you know you are acting out of character.
Just because we are all able to do evil things doesn’t mean we are inherently evil. At any given time, we can start fresh by taking the high road. It can be an uphill battle, but it is always worth it.
The low road is easy but filthy. It affects every part of us but most importantly our souls. But one step in the right direction can change our path completely.
Mark took several steps toward the greater good a year or so ago, but he stumbled along the way. A stumble doesn’t mean failure — it is only there to help you grow.
What did you think of this episode of The Flash? Is Mark really dead? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Flash airs Wednesday at 8/7c on The CW.
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Charles E Henning
Charles E. Henning lives in a quaint town of Illinois with his ever-loving wife since 1998. He is new to writing reviews, but has over thirty years of fictitious writing for his own personal fulfillment. His interests range from science fiction to character-based dramas, but he is a sucker for anyone in a cape.