By Alyssa Williams
Staff Writer
On Oct. 4-5, the CW premiered the newest seasons of two of their most popular shows, season three of “The Flash” and season five of “Arrow.” “The Flash” follows the adventures of Barry Allen, played by Grant Gustin, as he uses his gift of super speed to protect his city from super villains. “Arrow” revolves around former billionaire Oliver Queen, played by Stephen Amell, who becomes a vigilante and uses his archery skills to save his city.
The two shows were both created by Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, Phil Klemmer, and Geoff Johns. Inspired by DC Comics, the two shows have been praised for the blend of action and story in a superhero show, as well as the excellent blend of drama and humor. While not remaining completely faithful to the comics, the two series have engrossed both comic book and non-comic book fans alike.
In the season two finale of “The Flash,” Barry used his speed to go back in time and stop his mother from being murdered when he was a child. The new season picks up three months later, in an alternate timeline where his life has completely changed. Both of his parents are alive, he was never adopted by Joe West, who is portrayed by Jesse L. Martin, and he never became friends with Iris West, played by Candice Patton. At first, Barry believes that his life in this timeline is better than the one he originally led.
However, a new villain called the Rival has arrived in Central City and it’s up to the Flash to stop him. In this timeline, though, Wally West is the Flash instead of Barry. Once Wally fails to defeat the Rival, Barry reveals himself, and the two team up. After Wally is fatally injured during the battle, Barry realizes that he can no longer stay in his new timeline and decides to make things right.
Once again going back in time to the night of his mother’s death, Barry allows his mother to be killed, believing this would put the timeline back to its original state. However, it’s not long after he comes home he discovers that messing with the timeline has major consequences on his life.
“Arrow” picks up five months after the conclusion of season four. Team Arrow is smaller than it once was, containing only Oliver, Felicity Smoak, and occasional help from Curtis Holt. Felicity and Curtis are portrayed by Emily Bett Rickards and Echo Kellum. Oliver has, once again, prioritized his vigilante work over everything else, including his job as mayor of Star City. Due to this, Felicity suggests that Oliver assemble a new Team Arrow comprised of other vigilantes who have emerged around Star City, inspired by Green Arrow and his team.
However, Oliver refuses, vowing that his old team would return when they are needed. In the meantime, a new criminal has come to town in the form of Tobias Church. Church, played by Chad Coleman, has come to Star City to unite all of the criminal organizations under his command. His first step in taking over involves displacing the Green Arrow. Church plans to draw out the vigilante by taking all of the politicians, including Oliver, hostage. Oliver escapes thanks to his sister’s help, and returns to free the other hostages with a police team as back up.
“The Flash” and “The Arrow” are just two of the four DC Comic Books shows on the CW network. The other two, “Supergirl” and “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” will premiere on Oct. 10 and Oct. 13, respectively.
Be First to Comment