Recap: 'Flash' ep. 304, 'The New Rogues'

The latest episode of The Flash paid off on some pretty big emotional investments. Topping the list was Wally and Jessie spending quality time together.  Followed closely by - actually I'm not entirely sure this next one isn't top of the list because I have been waiting longer to see this happen - the introduction of actual fight choreography. This eagerly-awaited juicy tidbit did come by way of a flashback of Leonard Snart in his pre-cold gun Captain Cold days fighting with a couple of guys in his crew destined to be Mirror Master and Top.

Now, I am aware that fight scenes definitely get a shot in the arm during cross-over episodes with Arrow, but this was all The Flash.  Granted, none of Team Flash was involved but I'm hoping it's only a matter of time until they get to show us their moves.  For everything I love about The Flash, I wish for the love of God that the Flash would learn how to throw a combo.  The super-speed power move of the week is a sign of a novice Hero and definitely growing stale. So I'm glad to see they've gotten away from it this season.  So yes, please, more fight choreography!

Back to Wally and Jessie.  I appreciate them shifting their relationship into second gear, even though Wally nearly shot himself in the foot before getting out of the gate. Wally is leery about getting involved because Jessie lives a whole world away; meaning at some point that she'll leave him.  He quickly rectified this with himself.  Although it probably had nothing to do with me screaming at him "She's a recurring character you fool, she'll be back!" I was pretty loud. No, Wally. Jessie won't be able to be your girlfriend.  But the both of you are young and you'll always have the experience to remember.  When you're old and near death, what will any of us have left, but our memories?

We had a timely break from Doctor Alchemy this week.  He came out strong, made his impact and established himself as a problem.  Super-villainy 101 says that you now slink back into the shadows until you're ready to strike.  Enter the aforementioned Mirror Master, whom we scientifically determined opens wormholes in reflective surfaces, along with his favorite girl, Top, who can make you experience vertigo with the bat of her eye. They are the perfect OJT* opponents for Jessie Quick, who has a lot to learn about being a hero and listening to mentors such as Barry (who still has a thing or two to learn himself).  How he was bested by Mirror Master and trapped in a mirror, I'll never know.

It was only through the collective genius of Harmone (Harry + Ramon of Cisco Ramon) that he was able to get out.  It seems Barry couldn't phase through the mirror because its surface wasn't solid so they came up with the idea to freeze the mirror to make it solid enough that he could pass through it.  Alas, their contraption couldn't make the mirror reach absolute zero.  'Oh, if only there was someone nearby, manifesting ice powers, who could covertly help without alerting her team.'  Kaitlin Frost for the win.  Good thing that meta-human alert drew everyone else into the other room. 'Boy, was that lucky or what?'  About as lucky as holding on to that old 'Velocity' costume (because you never know).

I have to admit that the B stories didn't particularly work for me this week. Fishing for a new Wells is not a bad idea, from their perspective.  But from a fan perspective, is everyone not replaceable now?  I think it cheapened everyone's worth, just a little bit.  Tom Cavanaugh gets to play another version of Harrison Wells; cool.  As an actor, I bet he's excited by the exercise (and the check) and as a fan, I can't wait to experience that. But as an American, I don't agree with letting any ole body in with NO vetting process, what so ever. That, in and of itself, is a mistake.  Plus – Harry's gut said 'naw'.  I know Harry's gut. I don't know this Earth-19 facsimile's guy.

Barry is uncomfortable kissing Iris in front of Joe; this was so unnecessary.  I could have done without the entire thing.  I get it, that's her dad but here's the thing, Barry. He's also your Dad.  You're not at all weirded out that the two of you were kind of raised as siblings?

I did want Wally and Jessie to happen (I call them 'Jolly Quest') but I didn't want them to be the mirror image of 'Baris'.  That was Iris' role as soon as she came in the door.  She cools Barry out, picks him up, and sends him back in slugging for round two. Well, Wally learned from the best apparently. Thankfully J Quick and Daddy-O headed home so there's no chance for another one of those hiccups in the near future. But the season is still bubbling with the promise of youth.

*OJT = On the Job Training (I'm an acronym man)