We've been waiting for an episode of The Flash to blow the doors to the season wide open, and this could be that episode. Not only did we get a full introduction to The Thinker in all his glory, but we got a solid mystery based episode as well. The biggest mystery, why Clifford DeVoe has adopted the persona of The Thinker and is doing these things to Barry, is still up in the air. But many questions were answered in a rather thrilling way in what is easily the best Flash episode of the season.
It was nice to see the story told mostly from DeVoe's perspective and the use of flashbacks was actually done in an effective way. We watched as DeVoe went from being a professor to a powered maniac within a few days as Harrison Well's particle accelerator exploded 4 years back. Which, by the way, gave us one heck of a great Wells-as- Eobard-Thawne moment where Wells comments on DeVoe's "work" as if he's impressed at how much he will haunt Barry for years to come.
As of right now, DeVoe is at a wait and see with me. He's definitely a different villain for Barry and Team Flash, but how can he possibly live up what he's set up in this episode? Is there any way that DeVoe can feel like a worthy villain for an entire season? Even if he doesn't have super speed?
One of the frustrating things about this episode was the fact that team Flash continued to not believe Barry's gut feeling even after everything they have gone through. Sure, they couldn't find anything definitively on DeVoe, but as Barry said "how many times have we thought someone was good and trusted them and then have it come back to haunt us"? Or whatever that quote was. He's absolutely right and it was just another reason for this show to make us throw object at our TV. Either way, I'm glad that only lasted one episode.
Overall, I absolutely loved the mystery/crime element to this episode and I find DeVoe to be a compelling villain thus far. It's only a matter of this show nailing his reasoning and making sure they have a creative plan for the back half of this season. He can't just be all talk. He needs to live up to what he's presented so far. It comes down to execution.
9.1/10
