The Flash: "Blocked" Review – IGN

By Jesse Schedeen

Warning: Full spoilers for the episode below.

Given how lousy The Flash's fourth season was, I'm sure it's going to be a big hit. No sense getting burned again. All the same, two episodes into Season 5, it does not feel like it is being right again. Nora West-Allen and the fact that the series is under way, there is a clear sense of energy propelling the series along at the moment.

It's actually a little shocking how much we're seeing Chris Klein's Cicada at this early stage. In this season, we've already metahuman villains, have had our first major run-in with Team Flash and gotten our first look at the man underneath that weird, chittering mask. That last element is working in the character's favor. We do not know a lot about Cicada and his motives yet (from his clear vendetta against all metahumans). But seeing him in such a vulnerable state and seeing how heavy is a necessary reality.

Cicada also proved himself more than a match for Team Flash, with his lightning daggers driving like Speed ​​Force and Dark Matter sponges. More interesting than the physical threat he poses, though, is the hint that he has some sort of connection to Nora. They clearly seem to recognize one another, suggesting he too hails from the future. I have a theory about the implications of that reveal, but that's the fodder for another article …

For the most part, it's a refreshing change of pace to see so much focus on a major city so soon into a new season. It does raise some concerns, obviously. How is it supposed to carry the burden of time? I would guess we're due to a major plot by the time the final midseason rolls around, in a completely different villain (like when Dr. Alchemy ceded the floor to Savitar).

Nora continues to be welcome to the cast (though I am still struggling to repress my frustration over Wally's abrupt departure). The father / daughter dynamic between Barry and Nora is a lot of fun. Grant Gustin and Jessica Parker Kennedy have a breezy chemistry together that helps the two characters feel better, but awkward their situation may be. Nora's characterization is strong in general. She's played as a teenager, but lovable all the same. Let's talk about the future of the world. We have six days to go "Shui!" Six times a week?

On the flip side, the lack of chemistry between Nora and her mother Iris is intriguing in its own right. You're in the mood for Nora is letting on. Iris' struggle around a sense of alienation. Barry, and that makes for an interesting contrast.

Season 5 seems to be making its over predecessor. One of the most glaring flaws with Season 4 was its weird tonal imbalance. There was a clear desire to recapture some of the aftermath of the world. 1. But while noble, that's a lot of episodes stuffed with forced levity and awkward moments of comedy. Judging from these first two episodes, it seems as though the writers have gotten a better grip on the tone of the show and how to balance the light and dark elements.

Case in point, the Cisco subplot made for an amusing little counterpoint to the main storyline this week. Cisco's melodramatic way of processing his breakup with Cynthia provides a bit of a goofy romantic drama, but Carlos Valdes plays it just right that you can not help but feel bad for Cisco. Ultimately, this subplot seems to have been inconsequential to delaying the start of Caitlin's search for her father. I could not have been more interested in this topic.

As per usual, this weekend's villain, Block (Erin Cummings), did not have much depth to offer. But unlike Gridlock last week, at least let's get a little excited about it. It helps that her powers have been so interesting. Seeing a human body in a tiny meat cube is certainly a change of pace for the show (and the source of the most hilarious scene this week).