Can you believe it? Today, April 25, 2024, marks the day that fans of The Flash have been anxiously awaiting – the day when the Scarlet Speedster was supposed to vanish during the monumental Crisis on Infinite Earths. It’s hard to fathom that it has been nearly a decade since the show first graced our screens, captivating audiences with its thrilling storyline and incredible characters.
From the very beginning, The Flash hinted at this future event in its pilot episode, teasing us with a newspaper headline that read “Flash Missing: Disappears In Crisis.” Back then, we had no idea that this glimpse into the future would become a reality much sooner than anticipated in the Arrowverse timeline. It was a shocking twist that left fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the resolution of this monumental event.
The Flash has undeniably left an indelible mark on the world of superhero adaptations, becoming the definitive portrayal of DC’s beloved speedster hero. Grant Gustin’s portrayal of Barry Allen has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, bringing a perfect blend of vulnerability, determination, and heroism to the character. The show’s talented ensemble cast, compelling storylines, and breathtaking visual effects have made it a standout in the superhero genre.
As we bid farewell to The Flash, we can’t help but reflect on its incredible legacy. The show has not only entertained us with its thrilling adventures, but it has also inspired a new generation of fans to embrace the world of superheroes. It has shown us the power of hope, friendship, and the unwavering belief in doing what is right, even in the face of insurmountable odds.
But The Flash is just one piece of the larger Arrowverse puzzle. Over the past decade, this shared universe has expanded in ways that no one could have predicted. From the birth of spinoff shows like Arrow, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, and Batwoman, to the epic crossovers that have brought these heroes together, the Arrowverse has become a force to be reckoned with.
It’s truly remarkable to witness how real life is catching up with the future that The Flash predicted all those years ago. The show’s creators and writers have managed to tap into the zeitgeist, crafting a narrative that resonates with audiences on a profound level. The themes of sacrifice, love, and the enduring power of hope have become even more relevant in our world today.
As we celebrate the legacy of The Flash and the Arrowverse.
In The Flash season 1, the concept of time travel and its impact on the future and present was introduced. This idea was further explored in season 3 when the show adapted the Flashpoint storyline from the comics. As a result of Barry Allen’s time-traveling actions, the newspaper seen in the pilot episode underwent several changes throughout the series.
In season 1, it was revealed that Iris West-Allen, Barry’s love interest, would become the author of the newspaper story. This confirmed her future marriage to Barry and her career as a journalist. This revelation added an extra layer of significance to their relationship and hinted at the future they would have together.
Furthermore, the Crisis mentioned in the newspaper was originally set to occur in 2024 in the Arrowverse timeline. However, the events of The Flash series seemed to have accelerated the arrival of the Crisis. The season 5 finale hinted at this, suggesting that the show’s events had caused the Crisis to happen earlier than anticipated. This was confirmed in the season 6 premiere, where it was revealed that the Crisis would now take place on Dec. 10, 2019, the same date as the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover episode aired in real life.
Interestingly, it was not Barry Allen’s version of The Flash that perished in the Crisis, but rather the Earth-90 version of The Flash, portrayed by John Wesley Shipp from the 90s TV show. This twist added a surprising element to the storyline and showcased the interconnectedness of the Arrowverse.
Although The Flash season 9 marked the end of Grant Gustin’s portrayal of the Scarlet Speedster, in the Arrowverse canon, Barry Allen continues to be The Flash until at least 2049. This is because his disappearance during the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover was already resolved. By the time season 9 premiered, the show had already addressed its major pilot tease, but Barry Allen still had a final showdown with Reverse-Flash in the last season.
Furthermore, the ending of The Flash opened up exciting possibilities for the future of the Arrowverse. Barry Allen shared his connection to the Speed Force with three new heroes: Avery Ho, Max Mercury, and Jess Chambers. These characters, who are speedsters in the comics, were introduced or hinted at in The Flash season 8. This expansion of the speedster mythology not only ensured that Barry did not vanish on April 25 but also set the stage for new and thrilling storylines to come.
