The Flash is a science fiction TV series based on the DC Comics character of the same name. It premiered on The CW network in 2014, and has since become a favorite among fans of the superhero genre. Season 3 of The Flash premiered on October 4, 2016, and concluded on May 23, 2017. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the season, exploring its plot, characters, themes, and impact.
Savitar and the Nature of Villainy: A New Kind of Threat in The Flash Season 3
Season 3 of The Flash begins with the aftermath of the season 2 finale, which saw Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) traveling back in time to prevent his mother’s murder at the hands of the Reverse-Flash (Tom Cavanagh). However, Barry’s actions have unintended consequences, as they lead to the creation of a new timeline, known as Flashpoint.
In Flashpoint, Barry’s parents are alive, but his friends and allies have different lives. Cisco Ramon (Carlos Valdes) is a billionaire, Caitlin Snow (Danielle Panabaker) is a pediatric ophthalmologist, and Wally West (Keiynan Lonsdale) is Kid Flash. However, as Barry soon discovers, this timeline is not sustainable, and he must make the difficult decision to reset the timeline.
Once back in the “real” timeline, Barry discovers that he has inadvertently created a new villain, Savitar, who is intent on killing him. Throughout the season, Barry and his team at S.T.A.R. Labs must work to stop Savitar, all while dealing with the personal and emotional fallout of Flashpoint.
Characters Overview
The Flash boasts a large and diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique backstory and motivations. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key players in season 3.
Barry Allen/The Flash (Grant Gustin): Barry is the titular character of the series, and is a forensic scientist by day and a superhero by night. In season 3, he grapples with the consequences of his decision to create Flashpoint, and is haunted by his past mistakes.
Iris West (Candice Patton): Iris is Barry’s best friend and love interest, and is a journalist by trade. In season 3, she begins to question her future with Barry, and takes on a more active role in the fight against Savitar.
Cisco Ramon/Vibe (Carlos Valdes): Cisco is a genius engineer and hacker, and is one of Barry’s closest friends. In season 3, he deals with the fallout of Flashpoint, and struggles with his own newfound powers as Vibe.
Caitlin Snow/Killer Frost (Danielle Panabaker): Caitlin is a bioengineer and former member of Team Flash. In season 3, she begins to exhibit dangerous powers and struggles to control her alter-ego, Killer Frost.
Wally West/Kid Flash (Keiynan Lonsdale): Wally is Iris’s brother and Barry’s protégé, and gains super-speed in season 3. He struggles to balance his new powers with his personal life, and becomes a key member of Team Flash.
H.R. Wells (Tom Cavanagh): H.R. is a new member of Team Flash, and is a novelist from an alternate Earth. He provides much of the comic relief in season 3, but also proves to be a valuable member of the team.
Themes
Season 3 of The Flash deals with a number of complex and interrelated themes-
- The Consequences of Time Travel: As with previous seasons, time travel plays a major role in season 3 of The Flash. However, this season takes a more
nuanced approach to the concept, exploring the consequences of Barry’s actions and the moral implications of altering the timeline. The season ultimately grapples with the question of whether or not it is ethical to change the past to prevent tragedy.
- The Nature of Villainy: Season 3 of The Flash introduces a new villain, Savitar, who presents a different kind of threat than previous antagonists. Rather than being motivated by power or revenge, Savitar is driven by a sense of self preservation and a desire to maintain his own existence. The season explores the idea that villains are not always simply “evil,” but can have complex motivations and backstories.
- Family and Relationships: Throughout season 3, the importance of family and
relationships is a recurring theme. Barry’s relationship with Iris is a central focus, as they navigate the difficulties of their newfound romantic connection. Additionally, the bonds between the members of Team Flash are put to the test, as they struggle to reconcile their differences and work together to stop Savitar.
- Identity and Self-Discovery: Several characters in season 3 of The Flash undergo significant personal growth and self-discovery. Caitlin’s struggle to
control her Killer Frost alter-ego highlights the idea that one’s identity is not fixed, but rather can be shaped by one’s actions and experiences. Similarly, H.R. Wells’s journey of self-discovery shows that it is never too late to make a change and pursue one’s true passions.
Impact
Season 3 of The Flash was well-received by both fans and critics, with many praising its complex storyline and strong character development. The season also introduced several new characters and concepts, including the villainous Savitar and the idea of Flashpoint, which have had lasting impacts on the series as a whole.
One of the most notable impacts of season 3 was the introduction of the concept of the “Speed Force,” a cosmic energy field that gives speedsters like Barry their powers. The Speed Force has since become a central component of the series, and has been explored in greater detail in subsequent seasons.
Additionally, season 3 marked a turning point in the series, as it began to move away from the more light-hearted tone of the earlier seasons and towards a darker and more complex storyline. This shift in tone has continued in subsequent seasons, with the show delving deeper into the emotional and psychological struggles of its characters.
Conclusion
Season 3 of The Flash is a complex and compelling entry in the series, exploring themes of time travel, villainy, family, and identity. Its impact on the series as a whole cannot be overstated, introducing new concepts and characters that have had lasting effects on the show. With strong performances from its cast and a nuanced and thought-provoking storyline, season 3 of The Flash is a must-watch for fans of the superhero genre.
