As summer draws to a close, the reality sets in that we are just under three weeks away from the return of our favorite superhero shows as both The Flash and Arrow continue to dominate airwaves and social media. Many of you have no doubt been following the onslaught of news regarding these series while they’ve been on break and, as we can usually expect when an air date nears, official synopses have been released that disclose potential spoilers.
First, let’s discuss The Flash, which is set to loosely adapt the comic book story arc “Flashpoint,” which shares its title with the upcoming season’s premiere episode. We’ll apparently see Barry struggle with some difficult decisions as he must choose between remaining in this new reality that includes his parents or setting things right. To make matters worse, he’ll also have the Reverse Flash barking in his ear.
Here’s the official word:
WHAT WOULD YOU SACRIFICE TO HAVE EVERYTHING YOU’VE EVER WANTED? — Barry (Grant Gustin) is living his dream life – his parents are alive, he’s asked Iris West (Candice Patton) on a date and he can finally be a normal guy as Central City has another speedster, Kid Flash (Keiynan Lonsdale), running around saving the city. When Barry starts forgetting parts of his old life, the Reverse Flash (guest star Matt Letscher) taunts his nemesis and tells him that there will be serious repercussions for Barry and the ones he loves if he continues to live in this alternate universe. In addition to losing his memories, his powers will also start to fade. When disaster strikes, Barry must decide if he wants to continue to live in this world as Barry Allen or return to his universe as The Flash. Jesse Warn directed the episode with story by Greg Berlanti & Andrew Kreisberg and teleplay by Brooke Roberts.
As Oliver Queen attempts to dispense street justice alone, expect the Arrow premiere, the appropriately titled “Legacy,” to live up to its name as the Emerald Archer must mentor some young vigilantes, lest they travel the wrong path. It’s not uncommon for top tier heroes to have to do this, nor is it a bad choice because it allows them to discover new things about themselves and not internalize what they must deal with each night. This element could add a new measure of depth to the show and perhaps wash the taste of “Olicity” out of our mouths.
You can read all about it below:
NEW BEGINNINGS — After Laurel’s (Katie Cassidy) death and the departures of both Diggle (David Ramsey) and Thea (Willa Holland) from Team Arrow, Oliver (Stephen Amell) takes to the streets solo to protect Star City’s citizens as the Green Arrow. With Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) guiding him from the bunker, Oliver is forced to deal with a city that has become overrun with both criminals and a slew of new (and painfully inexperienced) vigilantes. Watching Oliver try to balance his jobs as both the mayor and also the protector of Star City, Felicity suggests he form a new team, but Oliver resists. However, when a deadly new criminal, Tobias Church (guest star Chad L. Coleman), enters the picture, Oliver realizes the best thing for the city might be a new team of superheroes. Meanwhile, the flashbacks take us to Russia where Oliver faces off against the Bratva. James Bamford directed the episode with story by Greg Berlanti and teleplay by Marc Guggenheim & Wendy Mericle.
The Flash returns for its third season on Tuesday, October 4, with Arrow returning for its fifth on Wednesday, October 5. Both shows air on The CW.
