The Flash disappointed fans in so many ways, but one of the biggest for Arrowverse enthusiasts is that Grant Gustin’s Barry Allen was nowhere to be seen in Ezra Miller’s movie, despite The CW’s “Crisis on Infinite Earths” event teasing such a crossover way back in 2020. And the one nod we did get to the network’s once-sprawling, now-dead DC TV universe seemed bizarre in its inclusion, although now it appears it wasn’t even them in the first place.
Yes, we all thought that glimpse of Golden Age Flash Jay Garrick was played by The Flash TV veteran Teddy Sears, but the actor has denied that it is — which has led fans to think that we’ve just wandered into Black Mirror Land, but that’s a debate for another time. Regardless of whether or not Sears’ Jay shows up, though, The Flash does feature the cinematic debuts of two other familiar characters from the Arrowverse, although viewers might’ve missed them.
First appearing as Barry’s work colleagues, and then showing up as Barry 2’s roommates in the altered timeline, the two characters in question are Patty Spivot and Albert Desmond. On TV, Patty was a Central City detective and love interest for Gustin’s speedster, played by Shantel VanSanten. In the film, Patty is portrayed by Derry Girls actress Saoirse-Monica Jackson.
Albert Desmond, meanwhile, is a very loose adaptation of comic book villain Doctor Alchemy. Rudy Mancuso plays Albert — who seemingly holds no evil tendencies — in the movie. Making Albert a pal of Barry’s seems to be inspired by the Arrowverse version. Renamed Julian Albert, the character was a regular on The Flash season 3, as portrayed by Harry Potter icon Tom Felton.
The Flash might’ve dropped the ball on connecting up with the Arrowverse, but there are a couple of links for fans to appreciate if they’re paying close attention.