"The Reverse-Flash returns" is easily one of the best Flash episodes in Season 2 so far, it's exciting, intriguing, mind boggling and heartbreaking. It opens up to numerous new crucial plot points to this season's structure and at the same time back tracks a bit to deal with some closure brought about by the first season.
So let's go about what was generally excellent in this episode, the episode was more layered with sub plots and narratives that were previously shown in past episodes, however what was so great about how this episode dealt with them is that they gave them definitive development and necessity to the plot of the show. The Iris' mom subplot became much more relevant because of the now introduced Wally West and her illness, and the episode was more balanced in terms of giving the right attention to which narrative they should follow. The Patty and Barry narrative was officially given an absolute closure that shows how much Barry has developed, and it shows how much they have giving him a sense of closure with the Reverse Flash story line which may have seem to be a little rushed at start, however it picked up it's pace with handy (even though obvious) exposition for the audience and an intriguing plot element with complicated timey wimey things once again. We are also introduced to future set ups and hints that is sure to keep fans speculating and discussing which the show is really known for doing much like in the first season with Harrison Wells. All these exciting elements handled well were great and it was refreshing to see new elements thrown in that finally kick start this season to many possible outcomes all pointing towards Zoom. If the Flash continues to create episodes like these more often than not, then the show will sure be able to have a sense of balance that the audience will grow to like as each episode passes by.
Verdict: 9.7/10
So let's go about what was generally excellent in this episode, the episode was more layered with sub plots and narratives that were previously shown in past episodes, however what was so great about how this episode dealt with them is that they gave them definitive development and necessity to the plot of the show. The Iris' mom subplot became much more relevant because of the now introduced Wally West and her illness, and the episode was more balanced in terms of giving the right attention to which narrative they should follow. The Patty and Barry narrative was officially given an absolute closure that shows how much Barry has developed, and it shows how much they have giving him a sense of closure with the Reverse Flash story line which may have seem to be a little rushed at start, however it picked up it's pace with handy (even though obvious) exposition for the audience and an intriguing plot element with complicated timey wimey things once again. We are also introduced to future set ups and hints that is sure to keep fans speculating and discussing which the show is really known for doing much like in the first season with Harrison Wells. All these exciting elements handled well were great and it was refreshing to see new elements thrown in that finally kick start this season to many possible outcomes all pointing towards Zoom. If the Flash continues to create episodes like these more often than not, then the show will sure be able to have a sense of balance that the audience will grow to like as each episode passes by.
Verdict: 9.7/10