Heroes come in all forms. Some don’t need a superpower. It’s the sacrifice they’re willing to make that makes them heroes. This theme both literally and figuratively would become very clear throughout the third season finale of The Flash. Warning, spoilers ahead…
Ever wonder why H.R. was not seen by Cisco when he vibe to see the encounter between Barry and Savitar? Well, that’s because H.R. swapped places with Iris using the same image altering device that Harrison Wells gave the team. H.R. felt guilty that he led Savitar to Iris and he wanted to make things right. His ultimate sacrifice would be just the beginning during this finale.
Savitar kidnaps Cisco and wants him to work on the stolen Speed Force Blaster that would enable him to exist throughout time protecting him from the paradox.Barry tries to convince Savitar that he could be saved, that no one especially Iris needs to get hurt. He brings him back to STAR Labs and for a moment, it appeared that he had reached Savitar. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be the case as Savitar destroys the lab using the Philosopher’s Stone.
Savitar returns and orders Caitlin to kill Cisco but Gypsy returns from her Earth and saves Cisco. With nothing else to lose, Barry takes on Savitar. When Savitar attempts to use the modified blaster, it turns into a skeleton key that frees Jay Garrick from the speed force. With Jay now free, he joins Barry and Wally to face off in a speedster slobber-knocker. As Savitar gains an edge, he turns his attention to killing Cisco for modifying the blaster only to have Caitlin save Cisco. That’s the second-time Cisco was saved in the episode. Heroes aplenty here. Barry uses his phasing ability to destroy Savitar’s suit and defeat him. But it would be Iris who kills Savitar when she shoots him.
As the team say their final goodbyes to H.R., Caitlin sans her Killer Frost look, tells Cisco, Julian and Barry goodbye as she tries to come to grips on what her future will be. Later, as Barry and Iris try to resume their lives together, an electric storm appears created by the speed force. Barry knows why and tells everyone that the speed force requires a speedster and decides that he needs to be the one. It’s his punishment for Flashpoint. Barry says his goodbyes to everyone telling Cisco that he’s his hero and thanks Joe for being a father to him. And then finally kisses Iris before stepping into the speed force that has taken the form of his mother, Nora. Together they walk into it and everything around Central City stabilizes. The Flashpoint story line had come full circle in a satisfying season finale.
The Flash returns for a fourth season this Fall.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
