The Flash: The Nuclear Man
February 11, 2015 10:48 PM - Season 1, Episode 13 - Subscribe
Team Flash attempt to track down Firestorm, Joe and Cisco investigate the scene of Nora Allen's death, and Barry struggles to date Linda Park while fulfilling his obligations as a superhero.
"Cougar?" I thought that term was used for middle-aged women trying to pick up much younger men. Since Sherry and Joe seem to be roughly the same age, I don't think it applies. (Aside: Sherry was played by Chase Masterson, who had a recurring role as Leeta on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.)
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 5:03 AM on February 12, 2015
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 5:03 AM on February 12, 2015
Yeah, both the desperate housewife and ghost pepper scene were pretty hard to watch. Flash, I expected better from you. Barry, you don't threaten to hurt yourself to make someone else date you. Ew.
The firestorm parts of the episode were pretty cool, though.
posted by dinty_moore at 5:18 AM on February 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
The firestorm parts of the episode were pretty cool, though.
posted by dinty_moore at 5:18 AM on February 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
OH GOD PLEASE JUST DROP THE TERRIBLE IRIS AND BARRY SUBPLOT
The Yay: proof of time-travelin' Flash, Victor Garber is a delight, hmm, Cisco really mastered that mirror, Joe remains a delight (especially when exasperated with sartorial choices), Linda Park doesn't need your shit, and great abs run in the Amell family, Clancy Brown!
The Nay: Caitlin should not have a Ronnie-dependent storyline, stereotypical older woman with decollage--really? (though her wallpaper was fantastic), that whole Iris thing which never stops finding new ways to be irritating, eating a ghost pepper at the office of a woman you went on one date with is not endearing, it's idiotic and security should escort you from the premises.
posted by Kitteh at 5:28 AM on February 12, 2015 [5 favorites]
The Yay: proof of time-travelin' Flash, Victor Garber is a delight, hmm, Cisco really mastered that mirror, Joe remains a delight (especially when exasperated with sartorial choices), Linda Park doesn't need your shit, and great abs run in the Amell family, Clancy Brown!
The Nay: Caitlin should not have a Ronnie-dependent storyline, stereotypical older woman with decollage--really? (though her wallpaper was fantastic), that whole Iris thing which never stops finding new ways to be irritating, eating a ghost pepper at the office of a woman you went on one date with is not endearing, it's idiotic and security should escort you from the premises.
posted by Kitteh at 5:28 AM on February 12, 2015 [5 favorites]
Also, as an aside, kissing someone who just ate a ghost pepper seems like a remarkably stupid idea.
posted by dinty_moore at 6:06 AM on February 12, 2015 [9 favorites]
posted by dinty_moore at 6:06 AM on February 12, 2015 [9 favorites]
Also, as an aside, kissing someone who just ate a ghost pepper seems like a remarkably stupid idea.
That was exactly what I yelled at the screen when that happened. "Ew. Gross. Hot Pepper. BAD IDEA." My boyfriend helpfully added, "Also, didn't he just throw up all over the floor?"
The Iris/Barry subplot officially frayed my last nerve. Let Iris in on the secret, then both of you just get over it, because I am so over it. Overall, the entire episode just seemed to scream "lazy writing". I'm disappointed, Flash. You can do better than that.
posted by PearlRose at 6:49 AM on February 12, 2015 [2 favorites]
That was exactly what I yelled at the screen when that happened. "Ew. Gross. Hot Pepper. BAD IDEA." My boyfriend helpfully added, "Also, didn't he just throw up all over the floor?"
The Iris/Barry subplot officially frayed my last nerve. Let Iris in on the secret, then both of you just get over it, because I am so over it. Overall, the entire episode just seemed to scream "lazy writing". I'm disappointed, Flash. You can do better than that.
posted by PearlRose at 6:49 AM on February 12, 2015 [2 favorites]
OH GOD PLEASE JUST DROP THE TERRIBLE IRIS AND BARRY SUBPLOT
OH GOD PLEASE JUST DROP THE TERRIBLE IRIS AND BARRY SUBPLOT
OH GOD PLEASE JUST DROP THE TERRIBLE IRIS AND BARRY SUBPLOT
From your lips to Berlanti's ears.
This week's ridiculous science: Bright red bloodstains from over a decade ago that were never washed off, just wallpapered over. I really hope it's going to turn out that Sherry has some kind of dark and sinister Flash-related agenda, otherwise both that weird preservation of the crime scene and her hitting on Joe only to vanish after two scenes is just strange plot contrivance of the worst sort.
Huge props to Robbie Amell in his role as Victor Garber Trapped In Robbie Amell's Body. He really sold that performance. I loved the whole end of the episode -- the quantum splicer turning into the Firestorm logo, Barry outrunning a nuclear explosion, and CLANCY BROWN HELL YEAH.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 7:48 AM on February 12, 2015 [3 favorites]
OH GOD PLEASE JUST DROP THE TERRIBLE IRIS AND BARRY SUBPLOT
OH GOD PLEASE JUST DROP THE TERRIBLE IRIS AND BARRY SUBPLOT
From your lips to Berlanti's ears.
This week's ridiculous science: Bright red bloodstains from over a decade ago that were never washed off, just wallpapered over. I really hope it's going to turn out that Sherry has some kind of dark and sinister Flash-related agenda, otherwise both that weird preservation of the crime scene and her hitting on Joe only to vanish after two scenes is just strange plot contrivance of the worst sort.
Huge props to Robbie Amell in his role as Victor Garber Trapped In Robbie Amell's Body. He really sold that performance. I loved the whole end of the episode -- the quantum splicer turning into the Firestorm logo, Barry outrunning a nuclear explosion, and CLANCY BROWN HELL YEAH.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 7:48 AM on February 12, 2015 [3 favorites]
The situation with Caitlin does seem to be a bit two steps forward, one step back. Which is sort of a standard plot thing, but I wish there were more for her than the Ronnie storyline too.
I'm 100% on board with Joe's ongoing investigation storyline, though, and enjoyed him working with Cisco. More please. More of that and Wells being the most casually duplicitous antivillain possible. Just keep cramming as many meanings as possible into every single thing he says, it's great. I'm pretty sure the only non-secretly-significant thing he said this episode was "do you want one of my fries."
posted by automatic cabinet at 7:48 AM on February 12, 2015 [3 favorites]
I'm 100% on board with Joe's ongoing investigation storyline, though, and enjoyed him working with Cisco. More please. More of that and Wells being the most casually duplicitous antivillain possible. Just keep cramming as many meanings as possible into every single thing he says, it's great. I'm pretty sure the only non-secretly-significant thing he said this episode was "do you want one of my fries."
posted by automatic cabinet at 7:48 AM on February 12, 2015 [3 favorites]
I was torn on the desperate housewife thing. It's cheap and lazy but on the other hand, uncomfortable Joe! Anything with more opportunities for Jesse Martin to do something different I am in favor of. If only he could only have gotten her to go away with song & dance.
Which of course surfaces the "why would he want her to go away?" question. Attractive woman expresses interest in you, single man. Why does Cisco need to say something like "I won't judge you." For... being a single man? That's only amusing if women who express an interest are scary and weird. Blah.
I did enjoy the bits with Barry zipping away unnoticed during the date to fight crime. Less enjoyed him bailing in such a ham-handed way - leaving her in his house - during the foreplay. The human vibrator thing is going to generate some new fanfic.
Everyone spot Wells wearing the Flash ring? Not sure that's an item that makes any sense without the infinitely collapsable uniform but a fun easter egg.
I can't believe I didn't think of this back during the karaoke episode, but both Gustin and Martin can sing? Musical episode!
posted by phearlez at 8:09 AM on February 12, 2015 [2 favorites]
Which of course surfaces the "why would he want her to go away?" question. Attractive woman expresses interest in you, single man. Why does Cisco need to say something like "I won't judge you." For... being a single man? That's only amusing if women who express an interest are scary and weird. Blah.
I did enjoy the bits with Barry zipping away unnoticed during the date to fight crime. Less enjoyed him bailing in such a ham-handed way - leaving her in his house - during the foreplay. The human vibrator thing is going to generate some new fanfic.
Everyone spot Wells wearing the Flash ring? Not sure that's an item that makes any sense without the infinitely collapsable uniform but a fun easter egg.
I can't believe I didn't think of this back during the karaoke episode, but both Gustin and Martin can sing? Musical episode!
posted by phearlez at 8:09 AM on February 12, 2015 [2 favorites]
I was bothered by the fact that the homeowner came as a surprise to Joe, both in who she was and how long she had lived there, since, I thought, Joe and Iris literally lived a few houses down or so. That's how they knew littl' Barry, after all. I guess they got reclusive? I don't really talk with my neighbors, but I at least know them by face and what not. Hasn't Cisco been to Joe's house? Wouldn't someone have pointed out Barry's house nearby?
Am I wrong to assume that Ronnie and Stiles are not actually dead? That Firestorm will return? Also, did Marvel not grumble when Barry told him not to "Flame on!" ?
The whole foreplay thing was awkward and I don't know if I enjoyed it because of the over the top awkwardness for Barry or if I hated it because of the over the top silliness.
And...our closure. "Bring me Firestorm."
Also, Wells genius being so genius that he borrows future tech and everyone doesn't blink an eye.
This was really an up and down episode.
posted by Atreides at 8:16 AM on February 12, 2015
Am I wrong to assume that Ronnie and Stiles are not actually dead? That Firestorm will return? Also, did Marvel not grumble when Barry told him not to "Flame on!" ?
The whole foreplay thing was awkward and I don't know if I enjoyed it because of the over the top awkwardness for Barry or if I hated it because of the over the top silliness.
And...our closure. "Bring me Firestorm."
Also, Wells genius being so genius that he borrows future tech and everyone doesn't blink an eye.
This was really an up and down episode.
posted by Atreides at 8:16 AM on February 12, 2015
Everyone spot Wells wearing the Flash ring?
Yessssssssssss. Obviously he doesn't keep the Reverse Flash suit in it but it definitely raises...possibilities.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 8:20 AM on February 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
Yessssssssssss. Obviously he doesn't keep the Reverse Flash suit in it but it definitely raises...possibilities.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 8:20 AM on February 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
This week's ridiculous science:
Also: mirrors are backed with silver, not silver nitrate. (Silver nitrate may be used in the process of depositing silver on glass, but that doesn't mean there's silver nitrate on the glass.) Plus, you know what cameras have that allows them to capture an image, that mirrors don't? A lens.
Also, as an aside, kissing someone who just ate a ghost pepper seems like a remarkably stupid idea.
And then, after he threw up, he was rubbing his eyes. And I'm going no no no do not rub your eyes after handling a ghost pepper with your bare hands without washing them like a surgeon scrubbing in for an immunocompromised patient.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 8:24 AM on February 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
Also: mirrors are backed with silver, not silver nitrate. (Silver nitrate may be used in the process of depositing silver on glass, but that doesn't mean there's silver nitrate on the glass.) Plus, you know what cameras have that allows them to capture an image, that mirrors don't? A lens.
Also, as an aside, kissing someone who just ate a ghost pepper seems like a remarkably stupid idea.
And then, after he threw up, he was rubbing his eyes. And I'm going no no no do not rub your eyes after handling a ghost pepper with your bare hands without washing them like a surgeon scrubbing in for an immunocompromised patient.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 8:24 AM on February 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
Am I wrong to assume that Ronnie and Stiles are not actually dead? That Firestorm will return?
Yeah, some interview stuff I saw on accident suggests they'll be around.
Also the Flash ring has been in earlier episodes so I'm curious as to why they wanted to emphasize it in that one shot.
posted by automatic cabinet at 9:04 AM on February 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
Yeah, some interview stuff I saw on accident suggests they'll be around.
Also the Flash ring has been in earlier episodes so I'm curious as to why they wanted to emphasize it in that one shot.
posted by automatic cabinet at 9:04 AM on February 12, 2015 [1 favorite]
He wasn't putting that much at risk with hot pepper anyways - he heals quick and metabolizes food superfast, so the heat would be brief. Really, rather than barf he should have had instantaneous explosive diarrhea, perhaps spelling out 'GIVE ME A 2ND CHANCE' in a horrible brown nuclear shadow on the wall to presage the explosive finale.
"Well, guess we better move out of this empty Radio Shack in the strip mall to a real goddamn grownup newspaper office," the Editor In Chief will sigh. "Gonna be expensive. Might have to do a round of layoffs if I don't get more pictures ofSpider Man The Flash."
"Wait, boss, I have an idea," one of his reporters who look like they could be anywhere from 16 to 28 years old will say, "I have an aunt who bought a house that was the scene of a bloody murder and she just put wallpaper over the stains, so..."
"Demographicson, you're a genius!"
posted by robocop is bleeding at 9:06 AM on February 12, 2015 [6 favorites]
"Well, guess we better move out of this empty Radio Shack in the strip mall to a real goddamn grownup newspaper office," the Editor In Chief will sigh. "Gonna be expensive. Might have to do a round of layoffs if I don't get more pictures of
"Wait, boss, I have an idea," one of his reporters who look like they could be anywhere from 16 to 28 years old will say, "I have an aunt who bought a house that was the scene of a bloody murder and she just put wallpaper over the stains, so..."
"Demographicson, you're a genius!"
posted by robocop is bleeding at 9:06 AM on February 12, 2015 [6 favorites]
All TV shows could do with a bit more Clancy Brown and Victor Garber.
posted by brundlefly at 9:41 AM on February 12, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by brundlefly at 9:41 AM on February 12, 2015 [4 favorites]
Way after the fact but: In addition to lacking a lens, and lacking multiple frames for the multiple exposures, silver nitrate film could only capture black and white images because it only responded to the presence of light. The entire point of that nonsense setup was to discover the two different colors of lightning.
posted by Rainbo Vagrant at 2:26 PM on October 31, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Rainbo Vagrant at 2:26 PM on October 31, 2016 [1 favorite]
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On the plus side, I'm glad that Barry was very direct in his chat with Iris rather than dragging it out over multiple eps. And the CGI was freaking awesome - Firestorm looks fantastic, as did the nuclear explosion.
posted by adrianhon at 3:45 AM on February 12, 2015 [2 favorites]