The Flash 8x17 : Keep It Dark review

 

             Be warned there will be SPOILERS* involved in this review. With that being said let's get into it.

The Flash returns from a small hiatus and what a surprising episode to come back with. The episode opens up with a break in at Ivo Labs. The Flash arrives on the scene and is quite dumbfounded when he is told that a speedster was already there having stopped a potential fire and saved the workers inside. Looks like there is a new speedster in town and Barry is immediately worried. We see Barry talking to Joe about the whole situation and given what is going on between Iris, Caitlin and everything else having another speedster in town is the last thing he needs on his plate which is ever growing at this point. The real highlight of the episode is up next however and that is in the form of Alegra which is something I never thought I'd say as to be honest Alegra has never been a standout for me. At least not in this sense. 

Alegra is the interim in chief of Central City Citizen with Iris out of commotion for the time being. She isn't exactly liked by her co-workers and it shows as they put her down at almost every turn and make her feel less important than she actually is in her position. Alegras job this episode is attempting to bust a group in operating in the city under the name of Aranas with the two main members being Doctor Light and Sunshine. Former members of Black Glove who Team Flash had seemingly put to rest a few seasons back. They're back here and after a potential former member who is intent on exposing them to the Citizen via a live interview Alegra is thrown into a conflict in the building as it's totally shut down with the power cut leaving Alegra, her source Lydia, Chester and everyone else trapped in a room as Sunshine and Doctor Light circle the area outside. As all of this is going on The Flash takes it upon himself to visit none other than the Reverse Flash himself Eobard Thawne whom is being held by ARGUS on the island Lian Yu which in itself was a really nice throwback to the past of the Arrowverse. When The Flash arrives he berates Thawne by stating that he is stuck inside of a cell while this new speedster is out living their life. A life that Thawne thinks belongs to him but he is stuck inside of a cell with nowhere to go only a couple of feet pacing back and forth. Thawnes hatred for Barry or more importantly The Flash is really shown here as Thawne says that nobody can replace him, nobody hates The Flash more than him and that will never, ever change! the conversation ultimately ends when The Flash comes to realize that this new speedster is just like him at least when he first started as their powers are brand new they were probably the cause of the fire thus where there to stop it and save everyone before he arrived. Makes sense for sure but can The Flash catch this speedster??

The episode draws to a close as Alegra gets some really great character development as she not only overcomes Sunshine and Dr Light but in doing so gains the trust of her peers, Lydia and everyone else as she uses her powers to fight back and overthrow this group called Aranas. In doing so she buys Lydia and the rest of the Citizen team time to go and tell her story live on the airwaves which stops Dr Light and Sunshine in their tracks but it's not over they say before leaving. I summarized this pretty quickly but to be honest the story arc for Alegra in this episode really was so well done and showcased her in such a great way than just another member of Team Flash. She was a leader here through and through. So with that issue settled it's back to Star Labs where we learn that Caitlin is taking some time away from everyone. She says so over a video message as she is leaving to spend time to herself given all that's happened with Frost and Barry destroying her work. With Caitlin and Iris now out of the picture we're left with Barry, Chester, Joe, Cecil and Alegra to deal with this new speedster. And a new speedster it is as The Flash finally catches up to her and yes it is a woman. In-fact it's the CEO of a Fast-Track Labs who has created her own speed but it fizzes out after a short amount of time. The Flash is far quicker than her and it shows in their little race / battle inside of Ivo Labs. This woman is actually admired by Barry as he calls her a genius. Ultimately Barry agrees to be a mentor to her like Thawne or should I say Harrison Wells was to him back in season 1. This could end really well or really bad for Barry as surely there is more to this new speedster than meets the eye right?? either way that's how the episode ends with them shaking hands and like I said at the beginning this episode really was quite the surprise. Not everyone will like it I know but for me this had pretty much everything. A solid narrative, an end goal and everything else sprinkled in with The Flash and this new speedster was just great too. A return to form for The Flash as only 3 episodes now remain this season. 

★★★★