Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

The Flash: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 16, 2016

On the inaugural season of “The Flash,” the program showcased the wrath of the Reverse-Flash, the trials of a superhero life vs. the needs of a human one, and the duplicitous ways of Dr. Harrison. For the follow-up year, producers have decided that what worked once will work again, basically reheating conflicts to help support another go-around with Barry Allen and his struggle as a man capable of achieving speed force while wearing a tight red costume. That’s not to suggest “Season 2” is a washout, far from it, but the production isn’t prepared to move the narrative forward significantly to inspire a fresh series of challenges and emotional entanglements. “Season 2” plays it safe, spending more time submerging the dialogue and plotting in comic book science than it does establishing an inventive direction for a unique superhero. The mechanics of the show are fine, but staleness isn’t avoided, hoping to keep fans happy by regurgitating everything they’ve seen before.

Having restored some peace to his life after solving the murder of his mother, getting his father out of prison in the process, Barry is left with a fresh start. However, there’s a new threat facing Central City, and its name is Zoom, a more powerful speedster who uses breaches in time and space to make life miserable for the S.T.A.R. Labs crew, Barry’s dearest friends and support. The Flash is reunited with his supervillain of the week challenges, but there’s a new realm to explore in Earth-2, a mirror planet that Zoom mines for henchmen, which also returns Dr. Harrison to Barry’s life. The “multi-verse” is a major idea for “Season 2,” acting a source of extreme complication to the peace of Central City and the health of our heroes, who not only have to fight physical threats, but cerebral ones as well, tasked with mastering physics and science-y make-em-ups to massage the galactic revelation over 23 episodes. It’s disappointing to see Tom Cavanagh return to the show after his insignificant presence threatened to ruin “Season 1,” and it’s lame that he’s back as Dr. Harrison, once again showing zero intimidation as the franchise’s monkey wrench. Sure, this Dr. Harrison isn’t supposed to the same as the old Dr. Harrison, but, really, he is, watching “Season 2” scramble to create the same S.T.A.R. Labs energy as before, only without a true dramatic reason to return to the fight.

Select episodes work, mostly due to the idiosyncrasy of the enemy. It’s a joy to watch Mark Hamill return as the Trickster, chewing on the best lines and mugging up a storm in a way only this actor can get away with. He’s so much fun, it’s a shame “Season 2” doesn’t offer the mischievous loon more to do. The Trickster is far more compelling and energetic an enemy than Zoom. Giant gorilla Grodd also makes another appearance, only this time the production bravely shows him off with CGI wizardry, promoting him to a daytime threat. The rest of the villains are passable meta-human freaks, and a few outright bomb, but “Season 2” is an adequate mix of the familiar and new, keeping the Flash busy as he attempts to balance the protection of Central City with his personal life, which involves a romance with the new detective in town. However, it’s a crossover arc with “Arrow” that represents the season’s low point, delivering a convoluted tale about reincarnation and immortality while introducing Hawkman and Hawkgirl to the fold. As charming as the “Arrow” folk are, the production can’t escape its budgetary limitations with this tedious two-parter.

EPISODES

Disc 1

“The Man Who Saved Central City” (42:30)

Recovering from his encounter with The Singularity, a city-crushing event that killed Ronnie (Robbie Amell), Barry/Flash (Grant Gustin) isn’t ready to be labeled a hero, unsure if he wants to participate in “Flash Day.” When villain Atom-Smasher (Adam Copeland) arrives in town to kill the Flash, Barry looks to reteam the S.T.A.R. Labs crew, including Cisco (Carlos Valders), Caitlin (Danielle Panabaker), and Dr. Martin (Victor Garber), hunting for a weakness. Also on Barry’s mind is Dr. Harrison (Tom Cavanagh), who holds the key to a happier future for the young man, and he remains concerned about his father, Henry (John Wesley Shipp), who’s imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.

“Flash of Two Worlds” (42:30)

Arriving at S.T.A.R. Labs is Jay (Teddy Sears), who was sucked into The Singularity, pulled from his home on Earth-2. A fellow speedster, Jay shares information about the arrival a Zoom, another meta-human determined to murder the Flash. While Caitlin takes care of testing, the rest of the unit is confronted with an immediate threat in Sand Demon (Kett Turton). Hoping to join the fight is Patty (Shantel VanSanten), an eager cop trying to prove her worth to Joe (Jesse L. Martin). Hunting for breaches between worlds, Barry learns of the multi-verse, which promises to keep him busy.

“Family of Rogues” (42:33)

Joe is put in a tight spot when his long lost ex-wife Francine (Vanessa Williams) returns to Central City, forcing the detective to share the shocking news with his daughter, Iris (Candace Patton). Hoping to crack open one breach and visit Earth-2, Cisco slowly grasps new meta-human powers, with the ability to “vibe” anywhere. And Barry confronts Captain Cold (Wentworth Miller) after his sister, Golden Glider (Peyton List), comes to S.T.A.R. Labs claiming he was kidnapped by their malicious father, Lewis (Michael Ironside).

“The Fury of Firestorm” (42:33)

Dr. Martin is feeling ill, slowly slipping away, in desperate need of a replacement for Ronnie to return as Firestorm. Henry (Demore Barnes) is the initial candidate, but the match doesn’t take. However, his visit to S.T.A.R. Labs awakens his full meta-human power, and with rejection comes destruction. Former high school football star Jax (Franz Drameh) is a better choice for Firestorm, but he’s reluctant to join the cause, requiring some coaching from Caitlin. Iris has to deal with Francine’s dark secrets, unsure if she can trust the woman who walked away from her as a child. And Barry has to confront his burgeoning feelings for Patty, trying to get over Iris.

“The Darkness and the Light” (42:33)

Passing through a breach is Dr. Light (Malese Jow), who uses her powers of luminosity to cause chaos in Central City, ordered by Zoom to kill the Flash. Also arriving from Earth-2 is Dr. Harrison (Tom Cavanagh), who hopes to capture Zoom, but needs help from the S.T.A.R. Labs crew, identifying Cisco as a meta-human. And Barry finally works up the nerve to ask Patty out, only to find himself blinded during a run-in with Dr. Light, requiring some scientific help to get him through the night.

“Enter Zoom” (42:15)

In an effort to lure Zoom out into the open, the S.T.A.R. Labs gang enlists Dr. Light’s doppelganger, journalist Linda, to wear her costume after the meta-human escapes from containment. Thrust into a dangerous situation, Linda joins the Flash on the streets of Central City, hoping to cause a scene. And Dr. Harrison reveals just why he’s decided to come to Earth-1, trying to prevent Zoom from murdering his daughter, Jess (Violett Beane).

Disc 2

“Gorilla Warfare” (42:33)

As Barry recovers from an encounter with Zoom, a more immediate threat arises with the return of Grodd, who kidnaps Caitlin, ordering her to recreate his moment of meta-human endowment to generate more of his kind. Barry tries to regain his strength and speed, using inspiration from his father, Henry, who reunites with the hero to help the cause. And Dr. Harrison, trying to wrap his mind around Earth-2, puts on the Reverse-Flash costume to confuse Grodd, gradually understanding what the Earth-1 version of Dr. Harrison was capable of.

“Legends of Today” (43:31)

Arriving in Central City is immortal Vandal Savage (Casper Crump), who’s out to kill Hawkgirl, a longtime enemy currently in the form of Kendra (Ciara Renee), Cisco’s coffee-slinging girlfriend. When Hawkman (Falk Hentschel) arrives to protect his reincarnated partner, Barry travels to Star City for help, enlisting Green Arrow (Stephen Amell) and Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards). To give Barry a speed advantage over Zoom, Dr. Harrison cooks up a special serum that enhances superpowers, but it contains dangerous side effects, and Caitlin isn’t sure the risk is worth it.

“Legends of Yesterday” (44:29)

Vandal Savage is threatening to destroy Central City and Star City with his powers if Hawkman and Hawkgirl don’t surrender. Trying to come up with a plan to defeat him, Barry discovers an opportunity to time travel, confiding his fears to Cisco. Green Arrow makes a shocking discovery in Central City, coming to terms with his irresponsible past as he hopes to make a brighter future.

“Running to Stand Still” (42:29)

Learning of her mother’s secret, Iris informs Joe that he has a son he’s never met, inspiring deep emotions within the cop as a new chapter of his life begins with the introduction of Wally (Keiynan Lonsdale). Planning to destroy Central City with a macabre Christmas bombing plan, Weather Wizard (Liam McIntyre) returns to town, and he’s brought The Trickster (Mark Hamill) with him, challenging Barry to thwart their plan while Patty makes the fight personal.

“Potential Energy” (42:32)

Sneaking around Central City with the ability to slow time is The Turtle (Aaron Douglas), who’s out to collect valued works of art and jewelry. The villain’s special powers are able to slow the Flash to a crawl, leaving the hero vulnerable to attack. When Patty is caught up in the case, Barry struggles to define honesty with his girlfriend, unprepared to reveal his meta-human identity to her. Dr. Harrison, growing desperate to save his daughter, works secretly in S.T.A.R. Labs to help his chances of rescue. And as Caitlin and Jay grow closer, the scientist makes a discovery that changes their burgeoning relationship, fearful of being abandoned once again.

“The Reverse-Flash Returns” (42:32)

Returning to cause trouble, Reverse-Flash is consumed with figuring out Barry’s Flash era while also searching for a way back, forcing Christina (Amanda Pays) to assist his nefarious plans, which involve the manipulation of tachyons. As Barry and the S.T.A.R. Labs gang try to defeat Reverse-Flash, a disruption of the timeline puts Cisco in danger. And Iris and Joe face tragedy in their lives, trying to reach out to Wally and come together as a family.

Disc 3

“Fast Lane” (42:32)

Wally is caught up in an illegal street racing scene, and Iris is concerned about him, looking to disrupt the criminal enterprise before her new brother hurts himself. Dr. Harrison begins collecting the Flash’s speed force, slowing down the superhero, preventing him from working at full strength. And a bumbling crook is reborn as Tar Pit, emerging from the toxic depths to exact revenge on the enforcer who tried to kill him years earlier.

“Welcome to Earth-2” (42:32)

Barry, Cisco, and Dr. Harrison take a trip to Earth-2, questing to pull off an impossible mission to find and defeat Zoom. During their stay, Barry is distracted by his doppelganger’s life, showing him a reality he’s always wanted. There’s also trouble in the form of Deathstorm (Robbie Amell) and Killer Frost (Danielle Panabaker), two of Zoom’s meta-human henchmen out to bring their boss the Flash. Back on Earth-1, Caitlin and Jay figure out a way to get his speedster power back when villain Geomancer (Adam Stafford) realizes that the Flash is missing.

“Escape from Earth-2” (41:26)

Locked in a cell in Zoom’s hideout, Barry struggles to find a way out, communicating with a mysterious masked man also held captive by the monster speedster. While Cisco and Dr. Harrison attempt a rescue mission, they need help from Killer Frost, who’s isn’t interested in cooperating. Back on Earth-1, Geomancer continues to cause trouble, putting pressure on Caitlin and Jay to continue experimenting with synthetic speed force.

“King Shark” (42:29)

Escaping from his underwater holding cell, King Shark begins his rampage, out to kill the Flash for Zoom. Organizing efforts to find and imprison the monster again, the S.T.A.R. Labs crew is distracted by recent events, with Caitlin dealing with depression after the loss of another loved one. At home, Barry has difficulty befriending Wally, with his reputation as a golden child rubbing the newcomer the wrong way.

“Trajectory” (41:44)

New on the scene is Trajectory (Allison Paige), a “bad Flash” speedster craving injections of Velocity-9, the latest version of the speed force cocktail perfected by S.T.A.R. Labs. Creating havoc in Central City, Trajectory’s demands are challenged by the Flash, who doesn’t want to hurt this disturbed individual. And Iris endures some workplace awkwardness when editor Scott (Tone Bell) shows romantic interest in the reporter.

“Flash Back” (42:16)

In an effort to increase his speed and challenge Zoom, Barry travels back in time to question the original Dr. Harrison, using knowledge of his future plans to inspire his allegiance. However, such a major mission requires a delicate handling of his own visibility, but Barry can’t help himself, hoping to right a few wrongs, threatening to disturb the timeline.

Disc 4

“Versus Zoom” (42:27)

Finding a way to entice Zoom into a final battle, Barry pushes Cisco to explore his meta-human powers as Vibe, which frightens the young tech genius, who feels himself inching closer to evil. As the true identity of Zoom is finally revealed to all, Barry dreams up a way to catch his elusive enemy, ending up with a showdown he isn’t prepared for, losing his speed force in the process.

“Back to Normal” (42:32)

Now without his superpowers, Barry is forced to deal with everyday life at a normal speed, also struggling with his inability to help those in need. While locked up in Zoom’s lair, Caitlin comes into contact with Killer Frost, bonding with the villain as she figures out an escape plan. And Dr. Harrison is kidnapped by Griffin Grey (Haig Sutherland), a meta-human who rapidly ages whenever he uses his super-strength, vowing to kill the scientist if he doesn’t find a cure.

“Rupture” (42:32)

Trying to make up for the trouble he’s caused, Dr. Harrison concocts a way to give Barry his speed back, but it entails the staging of another particle accelerator explosion. Iris, finally confronting her feelings, shares her love for Barry, who’s overwhelmed by the confession. And Cisco’s world is turned upside down with the arrival of Earth-2 villain Rupture (Nicholas Gonzalez), who’s the doppelganger of his brother, Dante.

“The Runaway Dinosaur” (42:31)

Believed to be dead after Dr. Harrison’s controlled explosion, Barry is instead sent into his speed force, which takes the forms of friends and family to help communicate with the troubled soul, who also reunites with his mother (Nora Allen). Trying to pull Barry out of his purgatory, Dr. Harrison pushes Cisco to his limits, while Iris demands a shot at finding her love before he’s lost forever. Also causing trouble is the reanimated remains of Girder (Greg Finley), who’s now a zombie on the hunt for revenge.

“Invincible” (42:32)

In a bid to take over Earth-1, Zoom commences the metapocalypse, with meta-humans swarming Central City, keeping the S.T.A.R. Labs gang and the Flash busy as they take down numerous monsters. Trouble increases with the arrival of Black Siren (Katie Cassidy), who joins the chaos with special plans of her own. And Wally, increasingly troubled by his inability to do anything but make mistakes, tries to help the Flash and his heroic cause, searching for purpose.

“The Race of His Life” (43:13)

After experiencing a horrific tragedy, Barry is now determined to end Zoom’s reign, but his enemy proposes a race to finish their battle, proving once and for all who the fastest man alive truly is.

The Flash: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation largely preserves the show's broadcast appearance. Darker HD cinematography is generally good about exposing frame detail, picking up on facial particulars, set decoration and computer monitor information, and costuming, taking in softer fabrics and the leathery look of the Flash. Colors are secure, managing the program's urban setting with grander hues on villainy, and the Flash's speed retains its yellow blur. Delineation is adequate, with solidification only emerging as a threat periodically. Throughout the series, banding is detected.

The Flash: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix delivers a crisp and clean listening experience. Dialogue exchanges are tight and expressive, handling the range of dramatic capability and suspenseful escalation, never touching distortive extremes. Scoring is determined and supportive, with precise instrumentation. Low-end is satisfied during action sequences and meta-human threats. Surrounds aren't overwhelmingly active, but directional activity is employed to track frame movement, and the fullness of citywide chaos is felt at times. Sound effects are sharp, emphasizing quick movement with pronounced whooshes.

The Flash: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Disc 1

• Deleted Scenes are found on "The Man Who Saved Central City" (5:26, HD), "Family of Rogues" (1:53, HD), and "The Darkness and the Light" (1:00, HD).

• Featurettes: "Barry and Iris: New Beginnings!" (7:35, HD), "Visual Effects: Follow The Flash in 360" (2:13, HD), "Whose Helmet Was That?" (4:23, HD), "Rogues Gallery: One Cold Father, The Lewis Snart Story" (4:13, HD), "Heart and Heat: The Story of Firestorm" (4:49, HD), "Visual Effects: Earth-2" (2:38, HD), Cutting Teeth: The Flash vs. King Shark" (5:18, HD), "The Power of Dr. Light" (5:43, HD), and "Into the Breach: Designing Earth-2" (4:54, HD).

• Gag Reel (12:29, HD) is included, opening with a parody of the main titles from the 1990 series.

Disc 2

• Deleted Scenes are found on "Gorilla Warfare" (:54, HD), "Running to Stand Still" (2:28, HD), and "Potential Energy" (3:18, HD).

• Featurettes: "Behind the Story: The Chemistry of Emily and Grant Screen Test" (6:54, HD), "Grodd Lives!" (6:51, HD), "Star Crossed Hawks" (11:20, HD), "Star Crossed Hawks: The Hunt for Vandal Savage" (11:02, HD), "Visual Effects: A Closer Look" (2:51, HD), and "Christmas in a Flash" (4:36, HD).

Disc 3

• "2015 Paley Fest" (29:54, HD) is a sit-down with executive producers Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg, and actors Rick Cosnett, Candice Patton, Jesse L. Martin, Grant Gustin, Tom Cavanagh, Danielle Panabaker, and Carlos Valdes, hosted by Aisha Tyler.

• Deleted Scenes are found on "Welcome to Earth-2" (1:14, HD) and "King Shark" (3:34, HD).

• Featurettes: "Sticky Situation" (2:18, HD) and "Superheroes and Villains" (3:05, HD).

Disc 4

• Featurettes: "The Many Faces of Zoom" (6:25, HD), "Chasing Flash: The Journey of Kevin Smith" (51:40, HD), and "Visual Effects: Everything Falls Apart" (3:21, HD).

• Deleted Scenes are found on "Versus Zoom" (1:40, HD), "Back to Normal" (:56, HD), and "The Runaway Dinosaur" (1:27, HD).

The Flash: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Flash" still gets by on charisma. Performances are impressive, especially considering all the dialogue they're managing, sent through an obstacle course of terms and ideas that are supposed to sound natural coming from brilliant minds. Emotional peaks are few, but "Season 2" allows for moments involving the definition of family and Barry's struggle with intimacy, keeping matters approachable with all the comic book mayhem taking control of the show. In many ways, "Season 2" is a comedown from the previous year, not showing enough dramatic ambition and interest in surprise. The program still works as entertainment, giving fans enough Flash-based heroism to please, even if he's often fighting the same bad guys. "The Flash" remains a pleasant show with some real energy, and while routine keeps the faithful around, it doesn't always inspire excitement for the material. Hopefully, for "Season 3," the producers are ready to give up on Cavanagh and Reverse-Flash and find new corners of the multi-verse to explore.