Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

I remember it like it was yesterday, though it wasn’t: it was the summer of 1990. I was reading a copy of TV Guide and browsing through the list of new TV shows that would be released the following fall. The one that caught my interest most immediately was The Flash, based on the famous DC Comics character. I had been reading comics since I was a kid (I still do), but for some reason I had never been a huge fan of the scarlet speedster himself. Still, the series looked interesting, and so when the two-hour pilot aired on September 20th, 1990, I decided to check it out.

From the very first hour, I was hooked. Because The Flash was (and is) not only a load of fun, but it also manages to capture the essence of the character, all the while introducing a new element to him. In fact, I was so hooked that the comic book of the same name soon became a regular addition to my reading lineup.

I never missed an episode of the show, and it became a weekly ritual to watch it with friends. Sadly, the show suffered a premature death, being canceled after its first season. But to me, it was always special, and I would watch my old videotapes again and again until I wore most of them out.

The Flash has a lot going for it, but the stories are a large part of its appeal. They don’t stray far from the comics’ formula, which perhaps is why it is so popular with comic geeks but didn’t succeed with mainstream audiences. Much of this is due to the fact that respected comics writers the likes of Howard Chaykin and John Francis Moore were engaged for stories.

A veritable parade of Flash villains also helped make it special. Who can forget Mark Hamill as the Trickster or David Cassidy as the Mirror Master? Other guest stars included Billy Mumy (Lost in Space), Clarence Clemons (of the E Street Band), and Denise Crosby (Star Trek: The Next Generation). The regulars were a lot of fun too. John Wesley Shipp was perfectly cast as Barry Allen/The Flash, with Alex Desert sprinkling in a regular dose of comic relief. Amanda Pays is at times corny as Tina McGee, but her campy performance is reminiscent of the sixties Batman series.

The Flash never takes itself too seriously, and it shouldn’t. The atmosphere emulates a sort of fifties-eighties mix of architecture and décor. You’re as likely to see a fifties era Chevy as an eighties Ford. In this respect, it’s somewhat akin to Tim Burton’s Batman, which no doubt inspired it. It’s worth noting, too, that Danny Elfman did the music for both this series and Burton’s film.

Unlike today’s Smallville, which seems deathly afraid to show the hero in costume, The Flash featured a remarkably well-done version of the Flash’s attire. And they weren’t afraid to use it, though it usually followed the old two-appearances per episode formula ala The Incredible Hulk. Smallville these days is alas more of a teeny bopper soap opera than a superhero show. That’s not the case here, though there is an element of a budding romance between Barry Allen and Christina McGee.

If you enjoy reading comics or even simply superhero movies, you’ll love The Flash. Finally on DVD after a long, long wait, it’s worth shelling out $40 for. Enjoy.

Episodes:

Pilot
This two hour episode features the origin of the Flash. We get to see Barry Allen slowly come to terms with his newfound powers as he hunts down his brother’s killer and decides to use his amazing speed for good.

Out of Control
A brilliant geneticist whose scruples are as lacking as his work is groundbreaking is using the homeless as guinea pigs for his often-fatal experiments. Can the Flash stop him before it’s too late?

Watching the Detectives
When Barry Allen’s secret identity is discovered, he becomes the victim of blackmail in a political game.

Honor Among Thieves
Barry reunites with an old college professor he has respected for years. But when the professor’s museum is in danger of being robbed of an ancient artifact, it’s the Flash who saves the day.

Double Vision
The Flash has great power, power which could be dangerous in the wrong hands. When a scheming scientist takes control of those powers through an implant, we see just how dangerous this could be.

Sins of the Father
An ex-con is gunning for Barry’s dad, who has little faith that his crime-lab scientist son can help him much. The Flash, on the other hand…..

Child’s Play
A drug lord from the sixties does an Austin Powers and tries to spread his designer drugs in the nineties. Fortunately, The Flash is here to save the day, baby.

Shroud of Death
A neo-Nazi like group is gunning for Lt. Garfield of the police force. Only the Flash can stop them-but does Garfield want to be saved?

Ghost in the Machine
The Ghost has returned from the fifties to terrorize Central City. Now, as then, The Deadly Nightshade once again opposes him, with The Flash caught somewhere in the middle.

Sight Unseen
It seems to be the ultimate power for a villain-invisibility. But can even the ability to go about unseen protect a criminal from the amazing speed of the Flash?

Beat the Clock
An innocent man is about to be executed on death row. But with just an hour to prove he’s not guilty, even the Flash may not be fast enough to get the job done.

The Trickster
In perhaps the highlight of the series, a formidable villain arises to challenge the Flash. His name is the Trickster-and he has a bag of tricks against which even the Flash may not prevail. Mark Hamill gives a delightfully campy performance.

Tina, Is That You?
One of Doctor McGee’s experiments goes wrong, and reveals her darker side. She knows who the Flash is-and now she wants to kill him.

Be My Baby
Barry as babysitter. Even battling the Trickster seemed child’s play compared to this.

Fast Forward
An explosion while the Flash is at high speed throws him into an alternate reality-one where his brother’s murderer Pike rules Central City.

Deadly Nightshade
A phony Nightshade is tarnishing the original’s reputation. The aging original sets out to stop him-with a little help from the Flash.

Captain Cold
Captain Cold is a chilling villain indeed. His weapon freezes anything it’s used against-and now he’s after the Flash.

Twin Streaks
The Flash may have finally met his match: a clone of himself.

Done With Mirrors
The Mirror Master returns for another round of mayhem. But it may be Barry Allen rather than the Flash who must face him.

Good Night, Central City
A criminal gang has the power to induce sleep-and plans to loot the city while it takes a snooze. But they won’t catch the Flash napping.

Alpha
An android created by government scientists tries to establish its identity. The Flash can relate-and tries to help her do just that.

Trial of the Trickster
In this, the final episode of the series, the Trickster is sprung from his trial by his sidekick-wannabe Prank. He’s ready for vengeance-with the Flash by his side?



You May Also Enjoy These Comic Book Movies:


Batman Begins

Superman the Movie

The Return of Swamp Thing

Spider-Man

Spider-Man 2

Hulk

X-Men

X-Men 2

The Punisher

Daredevil

Darkman

Man-Thing

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8