Barry Allen is back on form in the second episode of The Flash season 4! But even peak Barry is prone to making mistakes. He really is a flawed hero, which only contributes to the Flash’s considerable charm. How did Barry screw up in “Mixed Signals”?
Hero Fail
Being a hero does require actually pulling off the heroic stuff when necessary, and Barry stumbles a bit on this. Sure, he saves the Top-40-loving techie from crashing his car, but that should have gone more smoothly. If Barry had just listened to Iris from the beginning — or thought to take Kid Flash along for the save — both the techie and his car might have survived.
The Flash Recap: A Metahuman Takes Advantage of Cisco’s Tech Upgrades in Barry’s Suit>>>
Later on in the episode, we probably cannot blame Barry for blasting Wally. That one is on Kilgore’s evil activities and Cisco’s over-eager use of tech in the new Flash suit. Flotation mode and a self-destruct sequence?
On the other hand, don’t forget that Barry never read the manual for his new suit.
Partner Fail
Far more serious than heroism hiccups is Barry being a rotten fiance throughout “Mixed Signals.” He thinks he is helping Iris (making breakfast and doing all that wedding planning in between Risky Business moments), but Barry is actually ignoring his lover much of the time.
Even Barry’s amusing awkwardness at the therapy appointment is part of this: He doesn’t think there are any problems until Iris literally spells it all out for him.
While Barry does have his screw-ups, it is probably worth mentioning that Cisco stumbles here too. Poor Gypsy, having to deal with her absentminded, interdimensional boyfriend! And on one-one-one day! She did at least get her schmoopy dinner in the end.
[PHOTOS] The Flash Season 4 Spoilers: Will the Crossover Feature a Double Wedding?>>>
Huge Big Deal Fail
While Barry’s failure to be a thoughtful fiance is troubling, the true screw-up might be in how he doesn’t realize how much he has already hurt Iris. Does the hero not realize that disappearing into the Speed Force might have devastated his beloved?
Barry and Iris do seem to work this out for the moment — “You are not the Flash. We are.” Still, the couple has a long road to regain all of the trust from that betrayal.
Which Hero Screwed up the Most in The Flash Premiere?>>>
What was Barry’s biggest mistake in “Mixed Signals”? Comment below to give your opinion and like our The Flash Facebook page for more news. The Flash airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW.
(Image courtesy of The CW)
Senior Writer, BuddyTV
Laurel grew up in Mamaroneck, NY, Grosse Pointe, MI and Bellevue WA. She then went on to live in places like Boston, Tucson, Houston, Wales, Tanzania, Prince Edward Island and New York City before heading back to Seattle. Ever since early childhood, when she became addicted to The Muppet Show, Laurel has watched far too much TV. Current favorites include Chuck, Modern Family, Supernatural, Mad Men and Community. Laurel received a BA in Astrophysics (yes, that is possible) from Colgate University and a PhD in Middle Eastern Studies and History of Science from Columbia University before she realized that television is much better than studying.
