Barry Allen, the future Flash, makes his debut in the eighth episode of Arrow’s second season, titled “The Scientist.” This episode serves as a crucial stepping stone in the establishment of the Arrowverse, introducing a key character and laying the groundwork for the spin-off series, The Flash.
Barry Allen’s Arrival in Starling City
Barry Allen’s introduction in Arrow is more than just a cameo; it’s a meticulously crafted origin story segment. He arrives in Starling City as a forensic scientist from Central City, investigating a mysterious crime with connections to Oliver Queen’s past. He’s presented as brilliant but somewhat clumsy, a stark contrast to Oliver’s brooding intensity.
The Setup: A New Kind of Crime
The episode “The Scientist” introduces a super-soldier serum that turns ordinary individuals into incredibly powerful and dangerous adversaries. This threat requires Oliver’s attention, and Barry’s forensic expertise proves invaluable in uncovering the truth behind the serum’s origins and its devastating effects. The narrative cleverly weaves together the established world of Arrow with the burgeoning potential for metahumans, setting the stage for The Flash.
Barry’s Role and Interaction with Oliver
Barry’s presence isn’t merely observational. He actively participates in the investigation, providing scientific analysis and insight that Oliver and his team lack. His genuine curiosity and unwavering belief in justice resonate with Felicity Smoak, forming an instant bond. Furthermore, his interactions with Oliver subtly highlight the differences between their approaches to heroism. Barry represents a more optimistic and hopeful vision, foreshadowing the lighter tone of his own series.
The Significance of “The Scientist”
This episode holds immense importance for several reasons:
- Origin Story Teaser: It provides a sneak peek into Barry’s potential and hints at the accident that will transform him into the Flash.
- World-Building: It expands the scope of the Arrowverse, introducing the concept of metahumans and hinting at a wider universe of superhuman abilities.
- Character Development: It showcases Oliver’s willingness to accept help from outsiders and his growing understanding of the threats he faces.
- Spin-Off Launchpad: It directly leads to the creation of The Flash series, solidifying the success and popularity of the Arrowverse franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding Barry Allen’s debut in Arrow and its implications:
FAQ 1: What specific criminal case brings Barry Allen to Starling City?
Barry is investigating a series of break-ins at Queen Consolidated applied sciences division, where valuable machinery and equipment are being stolen. He suspects a connection to a mysterious murder in Central City. This investigation is directly related to the Mirakuru-powered soldiers Oliver faces.
FAQ 2: Does Barry Allen reveal his feelings for Felicity Smoak in this episode?
While he doesn’t explicitly confess feelings, there’s a strong implication of attraction. He and Felicity share a significant connection and an easy rapport, evident through their shared humor and intellectual curiosity. This sets up a brief love triangle in The Flash later on.
FAQ 3: What is the name of the scientist responsible for the Mirakuru serum?
The scientist primarily responsible is Dr. Ivo, though the serum’s creation and development are more complex and involve multiple parties across several seasons of Arrow.
FAQ 4: Is Barry Allen aware of Oliver Queen’s secret identity as the Arrow in “The Scientist”?
Not initially. However, he suspects Oliver is hiding something. Through his investigation and observation of Oliver’s behavior, he begins to piece together the truth, leading to his eventual discovery.
FAQ 5: What happens to Barry Allen at the end of “The Scientist” that leads to him becoming the Flash?
At the end of the episode, Barry returns to Central City and is struck by lightning during a particle accelerator explosion at S.T.A.R. Labs. This event triggers his transformation into the Flash.
FAQ 6: Does Grant Gustin play Barry Allen in the Arrow episode “The Scientist”?
Yes, Grant Gustin portrays Barry Allen/The Flash in “The Scientist” and throughout the Arrowverse. This casting decision proved instrumental in the success of The Flash series.
FAQ 7: How many times does Barry Allen appear in Arrow before his spin-off series, The Flash, premieres?
Barry Allen appears in a total of two episodes of Arrow before The Flash premiered: “The Scientist” (Season 2, Episode 8) and “Three Ghosts” (Season 2, Episode 9).
FAQ 8: In what season and episode of The Flash does Oliver Queen appear for the first time?
Oliver Queen/The Arrow appears in the eighth episode of The Flash‘s first season, titled “Flash vs. Arrow.” This crossover event further solidified the shared universe and allowed for character interaction between the two shows.
FAQ 9: Is there any specific mention of S.T.A.R. Labs in “The Scientist” that foreshadows The Flash?
Yes, there are subtle references to S.T.A.R. Labs and the particle accelerator being built in Central City. Barry even mentions his fascination with Dr. Harrison Wells, further connecting the Arrow storyline to the future events of The Flash.
FAQ 10: What is the significance of the conversation between Barry and Oliver about secrets in “The Scientist”?
Their conversation about secrets highlights the contrasting approaches to vigilantism. Oliver believes in maintaining secrecy to protect those he cares about, while Barry, even before gaining his powers, expresses a desire to be open and honest. This foreshadows their differing leadership styles.
FAQ 11: Beyond Barry Allen, does “The Scientist” introduce any other characters who later appear in The Flash?
While no other core characters from The Flash are explicitly introduced, the episode reinforces the idea of scientific advancement and the potential for extraordinary events, setting the stage for the emergence of metahumans. The Mirakuru serum itself can be seen as a precursor to the more complex science found in The Flash.
FAQ 12: How does Barry Allen’s appearance in Arrow impact the overall narrative arc of the Arrowverse?
Barry Allen’s introduction in Arrow fundamentally shifted the narrative possibilities of the franchise. It opened the door to a wider range of stories involving metahumans and superpowers, expanding the Arrowverse beyond grounded vigilantism and paving the way for other superhero series like Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl. It demonstrated that a shared universe with interconnected storylines could be successful and engaging for audiences.