Cicada, the formidable antagonist of The Flash Season 5, met his end in episode 22, titled “Legacy.” This episode sees the culmination of the season-long conflict, with Team Flash finally succeeding in stopping Orlin Dwyer and dismantling his metahuman-killing dagger. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of his death, the circumstances surrounding it, and answer some frequently asked questions about Cicada’s arc.
The Downfall of Cicada: A Detailed Examination
The circumstances leading to Cicada’s death are complex, involving multiple timelines, ethical dilemmas, and ultimately, a self-sacrificing decision. To fully understand the ending, we must revisit the core motivations and actions of both Cicada I (Orlin Dwyer) and Cicada II (Grace Gibbons).
The Two Cicadas: A Tale of Vengeance and Redemption
Orlin Dwyer, driven by a fervent hatred for metahumans after his niece, Grace Gibbons, was struck by a piece of the Enlightenment satellite, became the original Cicada. His primary goal was to eliminate all metahumans, believing them responsible for Grace’s coma and subsequent emotional trauma. However, a future version of Grace, corrupted by years of psychic influence and a thirst for revenge, also becomes Cicada, presenting Team Flash with an even greater challenge.
Confrontation and the Metahuman Cure
The climax of Season 5 revolves around Team Flash’s efforts to deploy a metahuman cure, developed by Caitlin Snow and Cisco Ramon, to neutralize the powers of all affected individuals. This cure is the key to stopping both Cicadas. However, the catch is that the dagger, which amplifies the powers of both Grace and Orlin, must be destroyed in the past to prevent Grace from ever becoming Cicada in the future.
The Sacrifice
In “Legacy,” Team Flash confronts both Cicadas. Ultimately, Orlin Dwyer, witnessing the potential for his future niece to be consumed by hatred and villainy, chooses a different path. He accepts the metahuman cure, relinquishing his powers and, crucially, allowing the team to destroy the dagger. This act, while seemingly selfless, has a dire consequence. Because the dagger was powering his life support system (sustaining him after he was hit by debris from the exploding satellite), its destruction leads to his death.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Cicada’s Story Arc
To further clarify the intricacies of Cicada’s storyline and his ultimate fate, let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions:
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Why did Cicada want to kill metahumans?
Cicada (Orlin Dwyer) believed that metahumans were responsible for the accident that put his niece, Grace Gibbons, in a coma. He blamed the Enlightenment satellite, which granted powers to others, for her condition and subsequent emotional distress.
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Was Grace Gibbons also a Cicada?
Yes, a future version of Grace Gibbons became Cicada II. She was fueled by years of psychic influence and a deep-seated desire for revenge against metahumans, surpassing even Orlin Dwyer’s original motivations.
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What was the purpose of the dagger?
The dagger was a key component in Cicada’s power and abilities. It amplified his metahuman dampening abilities and allowed him to teleport short distances. It was also crucial in his ability to track and eliminate other metahumans.
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How was the dagger created?
The dagger was created from a piece of the same Enlightenment satellite that affected Grace Gibbons and other metahumans. It was forged with dark matter and imbued with the energy of the satellite explosion.
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Could Team Flash have saved Orlin Dwyer?
While they could have potentially attempted to stabilize his condition after the dagger was destroyed, the urgency of preventing Grace from becoming Cicada in the future took precedence. They prioritized the greater good over saving Orlin’s life.
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Did Orlin Dwyer regret his actions as Cicada?
In the end, Orlin Dwyer showed remorse for his actions and recognized the destructive path that his niece, Grace, was heading down. His willingness to accept the cure and allow the dagger’s destruction suggests a degree of regret and a desire for redemption.
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How did the metahuman cure work?
The metahuman cure, developed by Caitlin Snow and Cisco Ramon, was designed to disrupt the genetic structure of metahumans, effectively neutralizing their powers. It was delivered through a specialized dart gun.
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Why was it important to destroy the dagger in the past?
Destroying the dagger in the past prevented the future version of Grace from ever becoming Cicada II. This averted a potentially devastating future where her hatred and powers could cause immense destruction.
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Was Cicada the only villain in Season 5?
While Cicada was the primary antagonist, other villains and challenges also emerged throughout Season 5, including the ongoing threat posed by Eobard Thawne (Reverse-Flash) and the ethical dilemmas surrounding time travel.
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What happened to Grace Gibbons after Orlin Dwyer’s death and the destruction of the dagger?
With the dagger destroyed and the future version of herself erased, Grace’s coma began to reverse. She eventually woke up, free from the psychic influence and hatred that plagued her future self. She was placed in a care facility to recover and hopefully live a normal life.
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Did Cicada’s death have any long-term consequences for Team Flash?
Cicada’s death and the events surrounding it had significant emotional and psychological impacts on Team Flash. They grappled with the ethical implications of the metahuman cure, the sacrifices they had to make, and the consequences of altering the timeline.
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Was Cicada a compelling villain in The Flash?
The reception to Cicada as a villain was mixed. Some viewers found his motivations and methods compelling, while others criticized his character development and the pacing of his storyline. However, his presence undeniably shaped the narrative of Season 5 and presented Team Flash with unique challenges.
Legacy of Loss and Redemption
Cicada’s death in “Legacy” marks a pivotal moment in The Flash. While his villainous actions are undeniable, his final act of self-sacrifice introduces a layer of complexity to his character. He ultimately prioritized his niece’s potential future over his own survival, demonstrating a flicker of humanity amidst his hatred. This ending, although tragic, ultimately allows for a hopeful resolution for Grace Gibbons and underscores the themes of redemption and legacy that permeate the entire season. The events of Season 5 serve as a constant reminder to Team Flash of the difficult choices they must sometimes make, and the potential consequences of their actions.