The Flash, as the character we know and love with super speed, never actually appears in Smallville. While the series explored various DC characters and alluded to a broader superhero universe, the Scarlet Speedster in his full heroic persona remained absent.
Smallville, renowned for its reimagining of Superman’s origin story, meticulously crafted its own universe. Though it included future Justice League members and hinted at a larger world, the decision to exclude the Flash, specifically the Barry Allen incarnation, was a deliberate creative choice. Instead, the series offered viewers a character named Bart Allen, codenamed Impulse, who possessed super speed but operated under a different identity and narrative arc.
Why No Flash in Smallville?
The absence of the Flash in Smallville is a question that has plagued fans for years. Several factors likely contributed to this decision:
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Focus on Superman’s Origin: Smallville’s primary objective was to tell the definitive story of Clark Kent’s journey to becoming Superman. Introducing the Flash, with his distinct powers and mythology, might have diluted this core narrative.
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Character Saturation: As the series progressed, Smallville incorporated a growing number of DC characters, including Green Arrow, Aquaman, Cyborg, and more. Adding the Flash might have created a sense of character overload, potentially diminishing the individual impact of each hero.
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Creative License and Interpretation: The showrunners had a specific vision for their version of the DC universe. They chose to present super speed through Bart Allen/Impulse, allowing them to explore the concept within the confines of their established narrative and avoid direct comparisons to the established Flash mythos.
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Licensing and Legal Considerations: While less likely, there could have been licensing or legal issues at the time that made it difficult to secure the rights to use the Barry Allen Flash character.
The Impulse of Change: Bart Allen’s Role
Instead of the Flash, Smallville introduced Bart Allen, aka Impulse, played by Kyle Gallner. Bart appeared in multiple episodes across seasons 4, 5, 6, and 10. He filled the “speedster” role, offering a different perspective on super speed and contributing to Clark’s development.
Bart Allen’s Episodes
- Season 4, Episode 5: “Run” – This marked Bart Allen’s first appearance. He’s portrayed as a pickpocket with super speed.
- Season 5, Episode 4: “Aqua” – Bart assists Clark in stopping a Kryptonite weapon.
- Season 6, Episode 11: “Justice” – Bart joins the Green Arrow’s team, a precursor to the Justice League.
- Season 10, Episode 9: “Patriot” – Bart briefly reappears as a member of the Justice League.
Impulse vs. The Flash
While Bart possessed super speed, his personality and motivations differed significantly from Barry Allen’s Flash. Bart was initially portrayed as impulsive and reckless, using his powers for personal gain. Over time, he evolved into a more responsible hero, but he never fully embraced the iconic Flash mantle in Smallville’s continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 FAQs addressing common questions about the Flash’s absence and Bart Allen’s role in Smallville:
1. Why didn’t Smallville use the Barry Allen version of the Flash?
As discussed above, several reasons likely contributed to this, including the desire to maintain focus on Superman’s origin, avoid character saturation, and exercise creative license in interpreting the DC universe. The showrunners chose to explore super speed through Bart Allen, allowing them to shape the character within their established narrative.
2. Is Bart Allen’s Impulse the same character as the Flash?
No. While Bart Allen eventually becomes Kid Flash and, in some continuities, Flash, his Smallville portrayal differed significantly. He never adopted the Flash persona in the series.
3. Does Smallville ever mention Barry Allen or the Flash by name?
No, Smallville never explicitly mentions Barry Allen or the Flash by name. The character known as the Flash is never directly referenced.
4. How does Bart Allen get his powers in Smallville?
The series doesn’t delve into the specifics of Bart Allen’s origin. It’s implied that he possesses his super speed due to genetic or scientific enhancements, but the exact details are left ambiguous. He is established as being from the future in some episodes.
5. What is the relationship between Bart Allen and Clark Kent in Smallville?
Initially, Bart and Clark have a somewhat adversarial relationship, with Bart using his powers for petty crime. However, they eventually become allies and friends, with Bart assisting Clark in his journey to becoming Superman.
6. Does Impulse join the Justice League in Smallville?
Yes, Impulse is a founding member of the Justice League in Smallville, as seen in the episode “Justice” (Season 6). He fights alongside Green Arrow, Aquaman, and Cyborg.
7. How does Bart Allen’s speed compare to Clark Kent’s in Smallville?
Bart is generally depicted as being faster than Clark in early seasons. However, as Clark’s powers develop, he eventually becomes faster than Bart. This is consistent with the power dynamics established in the broader DC universe.
8. Is there any chance of a Flash appearance in the Smallville animated sequel series?
While nothing is confirmed, the animated sequel series offers an opportunity to introduce characters who were absent from the original show. The Flash could potentially appear in the animated series, though it remains speculation at this point.
9. Were there any plans to introduce the Flash in later seasons of Smallville?
There’s no publicly available information confirming plans to introduce the Flash. The showrunners seemed content with utilizing Bart Allen/Impulse to represent the concept of super speed.
10. What other DC heroes appeared in Smallville besides Impulse and the Justice League members?
Smallville featured appearances from numerous DC heroes and villains, including Dr. Fate, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Zatanna, Martian Manhunter, Supergirl, Brainiac, and Doomsday.
11. Did any other speedsters appear in Smallville besides Bart Allen?
No, Bart Allen/Impulse was the only character with super speed to appear as a recurring character in Smallville.
12. Is there a Smallville-style origin story for the Flash that fans can read?
While there isn’t a direct Smallville-style origin story for the Flash, many comic book storylines explore Barry Allen’s early years and the development of his powers. The Flash: Rebirth storyline is one example that offers a modern take on the character’s origins.
In conclusion, while the absence of the Flash from Smallville might disappoint some fans, the show’s exploration of super speed through Bart Allen offered a unique perspective on the character and contributed to the overall narrative of Clark Kent’s transformation into Superman. The decision to exclude the Flash was a deliberate creative choice that ultimately served the show’s core focus.