The newest episode of The Flash, “A New World, Part Four,” serves as the series finale, culminating the Scarlet Speedster’s epic journey and providing closure (or at least, attempts to) for the remaining characters. The episode resolves the final battle against Eddie Thawne, aka Cobalt Blue, and charts the future of Central City now that Barry Allen’s tale has reached its finish line.
Farewell Central City: A Deep Dive into “A New World, Part Four”
“A New World, Part Four” grapples with the weighty task of concluding nine seasons of intricate storylines, character arcs, and multiverse shenanigans. The episode primarily focuses on the final showdown between Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) and Eddie Thawne (Rick Cosnett), driven by Eddie’s warped belief that Barry’s very existence ruined his life. This confrontation isn’t just a physical battle of speedsters; it’s a deeply personal conflict rooted in envy, resentment, and the distorted understanding of legacy.
The episode cleverly utilizes the Negative Speed Force to amplify Eddie’s rage and power, making him a formidable opponent. However, the resolution isn’t simply a victory for Barry through brute force. Instead, it’s a testament to his growth as a hero, choosing compassion and offering Eddie a chance at redemption, albeit a fleeting one.
The finale also addresses the loose ends surrounding other characters. Iris West-Allen (Candice Patton), now blessed with the ability to temporarily gift speed to others, plays a crucial role in empowering the new generation of speedsters. These new speedsters—Avery Ho (Piper Curda), Max Mercury (Trevor Carroll), and Jess Chambers (Hana Huggins)—represent the future of Central City’s protection, signifying Barry’s legacy extending beyond himself.
Ultimately, “A New World, Part Four” attempts to tie a bow around a complex narrative, focusing on themes of forgiveness, legacy, and the enduring power of hope. While not without its criticisms, it serves as a poignant farewell to a show that has captivated audiences for nearly a decade.
FAQs: Untangling the Speed Force of Knowledge
This section addresses common questions regarding the finale, providing context and clarifying key plot points.
Understanding Eddie Thawne’s Role in the Finale
Question 1: Why was Eddie Thawne the main villain in the series finale?
Eddie Thawne’s return as Cobalt Blue provides a thematic closure. He represents the sacrifice Barry made in the first season to preserve the timeline and defeat the Reverse-Flash. Eddie’s envy and bitterness serve as a dark mirror to Barry’s heroism, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions and ultimately choose compassion over vengeance. This makes him a more compelling villain than some of the recent season’s adversaries.
Dissecting the New Speedsters
Question 2: Who are the new speedsters introduced in “A New World, Part Four,” and what are their connections to the Flash legacy?
The three new speedsters are:
- Avery Ho (Piper Curda): In the comics, Avery is known as the Flash of China and is trained by Barry Allen. Her introduction hints at a global network of speedsters inspired by Barry’s example.
- Max Mercury (Trevor Carroll): A classic speedster from the Golden Age of Comics, Max Mercury has a long history with the Speed Force and serves as a mentor to many speedsters, including Wally West. His inclusion adds a historical depth to the Flash’s lore.
- Jess Chambers (Hana Huggins): Also known as Jesse Quick, Jess is the daughter of Harrison Wells (from Earth-2) and is already a established speedster across the multiverse.
These additions symbolize the continuation of the Flash’s legacy and the spreading of his heroic influence.
The Mechanics of Iris’s New Power
Question 3: How did Iris gain the ability to give others speed, and what are the limitations of this power?
Iris gained her power through a complex interaction with the Still Force and her pregnancy. While initially only she possessed enhanced speed, it evolved into the ability to temporarily bestow speed to others. The limitations are that the speed is temporary and likely requires a connection to the Speed Force. This power allows Iris to directly contribute to the battles and solidifies her role as a partner to Barry, not just a damsel in distress.
Examining the Series Finale’s Tone and Execution
Question 4: Was the series finale well-received by fans and critics, and what were some of the common criticisms?
Reception to “A New World, Part Four” was mixed. Some fans appreciated the closure and the hopeful message, while others criticized the rushed pacing, the overabundance of characters, and the perceived lack of emotional depth in certain scenes. Common complaints also targeted the underdeveloped villain arc for Cobalt Blue and the reliance on deus ex machina solutions. The general consensus leans towards the finale being a decent, but ultimately flawed, conclusion to a long-running series.
The Implications of Creating More Speedsters
Question 5: Does creating multiple speedsters dilute the Flash’s uniqueness or endanger Central City’s safety?
Creating more speedsters presents both opportunities and risks. On the one hand, it provides Central City with a wider safety net, ensuring that the city is protected even when Barry is unavailable. On the other hand, introducing multiple speedsters can potentially dilute the Flash’s unique identity and create conflicts if the new speedsters aren’t properly trained or disciplined. The finale suggests a strong emphasis on mentorship and teamwork to mitigate these risks.
Decoding the Ambiguous Ending
Question 6: What does the ending imply about the future of the Arrowverse or any potential Flash spin-offs?
The ending leaves the door open for future stories within the Arrowverse, although its current status is ambiguous. The introduction of new speedsters could potentially lead to spin-offs or appearances in other DC shows. However, the emphasis on closure suggests a deliberate attempt to conclude Barry Allen’s story definitively. It is likely new shows set in the universe will not heavily reference the original Flash.
Understanding the Time Remnant Dilemma
Question 7: How did Barry manage to defeat Eddie/Cobalt Blue considering time remnants usually pose a significant threat?
Barry’s victory wasn’t solely based on brute force, a common trap with time remnants. Instead, he appealed to Eddie’s humanity and offered him a choice, disrupting Cobalt Blue’s single-minded pursuit of revenge. This approach undermined the Negative Speed Force’s influence and ultimately led to Eddie’s self-sacrifice. The focus shifted from simply overpowering the remnant to addressing the underlying emotional turmoil driving it.
The Nature of the Negative Speed Force
Question 8: What exactly is the Negative Speed Force, and how does it differ from the Speed Force?
The Negative Speed Force is a corrupted version of the Speed Force fueled by negative emotions like anger, fear, and hatred. Unlike the Speed Force, which is a source of life and connection, the Negative Speed Force is destructive and isolating. It amplifies the user’s negative traits and can distort their perception of reality. In essence, it’s the Speed Force’s dark counterpart.
The Role of Team Flash in the Finale
Question 9: What role did the remaining members of Team Flash play in the finale, and how did their stories conclude?
Each member of Team Flash contributed to the final battle, showcasing their individual strengths. Cisco (Carlos Valdes) returned to provide technical support, Caitlin Snow’s (Danielle Panabaker) absence due to the Killer Frost arc was noted. Joe West (Jesse L. Martin) and Cecile Horton (Danielle Nicolet) provided emotional support and guidance, highlighting their roles as mentors and anchors for the team. Their stories concluded with a sense of contentment and optimism for the future, demonstrating their continued commitment to Central City’s well-being.
The Significance of Barry’s Choice
Question 10: Why was Barry’s choice to offer Eddie forgiveness so important?
Barry’s choice to offer Eddie forgiveness was crucial because it broke the cycle of violence and revenge that had plagued the Flash for so long. It demonstrated his growth as a hero, proving that he had learned from his past mistakes and was capable of transcending the bitterness and animosity that fueled his enemies. This act of compassion ultimately proved more powerful than any physical attack.
Future Potential and Arrowverse Integration
Question 11: With the Flash over, will any of the characters appear in other Arrowverse shows (if any remain)?
Given the changing landscape of the DC universe on television, crossovers with remaining Arrowverse shows are uncertain. While individual actors might reprise their roles in different projects, the established Arrowverse continuity might not be the primary focus. Greg Berlanti has a multitude of new DC projects in the works, and those are most likely to be the focus.
What did Barry whisper to the future speedsters?
Question 12: The camera cuts away right before Barry has a brief discussion with the three new speedsters. What was discussed?
The content of Barry’s conversation with the new speedsters remains ambiguous, but it likely involved imparting words of wisdom and encouragement for them to take up his mantle. We can assume he stressed the importance of responsibility, compassion, and teamwork, as well as guiding them on how to best use the speedforce to protect those in need. This moment reinforces the theme of legacy and the passing of the torch to a new generation of heroes.