The Flash (TV Series) Monster (2016) User Reviews

The Flash - S03E05 Monster

[j_forbesy · 8/10 · 2 November 2016]

After 4 weeks in, every episode has been a knock out of the park for me. So like last night's Supergirl, I was expecting a slower episode that stepped down the intensity and that's what we got. By no mean was this a bad episode, I overall though it was still solid, it was just a step back from the past few weeks.

There was a few focuses that I took out of this episode. The main focus I took out of this episode was the relationship starting to form between Barry and Julian. I really liked how we got a bit of a back story into who Julian is as a character and why he hates the metahumans like he does. I feel like they are trying to make him a relatable character because for the most part he has been pretty cold so far, but in a good way. I'm still at the belief that he has something to do with Alchemy like many people are, so I'm not sure if they are trying to build him up as good or he is just a good person with a valid reason why he doesn't like certain people.

The next focus I took out of this episode was everything with Caitlin. I'm really liking this Killer Frost transformation that is playing out and I'm liking how they are doing it. I really like how they are presenting Killer Frost as the alter ego of Caitlin rather than Caitlin is Killer Frost. It brings in an interesting concept where Caitlin can be evil and go against what we know her to be but still know that it isn't actually her behind the wheel of the body.

The las focus they were on this episode was our new Harrison Wells. I wasn't too sure how well he was going to play out and you got the vibe from the start that there is something off about him. I like how they nipped that in the butt this episode. Going that path that he isn't actually a scientist was one I wasn't expecting and I think it changes how we view him massively. Personally I hope he doesn't stay around too long and we get Earth 2 Wells back, mainly because I like when Wells is an important cog in how the team function and for the most part, this Wells doesn't suit that role. My other guess is he is a lot more than a novelist and he ties into the mid season cross over with the Dominators.

For me, the biggest downside of this episode was the villain of the week. I've said in the past that I like the villain of the week format for these CW shows because they don't take our focus too far away from the main story but still gives us some great villains and serves some form of purpose. Last week was a perfect example of that where our main focus was Jesse Quick and Mirror Master and Top. This villain didn't do this. The biggest thing to take away from the villain was it progressed Barry and Julian's relationship but apart from that it didn't do much for me. As soon as I saw it I knew there was something odd about it and when it was revealed as a hologram, I wasn't the slightest bit surprised.

Overall, while it wasn't the greatest individual episode, I still really liked what they focused on. I thought the three main focuses with Barry and Julian, Caitlin turning into Killer Frost and Well being a fake, it going to be built on and play a big part in the season going forward.

8/10

One for the Writers

[scarlettyforest · 8/10 · 2 November 2016]

This episode took a step back from some of the Dr Alchemy drama and focused on creating character development through the use of a clever motif, creating a fun yet layered experience.

After delivering a stellar episode, and in my opinion one of the best the show has a written in 'The Runaway Dinosaur', writer Zack Stentz continues to prove he's the strongest asset of the Flash's writers room. After reading a couple of the other reviews on this board, I'm quite surprised by the lack of appreciation for episodes such as this, especially given how much it reminds me of an actual comic book story. So I guess I'm going to label this as one for the fans who appreciate episodes with motifs and strong characters.

The episode's motif of 'monsters' cleverly creates an interplay between Caitlin's growing fear of becoming a monster and her mother's literal ice-queen characterisation through the metaphor of a literal Godzilla-style monster plaguing Central city. The introduction of Caitlin's mother, a scientist played by Susan Walters, sheds insight into the Killer Frost origin story in a meaningful and psychologically appealing way, as well as creating empathy towards Caitlin after what one could consider a dry run of sidelining the character as a love interest with minimal depth outside her job at STAR labs. I've always thought that Danielle Panabaker had it within her to pull off the whole 'decent into darkness' thing, and I'm glad that the showrunners are finally giving her the opportunity to shine with it. Similarly, I really like the direction the writers are taking towards Iris West this season too, expanding her character's personality and giving her a more active role on the show. I also hope we get to see more of the 'intrepid reporter' Iris West in the future, and, you know, maybe if we bribe someone high up there at Warner Bros we'll see an Iris West / Lois Lane team up.

Julian Albert and Barry's arc this episode supplied depth to Gustin's Flash as much as Tom Felton's character, developing Barry's heroic qualities alongside Julian's. Considering the large possibility that Julian Albert (or at least his doppelganger) is Doctor Alchemy, I'm glad the writers aren't going to take the 'easy way out' by making Julian a clear cut bad guy on both earths. Additionally, I think the most effective thing about this episode was the fact that the writers didn't just bullsh*t some drama for this episode by pulling it out of a hat - Julian's bitterness towards metahumans raised both a valid point and a relatable point about jealousy, disillusionment in the human race and the feeling of being unable to doing anything about it. What makes episode like this in a superhero TV series so effective is that even though the audience can never understand what it feels like to be in that kind of world, they relate to the character's struggles because they reflect their own issues. The Flash season three has a handle on that concept, and I hate to jinx it so early into the season, but something tells me this is going to be the best season of the Flash yet.

As for any negative aspects of this episode, the only real drag came from the unexpected individual who had been operating the Central city monster (because I feel like a teenager wouldn't have access to the technology to do that). But with that being said, I still really like the overall message associated with the kid's monster and as cheesy as this sounds, I thought that Joe's talk with him at the end sent a good message to kids watching the show. It was inspiring and cute.

All up, this was another great Zack Stentz episode. In my opinion, the guy's a legend and I hope he stays writing for the show.

+ Monster motif

+ Caitlin and her mum / leading up to Killer Frost

+ Barry and Julian friendship

+ 'HR Wells'. I see what you did there. Bhahah.

+ great writing all around

-'villain' reveal came out of nowhere

8.2/10

Muse

[ThomasDrufke · 7/10 · 1 November 2016]

This season has begun just about as good as I can remember any of the Arrowverse shows beginning a season. Which is why it's not all that shocking that this episode took a bit of a step back in quality. Really, there wasn't a whole lot beneath the surface here, just your average filler episode.

Caitlin took centerfold this week as she visited her mother to see if she could figure out exactly what's wrong with her. This feels a whole lot like when Donna Smoak made her first appearance a few seasons ago with Felicity, except Caitlin chose to seek her mother out, instead of the other way around. Hopefully Caitlin's mother can have a more impactful presence on The Flash than Donna Smoak did. Unfortunately, this episode didn't really do anything to give me any reason to believe that. Caitlin didn't find much out about her current condition and it's not like the lab is going to factor into the larger picture this year. Sadly, I just didn't get a ton out of this side arc.

She chose not to reveal her exact reasons for visiting her mother to Cisco, but I suspect that will come to a head in the coming weeks. Speaking of someone not revealing their true self, Wells aka 'HR' was exposed for being a fraud of sorts this week. Of course, he doesn't necessarily see it that way with him "giving" the ideas to his co- workers at his Star Labs in Earth 19. It's a strange but not unexpected twist to come from a Wells character on this show. I still tend to believe there's plenty more up this Wells sleeve, but we shall see. His "no one questions why I'm here" line should give us all concern. But as a whole, I'm enjoying his different dynamic with the team.

Tonight's obstacle for The Flash came by ways of a hologram monster created by a teenager wanting to feel power. Yeah, it's safe to say that wasn't the writers most effective ideas. At its premise it's cool seeing Barry try and take down a Godzilla-like creature, but the execution wasn't there. Nor did the focus ever feel like it was on the monster or the kid anyway, so Joe's speech towards the end didn't feel earned. Plus, the whole 'taking down a giant using the Empire Strikes Back AT-AT' felt ripped right out of Civil War's airport battle. This episode really lacked inspiration.

The most interesting developments came from Barry and Julian spending some quality time together. It's about time we had a Tom Felton-Grant Gustin centered show, and the episode delivered in that regard for sure. We got plenty of depth from Julian as he dealt with nearing killing a teenage boy and misjudging meta-humans as well as Barry. We don't know Julian's connection to Alchemy, if any, but I feel like all his bashing on meta-humans and his hatred towards Barry is meant to give us more clues than it is to mislead us. If that makes any sense.

While pretty uneventful, tonight's Flash gave us a few tidbits from Julian and Wells to save it from being a complete misstep. As for now, I feel like we need an Alchemy centered episode (which is what we are getting next week), as I'm pretty sure it's been 3 weeks since his last appearance.

+Wells new dynamic

+Julian and Barry focused

-The Caitlin arc didn't feel complete

-Lack of inspiration in its villain choice

7.2/10

Hilarious

[farrowood · 10/10 · 22 June 2017]

By far one of the funniest episodes of The Flash yet. Tom Cavanagh is brilliant as usual in his new role as H.R. Wells. Every scene he was in had me cracking up. I feel the writers took a nice break from Barry's "I went back in time to fix things and screwed everything up, woe is me, major guilt trip" attitude. I also really enjoyed the scene where Jullian and Barry finally speak to one another with kindness and respect, I am looking forward to more of them working with each other rather than against.

This series is better than most of the summer blockbuster movies

[asb_deutsch · 8/10 · 7 August 2017]

It lives up to the hype and is much better than recently watched Dunkirk in IMAX.

This episode makes you care about all the characters, even H.R Wells.

I must add, there was one line that Barry Allen said in this episode "Its a scary world. Change is a good thing" I am very sentimental that Caitlin Snow is now going to become Killer Frost and how will Barry Allen will face it.

The Monster trick wasn't that bad. 7.6/10

The Flash Focuses on Caitlin

[C-Younkin · 6/10 · 1 November 2016]

So the way we left things last week, Caitlin looked like she was turning into Earth 1's version of Killer Frost, who if you don't remember, was first seen on Earth 2 and was kinda like a Rhonda Rousey version of that chick from Frozen. There's going to be a lot more coming down the pike with her, but this week, some family back story.

She goes to see her mom, who is this expert in Cryo science. Right away we can tell these two have been estranged, and then Caitlin goes full histrionic mode, slams her fist on the desk, her eyes go all white, the fill force of her power is unleashed ("i'm the patient"). Now we're getting serious.

Now we find out that Caitlin got this whole thing when the particle accelerator exploded but we know that's not how it was before Barry tried to play Mr. Fix-It with his family so Barry, you're not off the hook dude.

Caitlin absorbed a hell of a a lot of energy and is told if you keep using them, it's going to be harder to reverse. That brings me back to week 1 when Barry had the same problem- faster use speed, faster forget.

There's also a lot of reasons for Caitlin and mom not talking. Caitlin went to work for Wells when mom wanted her to work for her, dad died and mom became distant. Mom didn't even know Caitlin's husband died in accelerator explosion. Really, how could you miss that. Number one, it's your daughter. Number 2, the guy died in the biggest catastrophe to ever hit Starling City.

Is Caitlin gonna go totally evil? Are her fears and her anger going to overcome her? Will she use her powers for good? Who knows but for right now we have a whole new dynamic being brought to the story with the family stuff. Then add in that bit in the end with Cisco and her where he remembers his dead bro and it's the way The Flash usually handles drama- short and sweet.

Barry and Cisco are also living together. This is where we find out Cisco doesn't like New Wells, who has a bunch of ulterior motives but really just seems like a gigantic fool so far. If he left I wouldn't miss him.

One I am starting to like is Julian, who at first seems like the Draco to Barry's CSI Harry Potter. But then we realize it's not coming from jealousy so much when he bares his soul come later on. His power was always science, now with the meta humans he is completely lost and I sympathize with that.

And lastly, let's all say what we were thinking at about the 10 minute mark of this episode. "Hey, it's Mothra." I liked it to start because there should be more Metas than just human but it ends kinda poorly, and Joe giving this stupid kid a father son

But i'm encouraged by a lot of the Caitlin stuff and I think Julian is really poised to finally take on a meatier role in the next couple episodes. Definitely was not the best episode for the Flash particularly though.

Thanks for reading guys.

This episode deserves a better rating

[mohameddawoud-26019 · 9/10 · 26 November 2019]

I'm really surprised that this episode is among the lowest in this season. It's just like most fans here want all episodes to be around the flash only watching him kicking bad guys each episode. There is some called "character development" and it's way much important than actions scenes. In This episode you learn more about Julian and his motives for such behavior. Iris character is also getting better and not annoying like previous two seasons. H.R is an amazing in this episode. This episode deserves a better rating.. Deserves better fans.

Ranking/Reviewing every Flash episode: Monster

[lbramson · 6/10 · 11 June 2023]

Team Flash meet a new Wells, HR from Earth 19, who helps them stop a holographic monster. Meanwhile, Cisco feels suspicious of HR and Caitlin discovers her powers. This episode is similar to many starting Arrowverse episodes, mediocre. "Monster" slows down from Dr. Alchemy or Flashpoint to focus on the characters. HR has a great dinamic with the team and proves himself to be the best Wells. Cisco and all the side characters get great attention and development. This isn't an episode that will blow you away, given that the twist ending was stupid, but it's a good character focused episode! This season is still starting of very slow tho.

6/10-Meh.

Best ep of the season so far

[imakk2001 · 8/10 · 1 November 2016]

Barry moving in with Cisco/Julian ratting out Barry to Singh = FUN! More of this would be good for the show.

The opening/ending StarLabs scenes v. the ones in between only highlights how shoehorned Iris/Wally are. HR's 1st scene went on way too long, Iris/Wally's obligatory/unnecessary lines bogged things down whereas the scenes when it was just nerd team flash bounced along.

Barry/Iris having lunch together was perfect. They were a couple who are at ease/comfortable in their relationship and with each other. Casual but still intimate without the teeny/cloying PDAs. They talked about Joe and Julian instead of themselves or staring stupidly into each other's eyes. Between Iris actually trying to get Joe to go out with Cecile and Barry offering to have a drink with Julian who had a really long day, they are finally behaving like adults. Hope this is the way it'll be going forward.

HR/Cisco is my favorite Wells/Cisco pairing. Caitlin finally gets a storyline and evidently she's going to be The Flash's Elsa. Let it go, Caitlin!

Best of all, because of Felton, we got all those great Barry/Julian scenes, SINGH!!! and more CCPD. Thank you, Felton, THANK YOU.

Unfortunately, stupidBarry is alive and well, needing team flash to tell him what to do with the rope.

Still. Lighter tone, CSIBarry, Julian, Singh: Score: 8.5