It appears that The CW wants to capitalize on the superhero momentum its currently experiencing in its programming line-up. News has leaked out that the network is interested in expanding the DC Comics universe by bringing The Flash back to the small screen. The network generated great ratings (at least in The CW terms) when it originally aired Smallville, and last year's sleeper hit Arrow has proven that they can attract a key demo with the right product.
Arrow presents the story of Oliver Queen, and his superhero persona Green Arrow, combating crimes and injustice in Starling City. The show was presented last year in attempts to fill the void left when Smallville ended its 10-year run on The CW. While Arrow has deviated from the origins of the comic books, it retained the darker, grittier tone that is characteristic of the Green Arrow. During the first season run, Arrow introduced other DC Comics characters that are involved in the Green Arrow universe. It is precisely using this gimmick that the network wants to bring The Flash into the fold.
The CW has green-lighted the planned Flash series, which co-creators anticipate will take place after The Scarlet Speedster is introduced in an episode (and possibly multi-episode arc) on Arrow. While it's too soon to tell who may be potentially cast, the same writing team behind Arrow will helm Flash along with DC Entertainment's Geoff Johns (a name most comic book fans will be familiar with...we believe). More information should be provided at The CW's TCA presentation today.
If this project succeeds in taking off, it wouldn't be the first foray into live-action television for The Flash. In 1990, CBS premiered The Flash starring John Wesley Shipp as Barry Allen a.k.a The Flash. The premise of the short-lived series was Barry Allen adapting to his superhuman powers after a lab accident and becoming The Flash to avenge his brother's murder. Considered a series before its time, the show's high costs and frequent pre-emptions from its regular time slot were factors in its cancellation. The Flash had a similar gritty tone to today's Arrow and midway through the season began incorporating villains from the superhero's rogues gallery.
We've included an episode from the 1990 show where The Flash faces off against Captain Cold. When the new Flash series materializes next year we just hope that the powers-that-be consider bringing back our pal John Wesley Shipp for a cameo. You know...just because.
Oh, and the complete series is available on DVD if you want to check it out. We recommend it.
Keep it locked to Stay Tuned for future updates of anything and everything television.
Update: 7:52 PM
We have learned that The Flash will be introduced in episodes 8 and 9, which will set up his origin story. Barry Allen/Flash will return in episode 20 to launch the spin-off. Everything indicates that the show is a go. In other news, The Wonder Woman plans have been paused indefinitely.
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