Flashpoint Focus

Flashpoint
The most obvious way in which Barry's decision to go back in time to prevent the murder of his  mother is that it may give the show an opportunity to adapt the Flashpoint story from the comic books. In this storyline Barry creates a reality vastly different from teh one we had grown accustomed to in DC comics- the main features of this reality were a powerless Barry, a war erupting between the Amazons and Atlanteans, Superman being recovered by the government rather than the Kents and Thomas Wayne surviving his son to become a twiested version of the batman. It goes without saying that the Arrowverse is rather different to the comic universe as it existed around the time of Flashpoint, not least because the characters available to the CW, so is it possible to tell this story without the Big 3?

Ultimnately the answer is yes as there are ready-made substitutes for each of the key players. For me an ideal scenario would see the CW kick off the next season of Superhero shows with a three way crossover event with Oliver Queen stepping into the role of Thomas Wayne in being a violent and jaded vigilante (having not been impacted by Barry) that agrees to help the Flash regain his powers. Supergirl could then of couse take on the role of Superman and become a government experiment rather National City's hero. An alternative however could see Harrison Wells and his team taking on the Batman role and having Firestorm take Superman's place in a government cell, this would avoid the need for a crossover. The war could be fought out between any two villains from the extended Arrowverse: Zoom and Reverse Flash? Ra'as Al Ghul and Damien Darhk? Deathstroke and Olvier Queen? Any of these options would provide an exciting spectacle.

New Reality
Regardless of whether or not the show adapts Flashpoint, it still has the opportunity now to create a new reality on the back of this plot twist, much as the comics did in the New 52. I see two potential long term changes that may well come about as a result of this, the first being a potential mergure of Earth 1 and 2. Why would this be considered? Simply to retain the characters of Jessie Quick and Harry Wells (both who have been welcome additions to the show this season).  It seems off to me that Jessie would so clearly effected by the Speedforce if there was not a greater plan for the character and indeed her budding relationship with Wally West. It would also provide a wide range of Earth Two metahumans to introduce as potential villain-of-the-week fodder.

Taking this idea one step further we could also see other versions of Earth merging with Earth 1, for example Earth 3 which would allow the writers to explore a relationship between Barry and his father's doppleganger Jay Garrick. Perhaps even the world in which a vengeful Grod now leads a city of evolved Gorrillas? Or the introduction of Connor Hawke into the main timeline?- that would certainly draw Diggle back to Team Arrow.

One change though which I feel the CW would be foolish not to make would be to drag National City into the Arrowverse, paving the way for future crossovers and freedom to share characters and villains. Whilst this would lead to questions about the role of aliens and one S shield wearing individual in particular, it seems like these could be neatly ironed out by a little 'The other Avengers are busy' MCU style logic.

Character reshuffle
In the comics, Flashpoint resulted in a new status quo across most of its major titles in which character relationships were altered or erased, Green Arrow and Black Canary for example (although this is now being addressed) ot the friendship between Superman and Batman. Even Clarke and Lois' marriage was torn apart. Could this Flashpoint signal the end of Barry/ Iris? Olicity? Diggle's family life? The show runners could go as far as to reshuffle the casts of the shows, adding Felcity to Team Arrow for example (although this idea seems very unlikely).

Characters could also be erased from continuity, much as Wally West was in the New 52 to begin with, or be recast as younger more down-with-kids angry versions of themselves a la New52perman. Could this be a chance to recast actors that are now busy on other shows, like Manu Bennet who is probably too busy being a druid to suit up as Deathstroke?

Conversely character deaths could also be reversed- in the comics Robert Queen and Shado both mysteriously returned from the dead for Outsiders War (which is by far the best arc of the New 52 in my opinion) and we already know that Arrow would love to adapt that storyline. Similarly we could see the return of Ronnie Raymond, The Black Canary, Henry Allen, Tommy Merlin or any number of other previously killed off characters. We could also see the restoration of the League of Assassins or the return of Queen Consolodated as a byproduct of this storline.

No Underpants
After the events of Flashpoint in the comics all briefs were erased from existance, this forced heroes like Superman and Batman to remove them from their costumes and to favour instead onesies with lots of lines on them. There is a good chance that the Flash will receive an updated suit as a result of Flashpoint anbd there is nothing stopping the showrunners from exstending this privelege to the Arrow (bye bye shoulder pads please) Supergirl (Tights? Why?) and DIGGLE!!!!!


Contributing to CBM is a privilege, NOT a right. This is a privately owned site and YOUR POST MAY BE REMOVED FOR ANY REASON, AT ANY TIME!

To ensure your contributions will not be removed

• DO NOT post copyrighted or trademarked content.
• DO NOT plagiarize, and ALWAYS credit your source.
• DO NOT submit articles with poor grammar, spelling or punctuation errors.
• DO NOT post messageboard threads. This is NOT a forum. We only accept ARTICLES: breaking news, editorials, reviews, interesting features, fan fiction, etc.
• DO NOT post duplicate news content. Check the site before posting.

You WILL be banned from contributing if you abuse this tool by

• Posting fake news or trolling.
• Using the articles tool to attack another CBM user.
• Spamming, or selfishly using CBM only to promote yourself or a personal cause.
• Posting a complaint as an article.