Watch The Flash

The Flash, which aired on CBS from 1990 to 1991, was a sci-fi superhero series based on the DC comics character Barry Allen, also known as Flash. This television series played a significant role in bringing the beloved comic-book superhero to life on the small screen, casting a progressively expanding spotlight on the DC Universe.

The series revolved around Barry Allen, portrayed by John Wesley Shipp, a crime scene investigator with the Central City Police Department. Allen is imbued with superhuman speed and reflexes after an accident involving a bolt of lightning that strikes a rack of chemicals in his lab. Harnessing his new abilities, he becomes The Flash, the fastest man alive, dedicated to protecting Central City from a varied range of criminals and metahuman threats.

Besides his super-speed, Barry has the ability to vibrate his molecules so rapidly he can pass through walls and is immune to most types of physical harm. His other superhuman abilities often take a backseat to the show's primary focus on speed. Many of the series' most memorable sequences involve him running faster than the human eye can see, whether it's to catch bullets in mid-air or save people from impending disasters.

The Flash was designed to fit into the popular visual style of superhero media of the early '90s, which often meant plenty of darkness, both literal and metaphorical. The costume for The Flash was deliberately created to be darker than the original comic book costume. It followed the aesthetic trend of many superhero adaptations during the time, eschewing the colorful vibrancy of their comic origins for a grittier, more grounded appearance.

Another formidable aspect of the series was its powerful ensemble of supporting characters. Among these were Central City Police scientist Tina McGee, played by Amanda Pays, who assists Barry in both understanding his new powers and fighting crime. Alex Désert starred as Julio Mendez, Barry’s co-worker at the police station, providing a link to Barry's former life.

One of the highlights of the series was the rogues gallery filled with an eclectic mix of villains. From the classic Trickster (played by Mark Hamill) to Captain Cold, Mirror Master, and others, the show excellently incorporated some of Flash's most known and iconic villains. Even as standalone episodes, the series used these villains to full effect, often driving the action and character development.

The Flash set itself apart by infusing the storylines with a combination of superhero action, crime procedural, and sci-fi elements. Each episode often felt like an individual comic book issue, with Flash facing off against an assortment of villains, as well as wrestling with personal issues and the challenges of his secret identity.

The series emphasized on the human aspect of Barry Allen rather than being solely focused on the superhero persona of the Flash. It delved into his struggles and relationships, showcasing glimpses of vulnerability and compassion that make superheroes relatable and human.

Despite being well received by audiences and critics alike, The Flash struggled in the ratings and was unfortunately shelved after just a single season. However, in its brief run, The Flash managed to assemble a faithful following that has kept alive the memory of this superhero action drama.

In essence, The Flash was an ambitious attempt at integrating comic book mythology into the episodic format of television. It was a trendsetter of its time and has since inspired countless superhero shows that have become ubiquitous on our screens today. Though its runtime was brief, The Flash from CBS during 1990-1991 will always be remembered in the annals of early superhero television for its unique attempt to bring vibrant comic-book narratives to the real world.

The Flash is a series that ran for 7 seasons (141 episodes) between January 1, 1990 and on CBS