After garnering immense popularity following his appearance in Arrow, Grant Gustin’s Scarlet Speedster received his own standalone series in 2014, often considered the peak of the Arrowverse. Although the next two seasons had their fair share of issues but were received positively, from season 4, it was all downhill for the series, and it hit a new low with season 7.
While The Flash was notable for its pop culture references, season 7’s finale went a little above and beyond with its Star Wars homage, which didn’t sit well with fans in the slightest.
Fans Weren’t Thrilled by the Star Wars-Inspired Climax of The Flash Season 7
Writing a speedster is always tricky due to the nature of its power and requires the utmost attention to detail to ensure no loose ends persist. The challenge further magnifies when it comes to writing a speedster in a TV show. While the initial seasons of The Flash did succeed in combating this challenge to varying degrees, after season 3, the show never got back to its previous heights. But in 2021, the CW show hit a new low with season 7, considered the worst entry in the series.
From production issues, following the rise of COVID, to muddled storylines, season 7 was a rough time for both the character and fans of the show. And nothing articulates its shortcomings better than the season finale, which saw Flash and Eobard Thawne dueling against Godspeed with lightning-based lightsabers. Although the scene did end up going viral, it was not for the right reasons, as it ended up being the b-tt of all jokes online.
Some comments from fans read:
“There’s no way they’ve come to this. May the speed force be with you”
“This is why it’s not a good idea to over extend a show”
“What in the Power Rangers quality acting, Star Wars rip off was that”
“WE CANT KEEP LETTING THEM GET AWAY WITH THIS”
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with it, as Barry is no new to crafting objects using the speed force in the comics, it felt completely out of place in the show. Not only was there no build-up to it, but considering that Barry often takes up an entire episode to learn new techniques, the Star Wars-inspired conclusion to season 7 left fans dispirited.
Grant Gustin Didn’t Initially See Himself Fit for the Flash
It’s important to note that despite the writers’ shortcomings, Grant Gustin did a great job with the material he was given. Gustin, who went on to become the biggest star to emerge from the Arrowverse, recalled he was assured that he wasn’t going to land the role. Considering in the comics, Allen is buff and blonde, the actor had imposter syndrome ahead of the audition.
He said (via Men’s Health):
“I mean, I was 23 when I auditioned for that show and thought I had no chance of getting it. I didn’t even want to go to the audition. I was like, ‘This is a waste of my time and their time.’ In the breakdown it said he was late twenties to early thirties. He’s big and buff and blonde in the comics. I was just like, ‘Why are they even seeing me?’ I had imposter syndrome about even going to that audition.”
Despite not matching the character’s physical attributes, Gustin ended up becoming a great Barry Allen, which only made it hard for fans to see his character being assassinated by the writers.
The Flash is available to stream on Netflix.
