Time for one of those connect-the-dots theories. Earlier today, TVLine broke the news that casting was underway for Wendy, “a cop for the Central City PD” and described as both “bright and scientific-minded” and “spunky, fun and funny.” As Felicity Smoak is to Oliver Queen, Wendy is supposed to be to Barry Allen.
Comic Book Resources later wondered if “Wendy” might just be a proxy for the real character name, perhaps Patty Spivot. After giving it some thought, we’re throwing our weight behind that theory.
A little history: when The Flash got its New 52 reboot, it did away with the traditional relationship between Barry Allen and Iris West. Instead, Barry’s love life was dominated by Patty Spivot, a fellow CCPD crime lab employee. Intelligent and fiery under the right circumstances, Patty’s biggest accomplishment was probably deducing that the Flash had been replaced by his more ruthless future self.
(She later broke up with the real Barry, explaining that she’d never be able to look at him without thinking of his murderous future self. Because comics.)
So let’s run down the checklist. Works for the CCPD? Check. Bright and scientific-minded like Felicity? Check. Spunky, fun and funny? Well, those are more subjective, and I remember New 52 Patty being a nag at times, but let’s say for the sake of argument that she had her moments.
It’s also worth mentioning that while the writers of The Flash have proven exceptionally adept at utilizing elements from throughout the Flash legacy, the central conceit of Reverse-Flash as the killer of Barry’s mom is also key to the character in current comic continuity. Patty is, or was, a big part of that too, so she would not be out of place on the show.
We’ll be the first ones to admit we were wrong of Barry really does end up with a girlfriend named Wendy, but CBR probably has this right. Don’t be shocked if a smart, short-haired young lady with glasses is a part of Barry’s life next season. And yes, she’ll probably learn that Barry is the Flash too.
Next: The Flash Season 1 Character Review: Cisco Ramon
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