The Flash Season 3, Episode 2 Recap: “Paradox”

The Flash feels the repercussions of “Flashpoint” in “Paradox” when he discovers the effects of meddling with the time stream.

“Whoops, I did it again” isn’t just a lyric from a Britney Spears song. It signifies the mistake The Flash continues to make when he travels back in time. After discovering the relationship between Joe and Iris West has been altered after “Flashpoint,” Barry dashes to Star City to get advice from Felicity.

Speed Force-Induced Summary

Barry discovers the majority of his old life is still the same post-“Flashpoint” with only small alterations. For example, Cisco is grieving the death of his brother, Dante, and blames Barry for not traveling back in time to prevent it. Also, Joe and Iris West aren’t on the best of terms. It’s entertaining to watch Barry try to deduce what’s wrong with everyone without letting them know something is up.

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Speaking of new things, Barry has a guest in his crime lab—Julian Albert, meta-human CSI specialist. Albert has been in Central City over the last year investigating meta-human crimes. The two aren’t on the best of terms, as Barry is constantly quoted saying “I hate that guy.”

In an attempt to smooth things over with #TeamFlash, Barry plans a dinner party. Nothing takes people from hate to love more than delicious food. During dinner, everyone gets a meta-human alert for The Rival, Edward Clariss. After The Flash reset the “Flashpoint” timeline, Clariss lost his memories of The Rival and is in a mental facility. He’s visited by a robed figure named Dr. Alchemy, who gives Clariss his memories and powers back. Dr. Alchemy’s goal is to help individuals reach their full potential.

Image Courtesy of The CW

After a confrontation with The Rival, The Flash decides he needs to reset time again. In the process, he’s stopped by Earth-2’s Jay Garrick, who is a spitting image of his father. Garrick treats Barry to a meal in 1990 (with Dawson’s Creek playing in the background) as he explains the ramifications of his actions.

In a very emotional moment, Barry finally admits to his friends how he’s changed all of their lives. This will prove to be a game-changer for The Flash because everyone is stuck the way they are. The Flash cannot alter the timeline anymore. Each time he changes something, it creates a brand new universe.

We end with The Flash and Cisco teaming up to defeat The Rival. In this new universe, Cisco has created gloves to help with his “Vibe” powers. He’s getting closer and closer to the visual look of his comic book counterpart. Speaking of counterparts, it appears Caitlin Snow is also morphing into her alter-ego, Killer Frost.

Highlight

The realization that “Flashpoint” may have ended after two episodes, but its impact will be felt throughout the series going forward. It’s even bled into Arrow when it was shown John Diggle has a son instead of a daughter.

Closing Thoughts

Who is Dr. Alchemy and how is he aware of the “Flashpoint” world? More than likely new character Julian Albert is Dr. Alchemy, especially since Albert Desmond was the original Dr. Alchemy in the comics.