Crisis on Earth-X: Reverse Flash brings references and questions

Eobard Thawne returned during Crisis on Earth-X. Will this character be back in future episodes of The Flash? What did he do in the crossover?

“Crisis on Earth-X” prominently featured the Eobard Thawne character, better known as the Reverse Flash. He was the big bad to Barry Allen in season 1 of The Flash and led the Legion of Doom in season 2 of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. 

When Thawne was on The Flash, Tom Cavanagh played him, as a man in Harrison Wells’ skin. That became the case in “Crisis on Earth-X,” despite the Matt Letscher version appearing in season 2 of Legends. That meant Wells in a wheelchair and plenty of intrigue.

Thawne had one of the most interesting showings of anyone in the crossover. Not only did it allow Cavanagh to return Season 1 Thawne that made The Flash special, but everything in between.

First, this was the Earth-1 Thawne. How? Well, the explanation was muddied but potentially another time remnant of this opposite version of the Scarlet Speedster.

As ComicBook.com noted, in “Crisis on Earth-X,” Reverse Flash revealed he fought Supergirl’s “cousin.” If you’re new to the comic book world, that’s a Superman reference. If that fight could only happen in the Arrowverse or a future DC Extended Universe movie, right?

To top it off, Barry Allen allowed Thawne to leave, despite having him pinned in Part 4’s epic fight scene. That means Reverse Flash will be back, whether it’s later in season 4 of The Flash or another Arrowverse show. Given his prolonged absence on the show this character debuted in, it wouldn’t be a surprise for this to be the destination.

Next: Crisis on Earth-X's top 8 moments

The CW seems to love the Reverse Flash character, so he’ll be back. Whether it’s the Cavanagh or Letscher version, look for this villain to impact Barry or someone else’s future in the Arrowverse. When will he turn up next?