The Flash: Who is Rag Doll and what does he want with Joe West?
This week’s episode of The Flash sees the return of a familiar face, but why is he suddenly targeting Joe West, and does he kill him?
The Flash is no stranger to bringing back familiar faces. With a gallery of Rogues to choose from, it’s hardly surprising that one or two of them resurface from time to time.
This week’s returning episode, “So Long and Goodnight”, will see Rag Doll return to wreak havoc on Central City. But can you remember who he is and the last time you saw him?
Let’s get to know Rag Doll a little better, shall we?
Who is Rag Doll in The Flash?
Rag Doll is portrayed by actor Troy James (and voiced by Phil LaMarr) and this isn’t his first appearance on the show in recent years.
The villainous character debuted on the show during season 5 episode 5 “All Doll’d Up“. His real name is Peter Merkel and, after becoming estranged with his mother Theresa for breaking into his own home, he was injured in Clifford DeVoe’s infamous “Enlightenment” during the season 4 finale.
His body was crushed by pieces of the S.T.A.R. Labs satellite which was infused with dark matter. This gave Merkel the ability to contort his body beyond belief. As a result, he put on a terrifying mask and became the villain known as Ragdoll.
After nearly killing Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) – who was saved by his wife Iris West-Allen (Candice Patton) – Ragdoll was ultimately defeated after a battle with Ralph Dibny/Elongated Man (Hartley Sawyer).
He returned in the season 5 episode “Gone Rogue” when, after breaking out of Iron Heights, he teamed up with Brie Larvan/Bug-Eyed Bandit (Emily Kinney) and Joslyn Jackam/Weather Witch (Reina Hardesty) to form the New Rogues, as they and Nora West-Allen (Jessica Parker Kennedy) attempted to steal a mirror gun from McCulloch Tech.
Why does Rag Doll return to The Flash?
Ragdoll has now returned to the show once more after Black Hole hires him to kill CCPD Captain Joe West (Jesse L. Martin) who has been getting too close to the organization in recent episodes.
From the promo images released for the episode, it’s clear that he’ll get to both Joe and his wife Cecile Horton (Dani Nicolet), which will undoubtedly bring The Flash back into his life.
The question is: Can Barry Allen thwart Ragdoll again, or will the contortionist criminal carry out Black Hole’s orders and take out Joe West? We’ll find out in tonight’s episode!
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The Flash returns to The CW tonight, Tuesday April 21, at 8:00 p.m. ET. Are you looking forward to seeing Rag Doll? Let us know in the comments below!