The Flash Advance Review: Don't Miss "Out of Time"

Wait. This wasn't the season finale?

Tonight's episode, titled "Out of Time," easily could have been the season finale of The Flash. The information and emotions thrown at the audience lead to an action packed, thrilling, heart-wrenching explosion of an episode.

Writing a "spoiler-free" review of one episode of a TV show is always difficult, but this time, with so much happening, it may be just short of impossible.

"Out of Time" balances three separate stories with finesse: First there is the Rogue of the week; The Weather Wizard, aka Mark Mardon, seen for the first time since the pilot. Mardon knows someone in Central City killed his brother Clyde (the pilot's villain), and he returns with weather-controlling metahuman powers similar to Clyde's, looking for revenge. Next there is the relationship drama composed of four key players. Both Eddie and Linda have to weave through the muddy and confusing waters that is the friendship/relationship between Barry and Iris.

Finally, there is the question that has been on everyone's mind since the pilot: Just who on earth is Harrison Wells anyway? Actually, make that two questions. What does he want with Barry Allen? These three stories combined might be too much for even The Flash to keep up with. Especially when, maybe even more than usual, several of the people in his life might just be in terrible danger.

With so many stories going on at once, there were plenty of star performances to choose from. Starting with Jesse L. Martin. When his casting was announced, it was easy to assume that Martin playing a cop again was just going to be a rehash of Detective Ed Green from Law & Order. But Joe West has always been a far different character than Green. This week, he gets ample opportunity to shine and shine he does. And he is not alone in doing so.

Carlos Valdes elevates Cisco to beautiful new heights, bringing so much depth to the character. Candice Patton gave possibly her best performance to date, Iris has never shone brighter. Malese Jow as Linda Park turns in a lovely performance as well.

And that brings us to Tom Cavanagh. It has been easy to overlook him as a standout since his performance has always been so measured. But the truth is, that's where the brilliance lies, and it is impossible to ignore any longer. Cavanagh has been the one to watch since the show began, and if anyone doubted that before, they won't after they see "Out of Time."

Balancing so many storylines and so many performers is a daunting task that many shows cannot successfully pull off in one hour. But The Flash does it so flawlessly, it almost looks easy. Not to mention it sets up one hell of an actual season finale a few weeks from now, with plenty more excitement promised for in between. Check the DVR now, this is one episode that no one is going to want to miss.