The Flash returned to The CW last night with its much-anticipated take on the “Flashpoint” storyline. The story takes the Flash and his supporting cast to an alternate timeline where everything is different because the Flash saved his mother, Nora Allen, from being killed by his time-travelling nemesis, the Reverse-Flash.
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As anticipated as “Flashpoint” was, it seems it wasn’t quite as anticipated as last season’s The Flash premiere. Ratings are out and the numbers for “Flashpoint” are down when compared to the numbers for The Flash Season 2 premiere.
The Flash Season 3 premiere episode “Flashpoint” averaged a 1.2 with the key demographic of adults 18-49 and 3.1 million viewers overall in its initial broadcast. Comparatively, The Flash Season 2 premiere had a 1.4 with the key demographic and was watched by a total audience of 3.6 million in its first broadcast.
It is worth noting that, while these numbers are down from last year, they are by no means bad ratings for “Flashpoint.” Delayed viewing rating have already provided a significant bump for Agents of SHIELD this season, and those same ratings are likely to bump “Flashpoint” up the average 4+ million viewers the series usually attracts.
“Flashpoint” itself had no shortage of Easter eggs and WTF moments, as well as some missed opportunities. Next week’s episode of The Flash, “Paradox,” will begin to teach the Flash the cost of messing with the timestream.
The Flash airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on The CW.