The Flash: Iris West's Fate Explained

05/23/2017 08:28 pm EDT

Major spoilers for tonight's season three finale of The Flash, 'Finish Line', below. Only look if you want to know.

Last week's penultimate episode of The Flash ended on a heartbreaking conclusion. After building up to the event for most of the season, the death of Iris West (Candice Patton) occurred in real time.

But, as is seen pretty regularly with DCTV shows, things weren't quite as they seemed.

It was revealed in the early moments of 'Finish Line' that Iris, in fact, did not die. In the moments between her kidnapping by Savitar and her apparent death, she was rescued by H.R. Wells (Tom Cavanagh). As the pair were leaving, Wells used his face-changing technology to make themselves appear as each other.

Iris - disguised as H.R. - protested, but H.R. - disguised as Iris - assured that it would be his way to prove his worth. That was quickly interrupted by an attack from Caitlin Snow/Killer Frost (Danielle Panabaker). Killer Frost attacked Iris-as-H.R., but was stopped by H.R.-as-Iris. Killer Frost left with H.R.-as-Iris - to the impending attack from Savitar on Infantino Street.

We first suggested that H.R.'s face-changing technology could come into play with Iris' death earlier this month. Whether or not it means that Cavanagh - who has become known for playing drastically different versions of Harrison Wells from season to season - will remain a permanent fixture on the show in its upcoming fourth season is yet to be seen.

With nothing left to lose, Barry (Grant Gustin) takes on Savitar (also Grant Gustin) in an epic conclusion to season three.

David McWhirter directed the episode written by Aaron Helbing & Todd Helbing. It will air on May 23 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.

More The Flash news:

• There's A Wonder Woman Easter Egg in The Flash: Infantino Street
• Will The Flash and Batman Finally Meet Doctor Manhattan in "The Button" Finale? [PREVIEW]
• The Flash Star Comes Out As Bisexual
• The Flash: Savitar's Real Comic Twin Wasn't a Villain

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