Intergalactic Comics: The Flash: Attack on Gorilla City

Thursday, February 23, 2017

The Flash: Attack on Gorilla City

By: Ashley Binion (@ashleybinion)

“Attack on Gorilla City” was a fantastic return to form for The Flash. The series has underperformed in its junior season and the return of Grodd was a welcome piece of viewing.

Warning: Spoilers ahead.

Two years ago, when The Flash introduced Grodd, there was always a lingering flicker of hope that the series would eventually have a Gorilla City in one form or another. I’m proud The Flash decided to go for it and deliver a two-part episode event.

More than anything, the episode was more focused on the plot of the episode instead of character development. That’s okay with me. Largely, I enjoy character moments and development more than plot. However, sometimes just good old campy fun is in order and that’s what “Attack on Gorilla City” was. It did not deal with Savitar – thank goodness – or Iris’ impending death. Instead, it took characters, put them in a surreal situation, and let the actors have some fun.

Tom Cavanagh continues to amaze me with his stellar acting abilities. How many characters has he played on the series now? Five? It’s incredible what this man can do. Is he the male equivalent of Tatiana Maslany? Possibly. Having Earth-2 Wells as Grodd was a fantastic storytelling device that saved The Flash time and money. And Cavanaugh’s delivery was outstanding. Surprisingly, it didn’t bother me. It was a believable device. Grodd is a telepathic, mind-controlling gorilla so using Harrison Wells to communicate for him was very clever. Also, his interaction with Hipster Wells was hilarious. More of that, please.

Grodd has never looked that fantastic on The Flash because of the weekly restrictions of a television show, so I wasn’t expecting a whole lot when it came to the effects. However, grading on a curve, I was pleasantly surprised at how good it looked. The slow-motion fight scenes between Barry and Solovar were very well done. I give them props for attempting to do a fight on that scale. However, the surrounding gorillas in the coliseum were not on the same scale and quality level as the fight.

Meanwhile, back on Earth-1, it was nice to see Jesse return. It has been a while since she has appeared on the series and it was more than welcome. She was a solid addition to the canvas last season. Her scenes with Team Flash, Wally, and Earth-2 Wells always shine. Almost all of her scenes in the episode were with Wally. For two supporting characters, I really enjoy their relationship. Sometimes Wally can be arrogant, but Jesse brings out the best in him. They are a solid pairing that I can get behind, unlike the inevitable pairing of Julian and Caitlin.