Arrow, the first in a series of six shows in what became known as the Arrowverse, made its debut in 2012. Two years later, Greg Berlanti, Geoff Johns, and Andrew Kreisberg's comic feature, The Flash, followed. Little was it known at the time that The Flash would become one of the most successful of its counterparts in The CW Multiverse. Barry Allen, a normal kid, turned speedster, blazed a trail straight into viewers' homes, and captivated the world. However, it wasn't long before it became evident that no one could craft a story like the creators behind the Flash.
Grant Gustin has held the world's attention as Barry Allen for eight years. Viewers who tuned in to see the Scarlett speedster on a regular never tuned out. The Flash connected to viewers on another level solidifying a steadfast and unshakeable fan base. According to Deadline, "The Flash remained one of the CW's strongest performers, with Season 8 finishing as one of the network's most-watched shows of the 2021-22 season."
The Flash: Unexpected Success
No one expected the Arrowverse, but few were dissatisfied with its existence. The CW ushered in the decade of the superhero on TV Land long before Marvel bought the MCU to small screens. And The Flash was the second offering based on DC comic characters, the others being Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, Black Lightning, and Batgirl.
Of all speedsters in the DC universe, CW's Flash chronicled the life and adventures of Barry Allen. And over the course of 184 episodes, audiences became intimately familiar with Allen and his cohorts. A deep and abiding fandom grew. Viewers couldn't help but root for the speedster as he came to grasp his powers. Episode by episode, Barry used his gifted abilities to save the world, and viewers were there to see it.
Whether Barry was led to help the citizens of Central City by misguided means or broken and bent by his self-sacrificial attempts, the fans could not get enough. It has been a remarkable journey. However, season nine is where we part. And here is everything we know about that final stretch awaiting Barry and his fans before he speeds into the sunset.
9th Season: The Plot
Little information has been released regarding the plot, but that isn't unexpected. A little mystery never hurts as it builds anticipation. However, If the series sticks to the formula, it will be more of Allen overcoming vulnerabilities and shouldering responsibilities to do what is necessary to save the world. And as we know, there is never a superhero without a villain. So the only question becomes, who will the Flash find himself pitted against in season 9?
An intriguing fan theory is circulating, indicating that the Flash's nemesis in the last and final season may be none other than Bloodwork (Sendhil Ramamurthy). Also known as Dr. Ramsey Rosso, he proved a formidable foe in season six when he exhibited his power to control the blood of others, almost causing Allen and his team irreparable harm. And if he makes a return in this last and final season, there will undoubtedly be exciting things on the horizon. But it wouldn't hurt to see Allen take down a couple of super villains.
9th Season: The Cast
The Flash has an excellent cast, as it was not Gustin's Flash alone that drew watchers into the story. But it was instead Allen's interactions with his family, friends, and colleagues -- Iris West, Joe West, Dr. Wells, Caitlin Snow, and Cisco -- that created undeniable magic. The relational drama was the core of the show. And the cast remains a primary pillar of success.
It was not always clear if there would be more to tell beyond season eight. And with the contracts for most of the cast ending, the success of an impending season seemed questionable. But alas, there was no need for alarm. According to Cosmopolitan, The Flash (Grant Gustin), Iris West-Allen (Candice Patton), and Caitlin Snow (Danielle Panabaker) renewed their contracts.
However, for fans of Joe, things will be a bit different. Due to other obligations, Jesse L. Martin is departing the show as a series regular. But he will not be completely absent, which is good news. Joe will make appearances periodically per his contract.
Premiere Date
Projections indicate The Flash will premiere in the second quarter of 2023. While production is yet to begin, it is slated to commence in the next few months. However, given the details that have been revealed, the last season will slightly differ from the seasons before. Unfortunately, there will be less of the series to enjoy as, reportedly, season nine will only be 13 episodes in length compared to its typical 18-20 episode run.
Undoubtedly, a nine-season run with impressive viewership ratings is a testament to a well-done show. And although curtains are closing, it's been a long and fruitful journey. Of course, goodbyes are difficult, but what makes them easier is knowing that the investment of time was well spent. So, with all hopes, The Flash will end on a high with a fair resolution. And such is as much as any fan can ask for.