The 1990 television series The Flash, created by Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo, was a groundbreaking adaptation of the DC Comics character Barry Allen, a.k.a. The Flash, “The Fastest Man Alive.”
Airing on CBS, this series was ambitious for its time, offering a mix of superhero action, character-driven drama, and cutting-edge special effects that were impressive given the era.
Strongly inspired by Tim Burton’s Batman, The Flash only lasted one season, but the show left a lasting impact on television comic adaptations, particularly influencing the producer Greg Berlanti’s “Arrowverse” which brought a series of DC Comics properties to television.
Bilson and De Meo brought a deep understanding of comic book storytelling to the series.
Their experience with genre television allowed them to create a world that balanced the fantastical elements of The Flash with more grounded, human stories. They crafted a tone that was both serious and playful, respecting the source material while making it accessible to a broader audience. With a writing staff that included comic scribes Howard Chaykin and John Francis Moore, Bilson and De Meo’s writing and vision gave the show its distinct style, which combined action, humor, and emotional depth.
John Wesley Shipp’s portrayal of Barry Allen was a key factor in the show’s success. Shipp brought a sincerity and relatability to the character, making Barry a sympathetic and compelling protagonist. His performance captured the essence of a man thrust into extraordinary circumstances, balancing the heroics of The Flash with the challenges of being Barry Allen. This nuanced performance resonated with fans and is likely why Shipp was so warmly received when he returned in the 2014 series.
Tina McGee, played by Amanda Pays, served as Barry’s confidante and scientific advisor. She was a strong, intelligent character who played a crucial role in Barry’s journey as The Flash. Her relationship with Barry added an emotional layer to the series, grounding the superhero action in a more personal narrative.
Julio Mendez, portrayed by Alex Désert, was Barry’s colleague and friend, providing a touch of comic relief while also being a reliable support for Barry. The chemistry between these characters contributed to the show’s dynamic, making the world of The Flash feel lived-in and authentic.
The series made several nods to the broader DC Comics universe, helping to establish its place within that world. Characters like Joe Kline, a reporter, and Nightshade, a vigilante hero from an earlier era, were original creations for the show but felt like they belonged in the larger DC mythos. The inclusion of these characters enriched the world of The Flash and deepened its connections to the comic book source material.
The Flash featured some of the character’s most iconic villains, portrayed by memorable guest stars. David Cassidy’s Mirror Master, Michael Champion’s Captain Cold, and Mark Hamill’s Trickster brought these characters to life with a blend of menace and theatricality. Hamill’s Trickster, in particular, was a standout, with a performance that was both chilling and darkly comedic, foreshadowing his later success as the voice of the Joker in animated adaptations.
Other notable recurring performances and guest stars included Richard Belzer, Dick Miller, Gloria Reuben, Joyce Hyser, M. Emmet Walsh, Tim Thomerson, Clarence Clemons, Richard Burgi, Bryan Cranston, Denise Crosby, Angela Bassett, and Jeri Ryan.
The special effects in The Flash were groundbreaking for their time, especially considering the limitations of early 1990s television. The show’s depiction of super-speed, created with a mix of practical effects and early CGI, was a highlight and helped to sell the reality of Barry’s powers. The effects team pushed the boundaries of what was possible on a TV budget, creating a visual experience that still holds up.
Composer Danny Elfman, famous for his work on Tim Burton’s Batman, created the iconic theme music for the series, while Shirley Walker, who later scored Batman: The Animated Series, provided the rest of the show’s music. The score added a cinematic quality to the series, enhancing the drama and excitement of the action scenes.
CW’s 2014 reboot, incorporated or reimagined many elements of the 1990 series.
This included John Wesley Shipp’s return, this time playing Barry’s father, Henry Allen, and later Jay Garrick, the Flash from Earth-3. His inclusion was a nod to the legacy of the character and the original series, creating a bridge between the two eras.
The series also brought back original co-stars for guest appearances including Amanda Pays as Tina McGee, Alex Désert returned as a variant of Julio Mendez in an alternate reality as Central City Police Captain Mendez and Vito D’Ambrosio went from Officer Tony Bellows in the original series to Mayor Bellows in the CW series.
Most anticipated was the return of Mark Hamill as James Jesse aka The Trickster, appearing in two episodes of the original series, and three episodes of the reboot, Hamill’s fan favorite performance didn’t disappoint.
This Blu-ray release presents the series looking better than it ever has previously. It’s a fantastic release with the only disappointment being a lack of supplementary material.
The 1990 The Flash series was a trailblazer in many ways, setting a high bar for superhero television. Its influence is evident in the success of later DC Comics adaptations, particularly in the Berlantiverse. With strong performances, particularly from John Wesley Shipp, and a dedication to both character development and the spectacle of superhero action, the series remains a beloved cult classic. Its legacy lives on not just through nostalgia but through its direct impact on the modern era of superhero television.
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