REVIEW: Latest seasons of Arrowverse hits ‘The Flash’ and ‘Supergirl’ arrive on Blu-Ray and digital
Photo: Supergirl stars Melissa Benoist. Image courtesy of WB / Provided by press agent with permission.
The DC Universe has expanded quite impressively on television (let’s keep the film world out of this article for now). There have been many successful series, especially ones that cater to a young-adult crowd. One of the best, if not the very best, is The Flash starring Gary Gustin. However, rivaling it for acclaim is Supergirl starring Melissa Benoist.
The Flash’s first six seasons can be enjoyed on Blu-Ray and digital, and a seventh season is promised for next year. The comic-book adaptation follows the adventures of Barry Allen (Gustin), a man who solves crimes with the police department during the day and then gains super-human speed during his off-hours. He becomes the Flash, a red-suited lightning bolt who can zip around the city with ease and almost no one even knowing he was there.
Candice Patton shares the spotlight with Gustin. Her character of Iris West is a pivotal one, and — spoiler alert — she eventually marries Barry in the series. This being a comic-book adaptation, Iris is a journalist who covers the crimes solved by Barry (and the Flash), but from the other side of the yellow tape. It is interesting how so many superheroes are tied to the trade of journalism and police work.
In the sixth season of the show, there’s a general feeling of unease amongst the residents of Central City, and Barry and Iris are hurting tremendously from a family loss that is better left a secret. However, safe to say, this loss is so paramount in their lives that Barry considers hanging up the Flash suit once and for all, and stepping away from the city he loves. In Barry’s absence, the metropolitan area is defended by the rest of Team Flash.
Supergirl, for the uninitiated, features a member of Superman’s family and her crime-fighting adventures in National City. Supergirl, donning a red cape and “S” suit like her cousin, tries to stop the many baddies running rampant. When she’s not kicking butt with her alien powers, she is Kara Danvers — who is, you guessed it, a journalist.
The fifth season of the show, which original started on CBS and now runs on The CW alongside The Flash, finds her dealing with the lingering difficulties of the Luthor family. There are secrets aplenty with Lex Luthor and Lena Luthor, and it’s up to Supergirl/Kara to get to the bottom of it. All along the way, Benoist plays the title character with intensity, excellence and likability.
Both shows are solid entertainment properties that have kept fans of comic books and younger-skewing TV programming thrilled and engaged. Because of their shared look, feel and opportunities for crossovers, they are considered part of the Arrowverse, named after the flagship property, the recently shuttered Arrow. These shows are genuinely fun, funny and fast-moving, exactly what one wants with superhero stories.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Flash season six and Supergirl season five are now available on Blu-Ray and digital. Click here for more information.
