'Run Iris Run’: ‘The Flash’ Introduces Superhero Iris
A superhero Iris has finally arrived on The Flash. The latest episode sees the fan favorite character taking on Barry's super speed powers.
The New Flash
Her time came following the arrival of a new meta with the ability to steal powers and its impact led to Barry being rendered normal. Meanwhile, Iris is reimagined as a purple-clad speedster who's battling fires and saving lives all over town.
The biggest moment for Iris happened with the creation of a tidal wave, which she caused by running super fast on water. It was utilized to put out a bad fire in particular and was notably something Barry has never achieved.
Although the episode is focused on Iris, it has less to do with her new superhero image and more to do with the character reaffirming who she is and what she cares about.
"I think this episode clearly shows that having Barry's powers for an episode really made [Iris] realize what she's passionate about," Candice Patton, who plays Iris, explained following a screening.
Patton reckoned the realization that Barry's powers are what's keeping him going, and Iris putting her love for journalism aside to focus on the team at S.T.A.R. Labs is a big wake-up call for her.
Rather than holding her husband to ransom, Iris is quick to get Barry's powers back to him by the end of the episode. Also, in a neat ending to the story, she resumes writing about The Flash as a result and is relaunching her blog.
An Everyday Superhero
Executive producer Todd Helbing felt it was the best way to bring Iris back around to her true calling. Iris is never going to keep her powers long term either, according to Patton.
"I always thought it would be cool just for fans and just for the show to see her suit up for an episode. I never wanted it to be a thing where Iris became a superhero," she said.
Patton sees Iris as a superhero in her own right, with or without a costume or powers. Keeping Barry's superhuman abilities wouldn't have been true to the essence of her character.
In that way, Patton said Iris serves as an inspiration to the audience, adding that everyone can all be superheroes in their own right and in their own lives.
As for acting those powers onscreen, Patton found it difficult to adapt to the green screen and never expected to be put in that position. She also had difficulty with the mask she had to wear for the episode and even compared herself unfavorably to a minion at one point during the costume-fitting process.
The Flash airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. on The CW.
