That's right, there really is no new episode of The Flash this week, so don't worry that your cable guides or local listings have failed you, or you missed recording a brand new Barry Allen adventure. The CW show is taking a break until March along with the network's other Arrow heroes, but for no real reason that we can offer to make the wait any easier to endure.
In the past, there have been explanations for The CW and its Arrowverse programming to take not just a winter break over the holidays, but a second winter hiatus from February into March (the most recent being the Winter Olympics). But this time around, it seems that the production houses are simply taking the now-expected break in airing because they can. At least for fans of The Flash, a showdown between King Shark and Gorilla Grodd is awaiting them upon its return.
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Typically the announcement of a such a grand, CG-fueled showdown would get fans more excited than anything. But after the unresolved adventure and scheming of both Nora Allen and Eobard Thawne in the latest episode - in which Nora basically broke The Flash's time travel rules - the promise of a self-contained battle between shark and ape may not be the resolution or step forward in the season's plot that was hoped for.
When The Flash Will Return in March
Flash fans will need to exercise some patience since the show won't return until Episode 15, "King Shark vs. Gorilla Grodd" on March 5th, 2019. And to keep up the bittersweet nature of The Flash's return, it's sounding more and more like this final stretch of episodes will be the last for 'Cisco Ramon' actor Carlos Valdes. After word surfaced that Valdes would be leaving the series to return to the stage, it was noted by many that his Season 5 plot has prepared for his exit, should it come.
Having now spearheaded the creation of a metahuman cure, it's safe to assume that Cisco will be tempted to use it on himself, removing his metahuman powers as 'Vibe' and pursuing a less superheroic life outside of the show's scope. A loss for the series and fans, but an understandable one in the face of its growing cast of characters.
Even without a new episode of The Flash, there is still plenty to discuss and theorize, with Nora Allen's future connection to Eobard Thawne remaining as unexplained as ever, the production of a metahuman cure reaching its final stages, and of course the endgame with Cicada (both the current version, and the one seen in his niece's consciousness). We'll have plenty of theory posts until The Flash returns, so stay tuned.
The Flash will return to The CW with "King Shark vs. Gorilla Grodd" @8pm on Tuesday, March 5th. Watch a preview of the episode below: