Warning: Spoilers for The Flash season 8, episode 15
The Flash’s “Max” tease sets up a DC Comics character to join the show as a major season 9 character. Due to the show’s recent renewal, season 8 won’t be the end of Team Flash’s adventures in Central City. What was said about this Max character serves as a brief tease of what the show may have planned for Barry’s story in the show’s future beyond the current season.
The Flash season 8, episode 15, titled “Into the Still Force”, took Grant Gustin's Barry Allen on an eye-opening journey into the Still Force. Spending time in a place where the past, present, and future all coexist gave Barry reminders of events that have already happened and glimpses into upcoming developments. Through Barry’s Still Force experience, The Flash previewed what looks like Allegra’s secret being exposed, Iris being replaced at the Central City Citizen, and more. These are all potential storylines for season 8’s remaining episodes, and some could have ramifications for season 9 as well.
One of the episode’s most intriguing lines came when Barry developed control over the Still Force and saw visions of various figures in his life, including Cisco Ramon, Harry Wells, Wally West, and “Max”. Of course, this name doesn’t represent anyone from Barry’s past or present, which means that it must be a character from his future. As for who he would be, the top candidate from The Flash’s comics is Max Mercury, a Golden Age speedster from the 1940s. Originally known as Quicksilver over 20 years before the debut of the Marvel Comics superhero of the same name, Max eventually joined the modern DC Universe and emerged as an ally to the Flash. How he was acknowledged in “Into the Still Force” suggests his Arrowverse counterpart will end up with an important role.
Max’s name being between in the same breath as several Team Flash members speaks volumes about the presence he’ll have on the show. As a DC Comics speedster, Max has always been thought of as a character the Arrowverse might adapt at some point, but it seems their plans for him may be much bigger than expected. Instead of just showing up as a special guest star, it appears that Max is being set up as a new, trusted member of Barry’s inner circle. After all, there has to be a good reason why Barry would lump him in with the likes of Wally and Cisco.
His assistance could be sorely needed, especially since Team Flash just lost one of its biggest heroes in Danielle Panabaker’s Killer Frost. But for now, it remains unclear when The Flash will get around to introducing its take on Max Mercury, what his connection to the Speed Force will be, and exactly what role he’ll play in Barry’s life. While it’s possible that the series won’t bring him into the fold until The Flash season 9, there’s always a chance that his introduction will come earlier. So by the time the next season rolls around, he could already have growing relationships with Barry and the other members of the team.
The Flash releases new episodes on Wednesdays on The CW.