Candice Patton, who portrays Iris West-Allen in The Flash, will officially return for season 9 of the popular Arrowverse drama. The Flash season 8 came with a twist when it came to the show's female lead. After having been suffering from time-sickness since The Flash season 7, the arc carried over into season 8, where Iris' condition kept getting worse. After being gone since episode 15, Iris re-emerged in The Flash season 8, episode 19, only to find herself in the year 2049 with her future children.
However, her stay was temporary as Iris was suffering from time visions, before the big twist at the end of part 1 of The Flash season 8 finale. As Barry Allen tried to blast the Negative Forces with his lightning bolt, Iris gets summoned into 2022 and takes the hit. Not only did Iris take the blast, but the episode ended with Barry's wife passing away in his arms. Given that Nora and Bart West-Allen still exist, Iris' death was definitely questioned as they head into part 2 of The Flash season 8 finale this week.
As The Flash season 8 gets ready to wrap up, Patton's future on the Arrowverse series has been revealed. TVLine reports that Patton has officially signed a new deal to return for The Flash season 9, which will premiere sometime in 2023. This means that whatever happens in The Flash season 8 finale, Iris will be part of the cast when the show returns for season 9. Patton will join returning cast members Grant Gustin, Danielle Panabaker, Brandon McKnight, Kayla Compton, and Dani Nicolet.
While Iris' death was definitely one of the biggest ways to end an episode of The Flash, it was never going to stick. Iris, whether it be in the comics or in the Arrowverse, has always been an instrumental part of The Flash mythology. Not only is Iris the love of Barry, but she plays so many crucial roles in the Flash Family tree. Outside of their marriage, Iris is one of the Arrowverse's prominent journalists, as The Flash has explored her media empire rising. With Patton back for The Flash season 9, her story continues.
Since Iris will be back in The Flash season 9, it remains to be seen how The Flash season 8 finale tackles her death and resurrection. Now that Patton has signed a new contract, the only cast member that The Flash is losing this season is Jesse L. Martin's Joe West. While Martin will be the lead in a new NBC pilot, the actor is expected to appear for a few episodes next season, but how many is unclear. If The Flash season 9 ends up being the final one for the show, it's still great to have the female lead back for it, as it wouldn't be the same if Iris wasn't there till the end.
The Flash season 8 finale airs on Wednesday, June 29 at 8PM on The CW.
Source: TVLine