The Flash television series, a cornerstone of the Arrowverse, left a lasting impact on fans, and its legacy still lingers even after its conclusion in 2023. Throughout its nine-season run, Grant Gustin embodied the character of Barry Allen, giving fans the definitive portrayal of the Scarlet Speedster. But while much of the series received praise, there was one significant creative decision that both the cast and the fans cannot seem to get over—the rushed adaptation of the beloved Flashpoint storyline.
The CW’s Shortened Flashpoint Arc: A Missed Opportunity
The Flashpoint storyline, adapted from one of the most iconic arcs in DC Comics history, was introduced in the third season of The Flash. Fans had long awaited seeing this pivotal story come to life. In the comic version of Flashpoint, Barry Allen alters the timeline, leading to a new reality with far-reaching consequences for himself and the wider DC universe. But when it was adapted for television, the arc was confined to just a few episodes, leaving both the cast and the audience frustrated by the missed opportunity.
Grant Gustin, the actor who brought Barry Allen to life for nearly a decade, has been open about his disappointment with how quickly the storyline was wrapped up. During a recent appearance at Edmonton Expo, both Gustin and co-star Danielle Panabaker (who played Caitlin Snow/Killer Frost) expressed regret that Flashpoint wasn’t given more time to unfold on screen.
“They both wish the Flashpoint storyline in The Flash series ran longer for at least a full season,” according to @AgentsFandom on X.
What Could Have Been: A Full Season of Flashpoint
Fans and critics alike shared the sentiment that the Flashpoint arc deserved far more screen time than the mere three episodes it was given. With its rich potential for emotional depth, alternate realities, and the inner turmoil Barry faces as he wrestles with his decision to alter the timeline, the story could have easily filled an entire season—if not more.
Barry Allen’s struggle in Flashpoint is one of the most compelling elements of the Flash’s lore. After saving his mother from being murdered by the Reverse-Flash, Barry creates an alternate timeline where everything is different. Initially, it seems like an ideal outcome, but soon he realizes that this new world is far from perfect, and the people he cares about are suffering because of his decision. It’s a powerful exploration of loss, responsibility, and the consequences of tampering with time.
Cast and Fans Express Their Disappointment
Fans have been vocal about their disappointment, particularly now that both Gustin and Panabaker have revealed they share the same regrets. Social media users have flooded X (formerly Twitter) with comments about how the Flashpoint arc was handled.
“I wish the entirety of Season 3 was ‘Flashpoint’ where the world Barry created off the timeline he knew because of what Eobard did was a Temporal Limbo and gives an explanation of why Barry’s memories were erasing and he was ‘losing his powers’.”
“They could’ve done at least half a season fully committed to that, if not a full season like they said. Missed opportunity for sure.”
The Creative Decision That Fans Can’t Forgive
The choice to limit the Flashpoint storyline was not one made by the cast but by the creative team behind The Flash. As much as fans adored the show, this decision has left a lasting mark on its legacy. For many, the truncated adaptation felt like a betrayal, as it robbed the series of what could have been one of its most compelling seasons.
“Even though Season 3 is my favorite season, I do think if they did at least half a season, it would’ve been better. Like, it would’ve been cool seeing more of Flashpoint, more of Barry forgetting who he is—the possibilities are insane for what they could’ve done.”
The Road Not Taken: What a Full Flashpoint Season Could Have Explored
Had The Flash dedicated an entire season—or at least half of it—to the Flashpoint arc, there were endless possibilities to explore. One of the most intriguing aspects of the storyline is Barry’s gradual loss of memory as he begins to forget his old life, his powers, and even his identity as the Flash. Fans have pointed out that this would have created a fascinating tension, as Barry’s internal struggle would mirror the external chaos of the alternate timeline he created.
Moreover, a full-season exploration could have allowed for deeper character development and more intricate storylines. Characters like Cisco Ramon, Iris West, and Caitlin Snow would have had the opportunity to experience drastically altered lives in the Flashpoint universe. Their relationships with Barry would have been more deeply impacted, adding layers of emotional complexity to the show.
One fan even suggested the arc could have served as a crossover event between The Flash and Arrow, another beloved CW series.
“Flashpoint should have been its own limited series starring both Amell and Grant, IMO. Arrow was dealing with magic, and Flash was dealing with time back then; you easily could’ve done something that merited having both shows intertwined for a bit.”
CW’s Biggest Regret: Fans May Never Forgive
Though The Flash ended on a high note, many fans may never forgive CW for cutting short the Flashpoint arc. With the potential for world-building, character growth, and dramatic tension, this storyline was ripe for exploration. Instead, viewers were left wanting more, feeling that the creative team had squandered an opportunity to deliver one of the best seasons in the show’s history.
Reflecting on what could have been, another fan wrote,
“Should’ve at minimum done it for half a season, let the big crossover event be the end of Flashpoint, and then the second half of the season would be the consequences of Flashpoint.”
Ultimately, the decision to rush the Flashpoint arc stands as one of the most controversial choices in The Flash’s nine-season run. While Grant Gustin’s portrayal of Barry Allen will remain iconic, and the show will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of fans, the regret over the handling of Flashpoint is likely to linger for years to come.
As the dust settles on the Arrowverse, fans are left wondering if the Flashpoint storyline will ever get the adaptation it deserves. Perhaps in future DC projects, there may be an opportunity to revisit this rich narrative. Until then, both the cast and fans will continue to reflect on what could have been—an entire season dedicated to one of the greatest stories in DC Comics history.
With endless potential and a chance for redemption, the world of The Flash still holds a flicker of hope that Flashpoint will one day get the attention it deserves. For now, fans will keep their fingers crossed, hoping that future adaptations can fully explore this thrilling and complex arc.