Are People More Cold to Reverse-Flash Eobard Thawne in The Flash TV Series?
The character of Reverse-Flash, Eobard Thawne, has been a significant part of the The Flash TV series since its inception. However, his storylines and appearances have been met with a mixed reaction, with many fans questioning whether they love the character more or whether the writers have mishandled his presence in the series.
Early Appearances and Vanishing Act
Interestingly, when Reverse-Flash first appeared in the show, fans were eager to see him. His introduction in the first season took place during the Crisis on Earth-X crossover event, but the writers decided not to fully flesh out his character for that particular story. In Season 1, it was averted storyline where it was to be revealed that Barry fights and defeats Reverse-Flash, but that character did not vanish, leading to the Crisis never happening as Barry had anticipated. This initial setup promised potential riches for Eobard's narrative but ended up dissolved with a simple rationale, stating that they had 'already used him too much.' This decision frustrated many fans who wanted to see a full-blown storyline involving the character.
Overuse and Underuse
The character was reintroduced in Season 5, where he made significant promises in a heart-wrenching moment to Zoom's daughter from the future, a climactic event that seemed to guarantee a substantial impact on the storyline. However, his final appearance in the series came at the tail end of Season 7, acting as a tool for the real antagonists. This abrupt end to his role was met with disappointment, especially when he was sidelined for a series of episodes without even a cameo. Much like the finale of Game of Thrones, his abrupt fade out left many viewers feeling unsatisfied.
Appearance Patterns and Satisfaction
Reverse-Flash became a regular character in the show, but his importance has waned over time. He was the main villain for only a few episodes and even in those episodes, his stakes were often secondary to the overarching plot. In Season 2, 3, 4, and 6, he only made a brief appearance, indicating that his storylines were either overshadowed or less impactful. This inconsistency in his storyline made his presence in the series seem underutilized and irrelevant, which contributed to the fan base's dissatisfaction.
Popularity and Writers' Flaws
Despite these patterns, the character remains popular among fans, as evidenced by the numerous fan forums, discussions, and tie-in content. Many fans express their appreciation for Eobard's scenes and stories, while criticizing the writers for their underwhelming storytelling. The writers’ decision to use him as a mere prop in Season 7 not only disappointed fans but also highlighted a potential case of mismanagement in the character's development.
Some might argue that the writers keep bringing him back because they value the character, which would be a testament to his appeal. However, the constant mention of boredom and the phrase 'already used too much' sets a negative tone. In the competitive realm of television writing, it is challenging to maintain consistent quality and interest, particularly when a well-received character is used for a laundry list of episodes with decreasing relevance.
Conclusion
While Reverse-Flash Eobard Thawne's role in The Flash TV series has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, the issue lies more with the writers and their storytelling choices rather than the character himself. Fans are conflicted, with some loving his various appearances, while others wish for a more substantial and consistent storyline. The character remains a part of the series, greatly admired by fans, but with a calling for better writing and character development.