Is Harrison Wells a Good Guy or a Bad Guy in The Flash?

The character of Harrison Wells in The Flash series on The CW has been a pivotal figure, often portrayed as both a hero and a villain, leading to much intrigue and discussion among fans. His complex nature and shifting alliances have added layers to the show's narrative, making him one of the most intriguing characters.

A Shift in Alignment: From Mentor to Villain

Initially, Harrison Wells was introduced as a mentor to Barry Allen, The Flash. He was depicted as a brilliant scientist whose primary goal was to help Barry combat crime and protect Central City. However, as the series progressed, it was revealed that Wells had a darker side. In the first season, the Wells that viewers met was actually Eobard Thawne, a time-traveling villain from the future who had assumed Wells' identity. Thawne's true motives were self-serving, and he was responsible for many of the series' conflicts.

Multiple Versions of Harrison Wells

The character of Harrison Wells is not a singular entity but a conglomeration of different characters with varying moral alignments. This variety adds depth to the plot and character development in the series. Here are some of the key versions of Harrison Wells, along with their moral leanings:

Real Harrison Wells

The real Harrison Wells, from Earth-1, was a kind and loving husband who sought to help the world. Unfortunately, his life took a tragic turn when Thawne, a time-traveling villain, killed him and took on his identity. Many of the Harrison Wells seen throughout the series are actually Thawne, with some appearances from the real Wells providing a glimpse into the original character's personality and behavior.

Earth-2 Harrison Wells

Earth-2's Harrison Wells, played by Tom Cavanagh, is an oftentimes asinine figure who cares deeply for his daughter. Despite Thawne holding his daughter as ransom, Harry maintains a commitment to justice. As his arc progresses, he begins to form a healthier relationship with Team Flash, particularly with Cisco. Near the end of his story, Harrison struggles with the consequences of his actions and yearns for a closer emotional connection with his daughter, though his intellect is compromised by using a version of the Thinking Cap.

Earth-12 Harrison Wells

Earth-12's Wells is indifferent to life, focusing more on solving complex problems. He assisted in decoding the Thinker's identity and later commended Barry and Nora for their heroic deeds. While not aligning strictly with the team, his contributions are significant for the advancement of the storyline and the protection of Central City.

Earth-221 Harrison Wells

Earth-221's Wells, played by Michael Skinner, is a womanizer who has a few wives and cheats. He aids Team Flash in various missions but also holds a deep affection for them, seeing them as his only true friends.

Earth-19 Harrison Wells: H.R.

Earth-19's Wells, also known as H.R., is not well-liked by Team Flash due to his reputation as a cheater who takes credit for other people's work. However, he sacrificed his life to save Iris and defeat Savitar. His actions cannot be dismissed as entirely negative, as they contributed to the series' progression and gave some closure.

Conclusion: A Character of Complex Morality

The character of Harrison Wells is a testament to the multi-faceted storytelling in The Flash. Despite his amorality in some versions, his actions often drive the plot forward and have profound impacts on the series. His character arcs reflect the complexity of human nature and the gray areas that often characterize real-life moral dilemmas. Fans continue to debate and explore the nuances of this complex figure, adding layers of enjoyment and engagement to the series.