Unexpected Survival: HR Wells in The Flash TV Shows Arrowverse
HR Wells, the introspective and brilliant scientist in The Flash universe, had a particularly complex and tragic storyline in the Arrowverse's DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Initially, his survival was contingent on an alternate timeline in which Savitar succeeded. This nightmare scenario saw Savitar victorious, leading to the death of Iris West and the loss of Cisco Parrand's Vibe powers. However, there were other possibilities for HR Wells' survival that could have seen Iris live to see another day. These alternate scenarios involved different characters and complex moral dilemmas.
Surviving in a Savitar-Won Timeline
In one particular narrative, HR Wells managed to survive the grim aftermath of Savitar's ultimate victory. This timeline saw the death of Iris, with Killer Frost (Barbara Ann Reverse) ruthlessly destroying Cisco Parrand's hands, effectively rendering him unable to use his Vibe powers. With Savitar's victory, Cisco was now forced to rely on robotic hands. The Arrowverse's prodigious speedster, Barry Allen, had already broken up Team Flash and shut down STAR Labs, pulling the plug on crime-fighting operations.
The personal toll on characters was equally devastating. Wally West, Barry’s young and energetic counterpart, had engaged in a fierce battle with Savitar and had been left paraplegic, his spine shattered. Additionally, Killer Frost was detained at Iron Heights with Julian Mayne serving as her caretaker. In this timeline, Rooie O’Donnell (Joe West) became considerably despondent, often visiting Iris’s gravesite in a state of mourning.
HR Wells' Life in a Changing Timeline
Despite the bleakness of this reality, HR Wells managed to find solace in his writing. His book, The Streak vs. Mr. Reflecto, became a bestseller, commemorating his unique contribution to the world of The Flash. Furthermore, The CW honored his legacy by dubbing his sidekick as CC Jitters and renaming him after him—CC Jitters became known as HR Jitters in his honor.
Alternative Survival Scenarios
Another potential survival scenario involved the unlikely yet plausible change of timelines through HR Wells' technology. In this scenario, HR Wells could have used his device to swap timelines, saving Iris West from the consequences of the Savitar timeline. However, the decision to change timelines posed a significant risk. Joe West, Iris’s father, would likely be the most willing to swap timelines since he is the closest to her. Nevertheless, this potential action could create a rift between Iris and Barry Allen, as Iris might perceive Joe as her father’s killer, even if it was technically a past version of Joe.
HR Wells' Legacy
In an alternative reality, HR Wells' consciousness appeared to reside only in the mind of Nash Wells, indicating a transfer of his mental state to his descendant. This scenario highlights the intricate and potentially unsettling implications of time travel and temporal manipulation in the Arrowverse.
In conclusion, HR Wells' survival in The Flash TV show Arrowverse was not straightforward. The stories and possibilities explored in the universe of The Flash offer a rich narrative tapestry filled with moral quandaries and personal struggles. Whether through the grim outcomes of a Savitar-won timeline or through the complex decision-making surrounding time travel, HR Wells’ legacy continues to enrich the world of The Flash beyond just his scientific contributions.