SDCC 2016: Flashpoint Timeline Detailed
For the Flash TV series, the season 02 finale granted both a fan wish, and made something so anticipated, fans were desperate for information. In the finale, Barry Allen, at a low point due to the loss of his father, went back in time and saved his mother from being murdered by the Reverse Flash. This event is called Flashpoint, a direct reference to an event in DC Comics by the same name. Season 03 at the beginning will reference the changes in the world because of that change.
At SDCC, it was revealed an entirely new timeline was indeed created, and all characters are affected. So much so that they detailed many of the changes.
WARNING!!!! Spoilers for Season 03 ahead!
- The fallout of “Flash’s” second season finale, referred to as Flashpoint, will have an effect on the other shared universe CW/DC shows. “Flash” lead Grant Gustin even said that he knows of a Flashpoint change in “Arrow,” which he said was a subtle one.
- When we pick up with “The Flash” in the season three premiere, a year will have passed since Barry altered the timeline and he will be loving his new life. Both of his parents are alive, Wally West is the Flash, and Barry works for the CCPD. But Barry will also get advice from another speedster about navigating the new timeline, Gustin said.
- Keiynan Lonsdale spoke about his role as the Flash of the Flashpoint timeline, saying that he’s confident in the part — maybe too confident. But, as Jesse L. Martin revealed, his identity won’t be known to his father, Joe West.
- Joe West will be on the outs with his daughter Iris West (Candice Patton) because of unrevealed reasons. Patton confirmed that Iris is still a reporter in the Flashpoint timeline, which is a job that she loves portraying on screen. Martin said that his character will be at a low point, and Barry will have to work hard to get Joe out of his rut. Lonsdale and Patton both weren’t sure if Joe West was still married in the Flashpoint timeline, as that hasn’t come up yet in the scripts they’ve received. Overall, though, the West family dynamic will have changed.
- Joe West’s relationship with the rest of the cast will have changed as well. While he will interact with Kid Flash, he won’t know that the hero is his son, Wally. And since he didn’t raise Barry Allen, the two won’t be terribly close — therefore, Joe won’t know who Cisco (Carlos Valdes) or Caitlin (Danielle Panabaker) are.
- Carlos Valdes spoke about Cisco’s arc in the upcoming season, saying that Flashpoint will affect the entire dynamic of the show. And while he remained mum about exactly how his Vibe powers will factor into his new Flashpoint role, he did tease that powers have a tendency to grow alongside characters.
- New cast addition Tom Felton spoke about his character, fellow Central City Police CSI Julian Dorn, saying that he will be suspicious of Barry Allen and will have a “slightly abrasive” relationship with him. He also said that while Julian will know Barry through years of working together, Barry will not be familiar with Julian due to his newness in the Flashpoint timeline.
- With “Supergirl” now on the CW, Grant Gustin expressed great excitement at the thought of Superman coming to the series (played by Tyler Hoechlin). But don’t expect to see a Flash and Superman team-up anytime soon. Gustin revealed that he has not yet shared a scene with Hoechlin, and doesn’t know if he actually will. “The Flash” is in production on the second episode of Season 3 right now, and “Supergirl” begins production on its second season next week.
- And while it’s been established that all four of the CW’s DC shows (“Arrow,” “Flash,” “Supergirl” and “Legends of Tomorrow”) will have a weeklong crossover this season, none of the cast members yet know what it will entail. When asked what he would like to see happen in the crossover, Keiynan Lonsdale laughed and said he just hopes he’s in it.