Relationships: Speed Dating

[phoenics]

Relationship-wise, I think the main point of Barry's diversion with Earth-2 Iris* was to re-kindle Barry's love of Iris; and yeah give him glimpse of his dream come true. But (and there's always a 'but'!) this 'love' story is still so one-sided. Iris still considers Barry as only a friend -- same as a season and a half ago.

 

Anyway I think we should a little more insight about E-2 WestAllen in the next episode, so looking forward to that.

 

*(while trying to ignore him being a creeper impersonating E-2 Barry)

 

-----

In non-WestAllen relationships: it sucks that Caitlyn is paired up with the lamest version of Jay Garrick ever. Alloif Killer Frost lines were silly, but I did like seeing her and Deathstorm/Ronnie together despite them being villains. I think Danielle has much better chemistry with Robbie Amell.

 

Actually I'm not so sure that Iris only sees Barry as a friend now.  I think that her comment to Barry before he left for E2 was a hint to him that he did have something to live for back on Earth 1 - her.  But Barry took it as her meaning Patty and went off in that direction... 

 

I don't think they are going to play this exactly the same way as S1 - in S1, Barry was a puppy - I actually think that this time, Iris will finally come into her full feelings for Barry (the newspaper guy Scott seems to only be a catalyst for Iris to wake up), only for Barry to pull back because he's so afraid of what Zoom will do or would do to Iris.

 

Then we get to see Iris pining for Barry, who is staying away to "protect" her.  So Barry will probably vocalize that he saw everything he wanted on E2, but he cannot have it on E1 because Zoom and danger... while Iris finally comes onboard the WA ship.  Angst.

Edited February 12, 2016 by phoenics

[iRarelyWatchTV36]

Actually I'm not so sure that Iris only sees Barry as a friend now.  I think that her comment to Barry before he left for E2 was a hint to him that he did have something to live for back on Earth 1 - her.  But Barry took it as her meaning Patty and went off in that direction... 

 

I don't think they are going to play this exactly the same way as S1 - in S1, Barry was a puppy - I actually think that this time, Iris will finally come into her full feelings for Barry (the newspaper guy Scott seems to only be a catalyst for Iris to wake up), only for Barry to pull back because he's so afraid of what Zoom will do or would do to Iris.

 

Then we get to see Iris pining for Barry, who is staying away to "protect" her.  So Barry will probably vocalize that he saw everything he wanted on E2, but he cannot have it on E1 because Zoom and danger... while Iris finally comes onboard the WA ship.  Angst.

 

'Liked' because I'm concurring with you;  it seems once you watch one or two CW shows, you've seen pretty much all of them.  That does look like the typical avenue this network likes to go with things like this. 

Edited February 13, 2016 by iRarelyWatchTV36

[Trini]

Actually I'm not so sure that Iris only sees Barry as a friend now.  I think that her comment to Barry before he left for E2 was a hint to him that he did have something to live for back on Earth 1 - her.  But Barry took it as her meaning Patty and went off in that direction... 

...

 

Okay, that's certainly a good way to interpret that scene; but it is also vague enough for it to be forgotten/re-written later. I want your scenario to happen, but I still don't trust these writers when it comes to any romantic relationships. If they are going forward with Barry/Iris, they've done poor job of setting it up so far, especially on Iris' side.

[Ruby25]

Okay, that's certainly a good way to interpret that scene; but it is also vague enough for it to be forgotten/re-written later. I want your scenario to happen, but I still don't trust these writers when it comes to any romantic relationships. If they are going forward with Barry/Iris, they've done poor job of setting it up so far, especially on Iris' side.

 

Right, which is what they really have to do now, and I think they will. AK said things are going to change btw them going forward, and that's really the only thing that needs to happen. We need Iris to realize she loves Barry and then that's it, they can be together. I think it will happen and I think that's what Scott's for. Maybe finding out they're happily married and in love on E2 will start to change how she looks at him again as well.

[driedfruit]

Okay, that's certainly a good way to interpret that scene; but it is also vague enough for it to be forgotten/re-written later. I want your scenario to happen, but I still don't trust these writers when it comes to any romantic relationships. If they are going forward with Barry/Iris, they've done poor job of setting it up so far, especially on Iris' side.

 

I don't trust the writers at all, but at this point there's nothing else they can do but move the relationship forward. They have to meet their romantic beats for the final and without Patty or Eddie around, they've narrowed themselves down to Iris and Barry's relationship. The only third party left is Iris' boss, but he's not likely to be around for the final episodes and so far he's serving a bigger purpose in the Flash defaming plot. 

 

If they weren't intending on advancing Iris/Barry's relationship, I'd think the obvious choice would be to keep Patty around a lot longer. Have it play out like season one, with the romantic plot centred on her and Barry with Iris/Barry teasing sprinkled in to keep the fans happy. 

[Trini]

The only third party left is Iris' boss, but he's not likely to be around for the final episodes and so far he's serving a bigger purpose in the Flash defaming plot.

 

I know there's been speculation, but I don't think he will be an actual love interest. We'll see.

[iRarelyWatchTV36]

I know there's been speculation, but I don't think he will be an actual love interest. We'll see.

 

'Liked' because I'm praying to God you're right.

 

 

(but this being CW, I'm not gonna hold my breath for that hope)

[phoenics]

I think he's here to push Iris toward her destiny with Barry... and hopefully, he's there to bring out her PoV more... the guy who could try to date her, but then he realizes her heart is with Barry and he tells her...

I see Scott as more of the guy who gives Iris the space she needs to work out what she really wants.

[iRarelyWatchTV36]

I think he's here to push Iris toward her destiny with Barry... and hopefully, he's there to bring out her PoV more... the guy who could try to date her, but then he realizes her heart is with Barry and he tells her...

I see Scott as more of the guy who gives Iris the space she needs to work out what she really wants.

 

PTV forums really should have 'Like', 'Agree', and 'Right Answer Regardless of Whatever Happens on Screen' choices for approving others' posts.  Because while I (not holding breath for, but) 'agree' with and 'like' (the direction of) your post, my thumbing up is more about the last 'choice' of approval options.  :)

[Trini]

Based on Candice's interviews;

when Iris finds out about E-2 Barry and Iris being married, etc., I hope she doesn't only find out from Barry. I think it would be good for her to hear it from a neutral third party, like Cisco.

Also it'd be a good excuse Iris and Cisco to have a scene together, which is rare.

[SevenStars]

Based on Candice's interviews;

when Iris finds out about E-2 Barry and Iris being married, etc., I hope she doesn't only find out from Barry. I think it would be good for her to hear it from a neutral third party, like Cisco.

Also it'd be a good excuse Iris and Cisco to have a scene together, which is rare.

I would like that but I don't think it will happen.

[iRarelyWatchTV36]

Well, going by his initial scenes and reaction to it, there's no way that Iris/new editor could ever realistically be a romance connection.  What a douche.  (Don't you dare find a way or reason go 'there' with this, CW.  *points two fingers at eyes, then at CW*  Watching you.)

 

Does make me wonder though if he will keep putting pressure on Iris to 'get the goods' on The Flash, thus forcing her to choose one or the other [barry or her job].  I'd be all for that, if it means a change of career from reporter to cop.  E2!Iris/CP was rocking the hell out of being a cop.  CP nails it each time, and doesn't get on my TV screen near enough, most the time The Flash is on.

 

 

I mentioned it in the ep thread, but now that Jessie is on Earth-1, looks like the rumors/speculation weren't quite as false or far-fetched as they were when I first read about them, that being the possible

Jessie/Wally relationship.  So long as it doesn't negatively impact any possible WA, I'm indifferent towards it happening or not happening.

[Ruby25]

Yeah, I really didn't have a good first impression of this Scott guy. He seems like a dick. I guess he could get nicer, but frankly I don't know what sweet, kind Iris would see in him, so I'm hoping it does NOT go there.

 

I do think we're ready to just have Iris and Barry be together now, esp after seeing them on E2. If they're not together by the finale I'll be shocked, but maybe it should happen sooner than that, like an episode or two before even. I think the last thing people want to sit through is another pointless love interest, so hopefully the writers know that.

[Trini]

Well, Iris has as much luck with bosses as Caitlyn does with boyfriends, so maybe we shouldn't be too worried about him.  :-P

 

But speaking of Caitlyn, how many times does she have to see her lover die in front her eyes, show?

Edited February 17, 2016 by Trini

[zannej]

If Scot puts the moves on Iris, she'll have grounds for a sexual harassment lawsuit since he's her boss. So, she could use that as leverage if he tries to fire her or retaliate.

 

I didn't agree with Candice's belief that putting destined lovers together too soon is so problematic. If the writers can't figure out where to go from there, then they lack creativity. The comic books had Iris and Barry together and still moved forward. They could find ways to make it interesting. Just because they are a couple doesn't mean they will always agree on things or that there will be no conflict.

 

I admit I don't want to see Jesse and Wally hook up-- mostly because I want to see Wally hook up with Linda.

[driedfruit]

How is Scott a douche or a dick? It's the editor's job to control the direction of the newspaper and the articles that go in it. If Geomancer has gone loose on the city and Flash is nowhere to be found, it's up to the media to ask why. All he did was tell Iris to do her job. 

 

I find his jaded attitude towards the Flash refreshing, I was disappointed when Eddie went around and became a fanboy. It'll be interesting to see how Scott pushes Iris and she might actually get a decent storyline for once. 

 

 

Yeah, I really didn't have a good first impression of this Scott guy. He seems like a dick. I guess he could get nicer, but frankly I don't know what sweet, kind Iris would see in him, so I'm hoping it does NOT go there.

 

 

He's smart, handsome, bold, (and going by his age and occupation) clearly he's both ambitious and accomplished. All great qualities. The only issue I see is their disagreement about how critical of Flash the newspaper should get, which essentially comes down to Iris having insider knowledge (she was quick to turn away from Flash herself that time he attacked Eddie). The fact that he's her boss is one of those TV things we're supposed to ignore. 

Edited February 17, 2016 by driedfruit

[iRarelyWatchTV36]

I think the reason I believe Scott is a douche is because there's being a "tough boss" and then there's being a dick for the sake of it.

 

I can't imagine that an abrupt greeting of something like "Hi, I'm your new editor.  Nice to meet you.  Start writing something other than your normal garbage.  Now get lost."  exactly gets the I can't wait to work for this guy! juices flowing.

Edited February 17, 2016 by iRarelyWatchTV36

[driedfruit]

I don't think he was a dick for the sake of it, to me he came across as honest, no nonsense and probably very busy. He doesn't have time to coddle his employees and if they give him garbage he'll call them out on it. If she's giving him fluff then she deserves the curt rejection. It's not his job to hold her hand. 

[phoenics]

Yeah, I really didn't have a good first impression of this Scott guy. He seems like a dick. I guess he could get nicer, but frankly I don't know what sweet, kind Iris would see in him, so I'm hoping it does NOT go there.

 

I do think we're ready to just have Iris and Barry be together now, esp after seeing them on E2. If they're not together by the finale I'll be shocked, but maybe it should happen sooner than that, like an episode or two before even. I think the last thing people want to sit through is another pointless love interest, so hopefully the writers know that.

I don't think they will be together - I think Iris will be ready and finally onboard, but Barry will go into his "It's too dangerous" thing and that will ruin it.

Or worse, he'll think Iris wants Scott and decide to hook up with someone else (I will spit fire if that happens).

[Lady Calypso]

I don't think he was a dick for the sake of it, to me he came across as honest, no nonsense and probably very busy. He doesn't have time to coddle his employees and if they give him garbage he'll call them out on it. If she's giving him fluff then she deserves the curt rejection. It's not his job to hold her hand. 

 

For me, it's the fact that he called her work garbage not even a minute after meeting her. First impressions are everything and telling her that what she does is garbage is definitely rude and he could have at least attempted to say it in a nicer way. 

 

I think I'll have to watch the episode again to make a better judgement on the guy, but thus far, I do think he was a dick. Sure, it's ok to not like The Flash and think that people shouldn't rely on superheroes. But when I was watching the episode, the way he went about it seemed very off-putting. So I'm not really rooting for him and Iris to get together. I don't mind her learning something from him and Scott becoming her mentor for the long run, but I don't see them in a romantic relationship, nor do I want that. 

[phoenics]

I so don't want to see an Iris/Scott relationship - if for nothing more than 1) fans will blame Iris for hooking up with her boss and 2) it might drive Barry away (even though that's stupid given he was with Patty).

Oh and I didn't like Scott much. He's good looking, but charm-less (though I expect that's on purpose).

Edited February 17, 2016 by phoenics

[Trini]

Earth-2 WestAllen reminded me of another TV couple, Chuck and Sarah from Chuck. Barry is the smart, lovable nerd with a big heart, and Iris is the alpha female who can handle herself and a gun. However, I think Iris is warmer and more open than Sarah; and both seem to have more trust in each other.

[Trini]

Squee-tastic Westallen pic - :-)

[iRarelyWatchTV36]

I don't think they will be together - I think Iris will be ready and finally onboard, but Barry will go into his "It's too dangerous" thing and that will ruin it.

Or worse, he'll think Iris wants Scott and decide to hook up with someone else (I will spit fire if that happens).

 

I agree about being mad if this happens, and I do not believe it will happen - or at least, I sure don't want it to... but I was reading fan discussion about the episode elsewhere, and someone brought up the slight (justified) concern that it being the CW, they might run with a (somewhat brief) Barry/Jesse 'hookup' relationship.

 

Again, I do not want that to happen, but this is CW and we know their track record.........

Edited February 17, 2016 by iRarelyWatchTV36

[Ruby25]

The idea of a Barry/Jesse thing seems very unlikely to me, if only because I think Jesse's supposed to be like 17. Seriously, they said she graduated high school at 15 and all? I'm pretty sure she's a teenager, and they're not gonna hook Barry up with a teenager.

[iRarelyWatchTV36]

The idea of a Barry/Jesse thing seems very unlikely to me, if only because I think Jesse's supposed to be like 17. Seriously, they said she graduated high school at 15 and all? I'm pretty sure she's a teenager, and they're not gonna hook Barry up with a teenager.

 

I didn't recall Jesse's (exact) age, but then that's great, because I didn't want to see any B/J in the first place (even if ages were compatible).  Any other B/? or I/? relationship, other than B/I at this point, will be nothing more than a WA ship stall [iMO]. 

 

[Which reminds, they just had to have a PS mention on Earth-2, didn't they?  *ugh*  Pretty ballsy by E2!Barry to call her pretty right in front of his wife, though]

Edited February 17, 2016 by iRarelyWatchTV36

[Trini]

I thought so too, but on re-watch, E-2 Barry said Patty was "pretty thorough" -- referring to her case files.

 

---

And besides the fact the Jesse is probably a teen, Barry just got a good look at his dream life with Iris; so I don't think he's about to pursue something with the daughter of the guy who's willing to kill for her.

Edited February 17, 2016 by Trini

[iRarelyWatchTV36]

I thought so too, but on re-watch, E-2 Barry said Patty was "pretty thorough" -- referring to her case files.

 

---

And besides the fact the Jesse is probably a teen, Barry just got a good look at his dream life with Iris; so I don't think he's about to pursue something with the daughter of the guy who's willing to kill for her.

 

 

Ah, good catch.  Still couldn't have done with no more Patty - even just mentions - period, though.

 

---

 

I wouldn't mind WA not being a 'permanent' thing real soon, as long as obstacles like ship stalling 'triangles' are kept out of it.  Just because Barry knows he and Iris can be married and happy together on another Earth, doesn't mean they will be on his Earth, at least not in the immediate future. 

 

I could deal with B/I starting a fledgling relationship somewhat soon (towards end of this season, start of next), and having that bond build over the course of a few seasons - with some realistic obstacles along the way, of course [& I don't mean 'triangle's are "realistic", CW!] - into a fully matured, happy, and married couple.

 

That'd be the dream scenario..... so I won't count on it, but would be awesome to see.

[phoenics]

I just don't trust these writers to throw in another stall... and a really bad one at that.

[GHScorpiosRule]

Unless the show forgot about last season, if knowing that he and Iris were married in the future, didn't convince Barry to pursue Iris, after a reasonable time for her to mourn Eddie, then am I supposed to then believe, okay, their dopplegangers are married in an alternate universe, so now maybe he'll pursue her?

 

I really didn't like how Patty's name was thrown in the first part of the Earth 2 episode, by Iris, for the reason that Barry might not come back, as if she were his ONE TRUE LOVE. Blech.  Barry and Iris shouldn't need "triangle" angst to keep them apart. They should be together. And since this show, like Arrow, and others before them and now alongside them, have created this "team" dynamic, which means the hero or heroine needs to be told how to be a superhero and do his or her job, they're made to look like idiots who need a "team" to tell them what to do.

 

But, I digress.  If they need angst, it can come in the form of external forces and not internal ones.

 

I didn't like Scott, either.  But from a different perspective. If he, as editor, thinks everything Iris wrote was "garbage" then he should have fired her. Why keep someone on the payroll that writes garbage? So clearly, it was plot pointy to lay the groundwork for "friction" between those two.

 

Me: Blech, and no thanks!

Edited February 18, 2016 by GHScorpiosRule

[rogueprinzess]

I didn't agree with Candice's belief that putting destined lovers together too soon is so problematic. If the writers can't figure out where to go from there, then they lack creativity. The comic books had Iris and Barry together and still moved forward. They could find ways to make it interesting. Just because they are a couple doesn't mean they will always agree on things or that there will be no conflict.

 

Honestly I think Candice's statement was influenced by the way that the CW has handled couples on other shows. For shallow, insipid stations like the CW, relationships are the epitome of boring and the death knell to any "sexiness" or "intrigue". Of course you can have a couple together and still have all of those things. Dating a superhero is never, ever easy. There will always be conflict with Barry's priorities when ti comes to being the Flash and a boyfriend/husband/father. There can be issues with Iris and her pursuits if they conflict with Barry or put her in perceived danger. There are other external forces (that aren't other romantic ones) that can cause problems (i.e. Misogynistic Poppa Joe or members of Team Flash). Not to mention the internal conflicts Barry could/should be experiencing as he figures out the superhero he wants to be. I could go on and on...but apparently the show can't even start. I think Candice has a (valid) concern that if Iris ends up with Barry "too early" that her character will be diminished to becoming a bland cheerleader who only pops onscreen when Barry needs yet another pep talk or reassurance. (Not that she's not already kinda there). 

 

With the CW's penchant for unnecessary triangle drama, I'm pretty sure that Iris' new boss will throw some kind of kink in the works for Westallen. At this point I've seen so little of him that I haven't formed an opinion. 

Edited February 18, 2016 by rogueprinzess

[driedfruit]

I didn't like Scott, either.  But from a different perspective. If he, as editor, thinks everything Iris wrote was "garbage" then he should have fired her. Why keep someone on the payroll that writes garbage? So clearly, it was plot pointy to lay the groundwork for "friction" between those two.

 

Her connections to Flash makes her too valuable. The closeup of Flash she snapped is how she saved herself from getting the boot last year. 

 

Honestly I think Candice's statement was influenced by the way that the CW has handled couples on other shows.

 

 

Actors often support and defend their bosses. I think it's a similar case here and not indicative of her personal feelings. It's like when she said she likes the way the writers handled Iris grieving Eddie.

Edited February 18, 2016 by driedfruit

[Trini]

...  Barry and Iris shouldn't need "triangle" angst to keep them apart. They should be together. ...

... Of course you can have a couple together and still have all of those things. Dating a superhero is never, ever easy. There will always be conflict with Barry's priorities when ti comes to being the Flash and a boyfriend/husband/father. ...

 

I mean, seriously -- you could probably do a show just on that idea alone: The Superhero Wives Club, or something.

[iRarelyWatchTV36]

Very good points, GHScorpiosRule, and I agree with all of it.

 

But did Iris say Barry had Patty's leaving to live for, or just 'something' to live for (ie, left up in the air, because she couldn't say what she really wanted to/meant)?  I recall that scene as her trying to 'tell' Barry that he had better come back to her, or she was a/the reason he had to come back, but he somehow took it to mean a lesson about his moving past his grief over the loss of Patty.  I remember watching that and thinking "WTF Barry!?  How is the grieving process - getting over a selfish woman, no less - a reason to come back to your Earth??  Where the hell did you pull that idiocy from?!"

[iRarelyWatchTV36]

So now Iris knows her E2 counterpart and Barry's E2 self were married.  Wonder if we'll see some introspection on her part with that knowledge, along with the late-S1 info she already had  [by-line name on future paper and Barry telling her he's been in love with her for a long time].

[rogueprinzess]

So now Iris knows her E2 counterpart and Barry's E2 self were married.  Wonder if we'll see some introspection on her part with that knowledge, along with the late-S1 info she already had  [by-line name on future paper and Barry telling her he's been in love with her for a long time].

 

Yeah, her expression was super hard to read. Joe didn't seem the least fazed, but then again he already knows that Barry's in love with Iris. But it's also not Iris' first rodeo with hearing that she and Barry are married. The timing may be right on this reveal though; it's been at least a year since Eddie's death and Barry's had another "adult" relationship, so perhaps now they will both be in the same place at the same time with their feelings.

[Ruby25]

Probably, but I still believe it was absolutely horrendous writing not have ANY hints at all about their buried romantic feelings for each other this entire season, up until now. As if it had completely disappeared.

 

It actually confused people! I even saw it in places like reddit, where someone would occasionally think it was weird that Barry seems to have zero feelings for Iris anymore after the whole arc of the first season.

 

Seriously, the bare minumum would have been to show a longing look, a lingering glance, a twinge of sadness on Iris's end about Patty, and do it just every few episodes even. For the sake of CONTINUITY, if nothing else.

[rogueprinzess]

^^ Continuity hasn't been a strong suit on this show at all. I can't even count the number of loose ends.

[iRarelyWatchTV36]

Barry cries alot, in both seasons, what more continuity is needed??

 

 

But seriously, yes, any possible WA that happens this season will have that vague sense of "they both (still) feel that way about each other?" hovering over it;

 

-  No 'looks' or mentions of feelings that were all over the place in S1 [aside from that tiny "she's not Iris" bit from Barry back in episode 2 or 3]

-  No visiting during convalescences from major injuries or trauma  [not even mentions about why either couldn't be there at that time]

-  Strong lack of even just 'tells' that both grew up as the strongest of friends  [iris' Mom-arc]

-  etc...

[zannej]

I'm still bummed that they cut Barry visiting Iris in the hospital from a previous episode. I wish the writers seemed to know what to do with Iris. Hell, I wish they didn't feel the need to have a romantic interest for them. A lot of attention Caitlin got had to do with her angst over Ronnie and now Jay. If they can't put a woman in a romantic relationship, they have a hard time figuring how to use her. And since Iris is supposed to end up with Barry and they are doing the stupid waiting game with them, we get less of Iris. Whether or not it has something to do with race, I have no idea. I'm sure Danielle is a sweet woman, but I much prefer Candice's acting style and think she could bring so much more to the show.

I'd love to see Iris getting to interview Dr. Wells about the differences between Earth1 and Earth2. I'd also love to see her maybe take Jesse under her wing a little and show her around Central City so she can get out of STARLabs for a change. She could take her to Jitters and get her perspective on the world as an outsider. At the same time, I think she could help Jesse appreciate that she is getting to explore another universe/dimension. Caitlin isn't exactly in the best place emotionally to be able to help Jesse, and I think that even if she were, she doesn't deal with people well enough to handle it. As much as Harry may want to bond with his daughter, she's probably still a bit resentful that her life got turned upsidedown and it's his fault. Also, he can't really go with her out in public. Now, I don't want them to have the stereotypical girls going clothes shopping though. I HATE clothes shopping. I generally hate shopping in general-- unless it is a computer/electronics or hardware store. LOL.

[Oscirus]

I have to give this show credit. They definitively broke up Barry-Patty. They could've ended the relationship on the open ended excuse that Patty had to leave town to go to school, but they gave it an extra episode and made sure to show that Patty wasn't the one for him due to his refusal to reveal his identity to her until she got on the bus.

 

On the other hand, I can no longer get behind West-Allen because they refuse to treat that relationship like an adult relationship. The fact that there's no resentment from Iris towards Barry for the death of her fiancée due to Barry's mommy issues is just silly. I'm also not a fan of a relationship arising because of the inevitability of it. What happens on earth two should have no affect on Iris's thoughts on a relationship with Barry like the writers seem to be hinting at in interviews.

[Grace19]

I get your concern about earth2 being what will revive iris interest in barry, I was worried about it too. If I was writing this, the way to go about it will be for Iris to confide in someone that she have always been attracted to barry, but that the fear of a romance with him not just affecting them, but joe and now wally if it didnt work out, kept her from entertaining it. But since it worked out for them on E2 and the other timeline from season one, they might have a chance to make it work it. I'm just saying that they can use it as a way to make her less scared of her feelings for barry. It could even help explain why we never got iris POV about her feelings for barry, like she is running from them. But thats just wishful thinking on my part, lol. I'll wait to see how they handle it, I love the chemistry between grant and candice, I hope they don't waste it.

[zannej]

Maybe Iris has problems because she never found a guy her dad approved of and then the most serious relationship she had ended in the guy killing himself (albeit while trying to save the day). She might be afraid that Barry will die too. I agree that she might have felt that it would make things awkward with her dad if she had shown an interest in Barry.

[Ruby25]

Maybe Iris has problems because she never found a guy her dad approved of and then the most serious relationship she had ended in the guy killing himself (albeit while trying to save the day). She might be afraid that Barry will die too. I agree that she might have felt that it would make things awkward with her dad if she had shown an interest in Barry.

Any of that could work, but I'm betting right now that none of that will be brought up at all. They refuse to tell us why Iris is taking so long to figure out she loves Barry, even though after he confessed to her, she realized it in a fairly reasonable amount of time. And then once that was taken away, it's almost like the writers perferred to have not just what happened be erased, but her feelings overall.

 

Because it really doesn't make any sense for her to choose Eddie in the first place, when she realized fairly quickly after Barry confessed that she loved him too. You're telling me because he erased one day she's never going to come to that conclusion on her own now, ever? And then just because Eddie dies, that also somehow kills her feelings for Barry that she'd had all along anyway? That would not happen in real life either.

 

They can't figure out a real reason for this to be delayed, so they flat out don't state one, and essentially pretend last season never happened. That's what they did this year, pretty much. Let's just act like last season never happened, and then we can reintroduce the Barry/Iris thing on E2 and then Iris will SLOWLY realize her own feelings (apparently for the first time?!!) just in time for the season finale, and then we've successfully wasted two seasons in not having them just freakin' be together already.

 

I know that's what they're doing. And it's such horrible writing, that it's insanely frustrating sometimes. I'm so sick of dragging shit like this out- it's NOT interesting and the way they did this one in particular, it's downright confusing. People can write ongoing, interesting, fun or funny couples. Shows do not need to have will they/won't they bullshit. It's old hat and completely cliche, it's time wasting filler. Especially if they turn it into YEARS long time wasting filler (if you're gonna do that you really need to have a fucking good reason, not no reason at all). Do a build up of a handful of episodes, and then GET to it! Audiences can handle seeing a couple on a show like this, esp one that everyone knows is destined and most importantly, was never NOT together in canon (aside from later stories where Iris was mistakenly and temporarily believed dead). They're supposed to be a couple, so let them be one already. Damn.

Edited March 7, 2016 by Ruby25

[GHScorpiosRule]

Any of that could work, but I'm betting right now that none of that will be brought up at all. They refuse to tell us why Iris is taking so long to figure out she loves Barry, even though after he confessed to her, she realized it in a fairly reasonable amount of time. And then once that was taken away, it's almost like the writers perferred to have not just what happened be erased, but her feelings overall.

 

Because it really doesn't make any sense for her to choose Eddie in the first place, when she realized fairly quickly after Barry confessed that she loved him too. You're telling me because he erased one day she's never going to come to that conclusion on her own now, ever? And then just because Eddie dies, that also somehow kills her feelings for Barry that she'd had all along anyway? That would not happen in real life either.

 

They can't figure out a real reason for this to be delayed, so they flat out don't state one, and essentially pretend last season never happened. That's what they did this year, pretty much. Let's just act like last season never happened, and then we can reintroduce the Barry/Iris thing on E2 and then Iris will SLOWLY realize her own feelings (apparently for the first time?!!) just in time for the season finale, and then we've successfully wasted two seasons in not having them just freakin' be together already.

 

I know that's what they're doing. And it's such horrible writing, that it's insanely frustrating sometimes. I'm so sick of dragging shit like this out- it's NOT interesting and the way they did this one in particular, it's downright confusing. People can write ongoing, interesting, fun or funny couples. Shows do not need to have will they/won't they bullshit. It's old hat and completely cliche, it's time wasting filler. Especially if they turn it into YEARS long time wasting filler (if you're gonna do that you really need to have a fucking good reason, not no reason at all). Do a build up of a handful of episodes, and then GET to it! Audiences can handle seeing a couple on a show like this, esp one that everyone knows is destined and most importantly, was never NOT together in canon (aside from later stories where Iris was mistakenly and temporarily believed dead). They're supposed to be a couple, so let them be one already. Damn.

 

 

PREACH! And can I get an AMEN? AMEN!!!!!

 

I just watched the Young Justice episode "Bloodlines" where we had the Flash family reunion. SIGH...

 

Bart coming from the future, because the future is some dystopian nightmare, and why would he want to go back? And accidentally lets it slip that Iris is preggers with twins.  And Barry's like "Whaaaat?" and Iris is all like "Sorry babe. I was going to tell you.", but she didn't know about it being twins.

 

And Wally being all...skeptic...and Jay and his wife all, confused...and at the end, they all work together and Jay wearing his hat that the wife will kill him for doing. Double sigh....

 

Don't get me started with what they did with Wally, though.

 

Just sign me STILL BITTER.

[Oscirus]

Maybe Iris has problems because she never found a guy her dad approved of and then the most serious relationship she had ended in the guy killing himself (albeit while trying to save the day). She might be afraid that Barry will die too. I agree that she might have felt that it would make things awkward with her dad if she had shown an interest in Barry.

That would be worse because it would indicate that her dad is dictating her relationships.  Thereby removing the one piece of agency that Iris has on this show.

 

As for the second part with her worrying about Barry dying like Eddie did, if she was that worried then she would at least try to keep Barry at a distance.

[missysays]

I think everyone's (my own included) frustrations about continuity and consistency of the way the Barry/Iris love story is developed is in part due to the writers never having time to give Iris' PoV.

 

You get Barry's PoV on their relationship sort of... He's been the good trouper since she told him late in season 1 that she loves Eddie and wants to be with him. He goes back in time to "save his mother" with the full knowledge that he was too late with Iris in their current timeline and that she's in a committed relationship with Eddie. Throughout the first part of season 2, he's operating under that same scenario- except now he and Iris have the added weight of Eddie's death and Barry's guilt hanging between them. He does allude in passing to Patty not being the same as Iris but even Joe is telling him to move on and give a new girl a chance. So he does just that- he tries to date Patty all the while keeping her at arms length and not letting her fully into his "real" life as the Flash. He does almost succeed in burying his feelings for Iris until the mission to Earth-2. He's completely ripped out of the carefully reconstructed life he made for himself and reminded of his "love" for Iris again- whether on Earth-1 or Earth-2. I'm thinking in particular of that scene right before E-2 Iris goes with Cisco to confront Killer Frost and Deathstorm when E-2 Iris grabs his chin and says 'i love you' he says it back in this way like all the effort he's made moving on from her was for nothing bc on this different Earth it all comes sliding back down on him. And in King Shark you see him dealing with it again even if it's not said out loud. Even when he tells Iris and Joe that E-2 Barry and Iris were married he tells the story that "we" were married and E-2 Joe didn't like "me" he can't differentiate. It's greater than just the love story/ it's also E-2 Joe's death but it's all intertwined for Barry and you sense that his feelings for Iris has come back into his consciousness. That side look he gives her after he lets slip that they're married on the other Earth.

 

But Iris... she gets none of the same opportunity to express herself and her feelings- about Barry or even about Eddie's death. You see her surprise and pause when Barry tells her that they're married on E-2 but you don't know what she's thinking. Iris in general since the start of the show hasn't been given too many opportunities for you to know what her PoV is. The only two times you do know her feelings are once right before the tsunami hits when she admits her feelings for Barry and then once and only once as a voiceover intro in the episode when she learns that Barry is the Flash. I think as someone mentioned further up this thread that Iris' interactions with Scott her new editor will finally allow her a chance to reflect on her state of mind about Eddie and Barry and then she'll be ready to move forward with her emotional life. It's a pity that it takes another male to serve as a catalyst for her emotional advancement but I guess better that than nothing else but Iris silently emoting but not given any dialogue to speak. That was one of the things I hated about the scene when Barry admits to Iris his feelings for the first time in season 1. The scene itself was beautifully acted by both of the actors but the fact that Iris is mute throughout the entire thing always makes me roll my eyes. Hopefully it's not just her agency that she regains in some of the later episodes of season 2 but her voice (literally!) as well.

[Trini]

 

... I know that's what they're doing. And it's such horrible writing, that it's insanely frustrating sometimes. I'm so sick of dragging shit like this out- it's NOT interesting and the way they did this one in particular, it's downright confusing. People can write ongoing, interesting, fun or funny couples. Shows do not need to have will they/won't they bullshit. It's old hat and completely cliche, it's time wasting filler. ...

 

'Word' to your whole post, but about this part in particular: I wouldn't even mind a "will-they-won't-they" on this show. The push-pull from both sides (see: the post above) could be interesting. However, the showrunners seem to have decided they will, eventually, so... they think they don't have to do anything right now. Which is so wrong.

Edited March 9, 2016 by Trini

[zannej]

Oscirus, they've already shown that Iris is sometimes a doormat for her father. She didn't pursue a career in law enforcement because he didn't want her to and she kept her relationship with Eddie a secret because she didn't want to face his disapproval. Despite being a grown woman, she still wants her daddy's approval. I have known people who don't enter relationships or don't get too serious because they lost someone and are afraid to lose someone again. There does seem to be some distance between her and Barry now. It's a shame.

I wish the writers had better skill at doing romantic relationships-- not that I want to see romance on the show, but thus far what they've done has flopped. And the whole will they won't they thing is just old and boring to me. I at least want to see Barry and Iris back to being what kids these days call "BFFs".

[iRarelyWatchTV36]

Really like and agree with about the last week's worth of posts here.

 

Sums up all my frustrations with the total lack and seemingly forgetting of the WA on the writers' part.  ALL of season 1 was about Barry being in love with Iris, and her even returning those feelings - once he cleared the air about his side of it - and now, even still to this point, we're left wondering if they were ever really even lifelong friends, let alone anything more.

 

The post a couple above this one is especially insightful, and something I brought up before... Iris hasn't been allowed a PoV this season, and on the very rare occasion she was allowed, her [true] feelings for/about Barry never once came up.  It never came up with Joe or Francine?  Oh wait, I forgot, all the relationship feelings/regrets/longings discussions, this season, only occur between Barry & Joe.  It started to get better right before the hiatus, but up to that point since the start of S2, Iris was severely under utilized, or some of her scenes (in the grand scheme of things) didn't really do much more than her just being there to fulfill Candice's contract as a 'main character'.

 

They've got some major patchwork to do irt (the potential) WA to make it believable again.  If they 'throw them together' just because *comics*, that won't work.  We have to be allowed to see Iris re-realizing her feelings for Barry and then working up to approaching him about it.  Barry needs to work on that as well, remembering he fell in love with his Iris, and not think it should automatically happen just because of what he witnessed on E-2.

Edited March 9, 2016 by iRarelyWatchTV36