The Flash, S2 Ep14 – Escape From Earth-2

In the second part of The Flash’s Earth-2 adventure, Barry finds himself trapped in Zoom’s prison cells along with Harrison Wells’ daughter Jesse and a mysterious masked character who is unable to speak. Utilizing the assistance of Earth-2 Barry, Iris, and even Killer Frost, Cisco and Wells attempt to find Barry and save him. Meanwhile Earth-1 has its own problems as Geomancer continues to wreak havoc on Central City and Jay Garrick does everything he can to stop him.

Who is the man in the metal mask?

The most intriguing part of “Escape From Earth-2” was the man in the metal mask, and since the episode’s premiere some interesting theories on who he is have appeared online. Being unable to speak, most likely due to the mask Zoom has placed on his head, the man communicates through a series of knocks. Once Barry and Jesse decipher his code the man spells out the letters J-A-Y and seems to become upset when Barry explains to him that Jay Garrick is on Earth-1. Unfortunately, Zoom enters and puts an end to their conversation before the man in the metal mask can reveal any more.

One of the more popular theories floating around the internet is that the man in the metal mask may be the true Jay Garrick. It could make sense if the Jay Garrick we know is only someone posing as Jay Garrick in order to gain Team Flash’s trust and assist Zoom in retrieving more speed force. Being that Jay’s recent exploits have led to Caitlin Snow creating and nearly perfecting Velocity-9, this theory is plausible. It would also explain why the man in the metal mask became so upset when Barry states that Jay was on Earth-1, almost frustrated that Barry didn’t know what was really going on. Of course this is all speculation, and the man in the metal mask could be one of any number of Earth-2 doppelgangers, but “Escape From Earth-2” plays around with this mystery very well. I’m hoping this subplot is drawn out a bit more and that the reveal is worth the wait.

As far as the rest of the episode is concerned, “Escape From Earth-2” is pretty straightforward. Barry is captured and it’s up to his friends to save him. There are some elements to this plot that are by-the-numbers, including an obvious double cross from Killer Frost, but overall it was very enjoyable. We get to see more of Earth-2 Iris West and Barry Allen as they help Cisco and Wells find and retrieve Barry from Zoom. These versions of the characters are a pleasure to see and I hope this isn’t the last time we get to see them or Earth-2.

The Earth-1 subplot with Geomancer wasn’t the most compelling, but as stated before it did allow for Caitlin to create Velocity-9, which may come back into play in future episodes. Also, it’s always nice to see Earth-2 Flash, Jay Garrick, continue to put his speed on display. This subplot also featured a brief set up for the future of Iris’ job at Central City Picture News. A new character has entered with a disdain against The Flash and seemingly superheroes in general and is now running the newspaper. It seems like he’s almost going to be the J. Jonah Jameson of the Flash universe.

“Escape From Earth-2” concluded on a happy note for the most part. With Killer Frost’s help, Barry is saved by his friends and Barry is able to phase out of his cell after an inspirational speech from his Earth-2 doppelganger. I’ll admit the inspirational speech thing has been done a little too much on The Flash and Arrow and just seems like a lazy way of motivating our heroes and progressing them to the next scene.

Earth-2 doppelgangers to the rescue

Barry, Cisco, Wells, and his daughter are able to escape, while Killer Frost holds Zoom back with her ice powers, and they all go through the portal back to Earth-1. Everyone is saved and happy, with the exception of the man in the metal mask, but we all knew what was going to happen next. With Jay Garrick slowly smiling with his back turned towards the open breach we get the sense that something bad was going to happen. And it did. Before the breach can fully close, Zoom sticks his hand through the breach and through Jay’s chest, dragging him back through the breach to Earth-2.

Killing off a major DC Comics character like Jay Garrick is definitely surprising and bold of the writers to do, but if the recent fan theories of the man in the metal mask are correct then we may see Jay back on screen again. Although that will not change the devastation that will hit Caitlin, losing yet another love after already losing Ronnie. If there is any character to feel for in this situation it’s her.

Overall, “Escape From Earth-2” was a great episode. The mystery behind the man in the metal mask was very compelling, and I love seeing more of Earth-2 and its characters. While some elements of the episode were a bit by-the-numbers I still enjoyed it immensely. The ending, while not shocking in the least, was definitely bold and can potentially cause serious repercussions. The only elements of “Escape From Earth-2” that I didn’t care for were the Earth-1 scenes with Geomancer and Iris West at Central City Picture News.

Next week King Shark returns to Central City and Diggle and Lyla (from Arrow) make their way over from Star City to help Team Flash. Check out The CW’s official promo for “King Shark” below and feel free to let us know what you thought about “Escape From Earth-2” in the comments.