The Flash season 3 release date: Barry keeps hope despite tragedy

The CW

"The Flash" season 2 is set to strike yet another tragic catastrophe against Barry Allen aka the Flash (Grant Gustin) in the season finale, but according to a report from Comic Book, the superhero will still be able to maintain his level of optimism going into season 3.

"We won't lose it, though, I will be adamant," Gustin stated. "His whole perspective on life is to constantly move forward with his life, and let his past be a part of it, but stay optimistic and kind of live your life. He's not going to let it ruin him. It's going to be hard to come back from this one, but he'll stay optimistic."

Gustin also stated that while he does not know what direction season 3 is going into or what kind of stories the writers, showrunners and executive producers have in mind, he trusts that the people behind the show know the Flash so well and understand that his optimism is a key part of his character.

The Flash, as depicted in the original DC comic books, has always been a light-hearted and optimistic character despite going through the same level of tragedy as other superheroes such as Batman or Superman. This has been linked with his speedster powers and has been viewed by fans as a good level of contrast to DC's brooding heroes. 

In regards to to the season 2 finale, Gustin reportedly got emotional about it, indicating that a key member of Team Flash was going to say good-bye. The teaser trailer for the episode hints that Joe West (Jesse L. Martin) is going to be killed off and this will affect the story in season 3, but as the actor stated, it will not dampen Barry's optimism. 

"The Flash" season 2 episode 23 will air tonight and season 3 is expected to premiere in the fall.