The fourth season of the superhero series "The Flash" will soon be underway. Yet ahead of its premiere, the people behind the popular television show teased that the new season will be going back to its roots with a lighter and more upbeat tone compared to the previous seasons.
According to Andrew Kreisberg, the executive producer of the series, the scarlet speedster has undergone a baptism of sorts during the dark ending of the last season. "His experience in there has really washed away a lot of his sins, cleansed him of his doubts, fears, and his guilts, and he really loves being the Flash again," he told Entertainment Weekly.
Fans of the show would remember that the series took an increasingly dark path following its first season. To many fans' protests, it ditched the upbeat tone that has always been the signature of "The Flash" and took the tried and beaten path of dark and gritty superhero stories.
Now, with Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) coming back to life in the upcoming season, fans can expect a more emotionally mature protagonist that has fully mastered his abilities. This version of The Flash may be the closest one to the hero from the comics that fans have come to love.
Last season also saw the rise of Iris West (Candice Patton) to the leadership role that was left void when Allen left. The upcoming season will show how the hero will take West's new leadership position. According to showrunner Todd Helbing, Allen will have to adjust to the team's new dynamic when he comes back. However, he will ultimately be pleased that it is West who will be leading the team.
"I think he loves that," Helbing told TV Line. "There's a big learning curve. It's not just Cisco and Wells behind the command station. It's the woman he loves. It's going to take a bit of time for him to get used to that."
"The Flash" will return on Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. EDT on The CW.
