Most reviews in regards to season finales dwell on big spoilers, and cliffhangers that get us in gear for the next season. In regards to the season 2 finale of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D titled S.O.S and The Flash season 1 finale called Fast Enough, I contemplate the two separate and vital styles between Marvel and DC’s emotionality of characters.

First off S.O.S reminds us of the “human side” to a larger Marvel universe, and how secondary characters play their parts amongst the super-natural “Gods and Goddesses” that roam free amongst the everyday people just trying to survive.

Characters such as Edward James Olmos’ Gonzales and Clark Gregg’s Coulson indicate elements of two men who disagree on how to bring order to the world (especially with Hydra’s choke on it), yet simultaneously merge forces out of respect. These two dynamics prove that humans are not mere ants in a land of titans, but warriors fighting multiple threats on a meta-human level. Importantly what saves this season from the redundant battle with hydra, is the conflict amongst the Inhumans and the family issues that come full circle. While Jiaying, Calvin, and their daughter Skye try to resolve their family quarrels, it becomes not so much of a race to hold the Inhuman empire together, but a struggle to fight their own demons amongst themselves. This family triangle erupts into an ultimate endgame of how each of these three evolve as characters, and what their fates become depending on the road they take. All the while, Grant Ward ends up taking a big U-turn from his road to redemption, and into the abyss of his monstrous self. This leaves him trying to pick up the pieces of Hydra’s broken sect, while Skye is left with a Kingdom of Inhumans in regards to the aftermath of her parents choices. Thus, does this become a cliffhanger by which the three components of factions (S.H.I.E.L.D, Hydra, and the Inhumans) becomes shattered and broken amidst this triple threat of warfare, only to be re-assembled by those who are given the keys of power? As much as this deep Shakespearean plot leaves us with agent May’s love and compassion resurfacing from her cold and stern professionalism, and a final showdown of what the terrigen mist will uphold for forthcoming events, I have to admit that the convoluted bombardment of such a wide universe of characters actually does not achieve much. Things do not get resolved thereby not paving a way to strengthen a characters role (I.E. Mike Peterson/Deathlok, and Robert Gonzales) that had potential. As much as I love the ever intertwining of Marvel characters, it is DC’s characters that stabilize one story mode by which properly sets itself for team up stories. Case in point of The Flash and the “Fast Enough” finale.

This episode of The Flash proves how DC can craft and mold character development before sending that character to venture off into uncharted waters with other DC entities. While Barry Allen breaks his way into the “Speed Force” with his final battle with The Reverse Flash, we are introduced to various consumptions of The Flash and his historical development. The Flash series utilizes themes of science and space/time continuum’s that intrigue the viewer, while having the viewer become more emotionally attached to the whole cast. Whether your compelled to worry about Eddie Thawne’s future choice as a hero or villain, Iris West “Ahab” obsession with the The Flash, Cisco’s maturity in growing up, Caitlin’s future role into Killer Frost, or Detective Joe West’s overprotective nature for those he cares about, it becomes clear that each character does matter in the life of Barry Allen. Ultimately, this leaves season 1 of The Flash to strengthen his own singular universe, before breaking off into the larger realm of DC. As Barry Allen races to save his mother, and rekindle a normal father son relationship from the clutches (yes, cliche comic talk) of our “imposter” Harrison Wells, the speed force captures moments of a Flash Museum, Legends of Tomorrow, and even the hint of Jay Garrick (first person to hold the title of The Flash). This leads us with fulfillment on character growth,and their increased roles within Central City. Now, if one can fined satisfaction over an appetizer such a season one, imagine what the main course will be latter on. This leaves proof that The Flash can be rich with plot and action based on its stand alone arch, while at the same time hold a place with an extended array of super-hero continuity. Saying that, these two season finales demonstrate a debate of starting off with an expanded universe, and making its way to singular plots, or engaging with single story modes that stretch to wider spectrum’s. To each their own I suppose…..

By: Adam Vega