TV REVIEWS: FTN Reviews The Flash Season 5 Episode 20: Gone Rogue

The Flash left things in a very interesting way last week, not the least of which was because of Nora using the Negative Speed Force in order to get back to 2019 and do what she wanted. But that was wasn’t clear. And it could’ve gone a bit badly in terms of plot. Thankfully, “Gone Rogue” was one of the best episodes of the season, despite a misstep or two.

One thing I really appreciated was that they actually allowed a Rogues team to come together to do a job. Since Captain Cold is dead and Heat Wave is on the Legends, the Rogues have been very much absent, and while this wasn’t the “A-List” version, it was still rather good. Having Weather Witch, Bug-Eyed Bandit and Ragdoll all join up with Nora was actually very fun, and it makes me wish it wasn’t a one-off thing.

I also appreciated that there was a real point to this heist, and that despite the Negative Speed Force in her, that Nora still wanted to help her dad. It was just that the Negative Speed Force, plus her own anger with her father led her down a somewhat dark path to try and help out.

My enjoyment of this storyline aside (and the epic reference to DC Comics legend Gail Simone aside), I do wish that the episode didn’t end with the Rogues betraying Nora. And for what? Just to expose the Flash? It seems small-time especially with all the weapons that they could’ve gotten out theoretically without issues (the body swap trick was clever). Instead, they betrayed her and obviously got caught.

And as an extension of that, I wish that Nora didn’t just “reject” the Negative Speed Force after one episode, but given that the season is almost done? I get that they’re in a bit of a rush here.

The other storylines were small, but had heart. It looks like Cisco is being set up to leave, which I’ll be heartbroken about, but I’ll understand if they do given his somewhat limited appearances this year.

As for Ralph…do I have to say it? This was another case of them having the potential to do great things with Ralph via the “I’m not meant for love” thing and then having him go and make a pass of sorts at Caitlyn was just sad.

The ending with Cicada was clever though, as Orland is still alive in her mind, and now she has a disease that can wipe out all of the metahumans in the city. Thus completing her mission.

Small gripes aside, “Gone Rogue’ was a very clever way of bringing Nora’s storyline even more to the forefront and showing Barry the error of his ways. Hopefully though Cicada will get her due before this is all over.