Before the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event, The Flash will present its two-part mid-season finale. In "The Last Temptation of Barry Allen," per an episode description, "a mysterious, hallucinogenic contagion tests Barry's convictions." Now, after the Season 6, Episode 6--"License to Elongate"--we know who will be doing the testing.
Warning: The following contains spoilers for "License to Elongate." If you haven't watched the episode, you should turn away now.
At the conclusion of "License to Elongate," Ramsey Rosso/Bloodwork (Sendhil Ramamurthy) seemingly kidnaps Ralph (Hartley Sawyer), leaving Team Flash down one member going into the finale. As showrunner Eric Wallace revealed at a Q&A following a screening of the episode, that's going to play directly into what Barry and the rest of the team will face in the two-part finale.
"The title has been released, 'The Last Temptation of Barry Allen.' Well, I wonder who's tempting him? Yeah. Let's just say it's Bloodwork," Wallace admitted. "And what's great about his character is he has a really good point of view that when you hear it, I think next week, it's insane--but it makes sense. And that's what's tempting to Barry. It's all being set up here in [License to Elongate]."
Given that Barry believes he's facing certain death during Crisis on Infinite Earths, it's not exactly surprising that Bloodwork could tempt him. However, "License to Elongate" also saw a change in the way Barry is approaching the upcoming event. All season, he's been preparing the team for life without The Flash, should he perish. However, Ralph and Joe (Jesse L. Martin) went out of their way that Barry, himself, is more important than The Flash could ever be.
When asked how that would factor into Barry's mindset leading into the mid-season finale, Wallace laughed, adding, "Boy, you're gonna love next week's episode. That exact question is asked." It's an important one, given that Barry's life will be on the line in Crisis.
As Barry faces his last temptation before possible death, though, it's enough to make you wonder what the future of Central City could look like. With Ralph's safety in question, thanks to Bloodwork, and Barry staring down the barrel of his own demise, who will be left as the official protector of this city when all is said and done?
The Flash airs Tuesdays on The CW.
