The Flash – Abra Kadabra

• Title: The Flash – Abra Kadabra
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As expected after last week’s musical crossover, The Flash falls back into the Savitar storyline. Thankfully, rather than just having the heroes pound their heads against a wall as they have since the character’s reveal, the episode does offer the first appearance of another classic Flash villain in Abra Kadabra (David Dastmalchian). While perhaps not quite as wacky the original Silver Age comic version, this futuristic villain is a welcome change from the glut of speedsters the show seems intent on trotting out (and softens the drop-off from the season’s best episode to business as usual). A time-traveler from the 64th Century, Abra Kadabra has technology so advanced it appears as magic to those of us stuck in the 21st Century. Of course, it helps that the man puts on a show with his antics that further plays into the act.

Dastmalchian wouldn’t have been my first choice for the villain, especially given the odd hair styling. Kadabra is much more a showman than we see here, but his ability to tease knowledge about Barry (Grant Gustin) and his speedster foe does create difficult choices for everyone including Joe (Jesse L. Martin) who chooses his daughter’s life over his duty as a police officer. The incorporation of Gypsy (Jessica Camacho) into the episode doesn’t quite work as the writers expect. Her thirst for revenge darkens the episode too much and takes away from some of the fun a bizarre villain like Kadabra should deliver. This might not be exactly the version of the character I want, but I give credit for the show trying something different, even if it leads to mixed success. Sadly, it appears the Kadabra will meet his end on Earth-19 meaning the chance on him returning appear slim.

In terms of ongoing storylines “Abra Kadabra” does make some lasting impressions. First, it emoboldens Barry to forget his deal to stop time traveling and look for answers in the future. Yeah, I don’t see how that could possibly go wrong. And second, one member of the team injured in Kadabra’s escape will apparently finally move in a direction teased most of the season. Farewell Caitlin (Danielle Panabaker), hello Killer Frost.