Justice League Unlimited (TV Series) Flash and Substance (2006) User Reviews

Finally, an episode where being the Flash is ok.

[David_del_Real_Reviews_in_IMDb · 8/10 · 31 December 2017]

----Justice League Unlimited---

----Season 3, Episode 5.---

-------FLASH AND SUBSTANCE-------

Finally, An Episode Where Being The Flash is OK!!!!!!

There aren´t many episodes focusing "The Flash" in the "Justice League" and "Justice League Unlimited" series and most of the time, he is only valued because of his power, not because his virtues as a human being. Most of the time, Flash functions as a comical relief for the series and he does it pretty well, nevertheless, the Justice League series, being spin-offs of both Batman and Superman animated series, maybe focus too much in these two leading heroes and the different way in which each one of them deals with trouble. Actually, having these two opposite yet similar personalities interacting along the episodes is sometimes even the best part of the show. Nevertheless, Flash is a character that has also been many decades as a favorite of the public and maybe he deserved more episodes where he was the star. Even when all of the original 7 founding members of this version of the Justice League: Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern (John Stewart), Hawkgirl, Martian Manhunter and The Flash are all focused in one episode or another, I think they lasted too long in writing an episode showing how cool The Flash really is, not because of his powers, but because of the man behind them and how he manages to deliver not only justice but also joy, hope and a bit of fun to his city.

Thanks for reading.

IMDb Review by David del Real.

2017.

Flash and great story

[work1113 · 8/10 · 29 July 2009]

If you haven't seen this episode yet, I highly recommend. I decided to have a quiet night in and go through some old episodes of the Justice League Unlimited.

Although not the best episode of season 5, it definitely is entertaining. In Flash and Substance, there definitely is substance.

This episode develops deeper into one of our original 7 superhero's life. I think it is always interesting when the writers do back stories of the characters life (especially the Flash's) because he is so different than the rest of the cast of Super Hero's with his quirkiness and originality.

Season 5 definitely digs deeper into the Flash's persona and how important his personality is to the rest of the team. As was mentioned in the commentary, Flash could be one of the, and possible the most powerful hero's if he was less theatrically – but the story itself reconciles with the fact that it is not that way, and the Flash is indeed the glue that holds it all together (As was mentioned in previous story arcs) This is less serious of an episode, and more playful than the rest of the series. Like the others, it is a masterpiece of its own 8/10

May have the best scene in the DCAU

[crazelord · 10/10 · 23 February 2022]

This episode is just excellent on so many levels. But what stands out to me is the general take on what makes a true hero. So often superheroes or heroes of myth get relegated to punching the evil away. Even the terrific Cadmus arch of the previous season still ends with an unambiguous villian getting punched to save the day.

And while I love that kind of story, we often forget the real heroes are people who can also handle problems with empathy and peaceful means. This is excellently explored in "Epilogue" as well but that's more overt and expository.

Here we get to see why someone like Flash stands out amongst his peers. He is the unstoppable optimist and truly wants people to be happy. He enjoys being the people's hero, even doing non super hero acts of charity and kindness bc that's what he lives for.

He lives modestly and truly loves the citizens of his city. The villians in the episode are also characterized as real people who have more human motivations than just power and evil. A bunch of low on their luck crooks who happen to have super powers, with some great banter between them.

But the best scene with the trickster (I won't spoil it here). It's quick but impactful and unexpected, but mostly it shows that the Flash's greatest power is not his speed, but his kindness. And it will always be my favorite scene in the DCAU.