Warning! Spoilers ahead for The Flash #9!James Gunn’s version of the Flash might be years away, but when he debuts, he absolutely has to include his most useful sidekick. The Scarlet Speedster’s world is being turned upside down thanks to his villains’ latest plot. But one surprising ally shows just how useful a partner they are to the Fastest Man Alive.

In The Flash #9 by Simon Spurrier, Ramon Perez, and Vasco Georgiev, Inspector Pilgrim discusses the cosmic disasters with reformed villain Pied Piper, aka Hartley Rathaway. The two head leave the Linear Bureau’s head office to retrieve Linda Park-West’s baby, only to discover the Flash under influence of the Crown of Thawnes.

Flash tells Rathaway that Linda has been mind-controled by Abra Kadabra and implores Hartley to disrupt the signal. Pied Piper pulls out his flute and plays a tune that reveals Abra and allows Flash’s wife to punch the rogue’s lights out, ending Kadabra’s threat.

Pied Piper is the Flash’s Greatest, Most Underused Ally

A long time ago, Pied Piper used to be a member of the Flash’s infamous criminal gang, the Rogues. However, shortly after Crisis on Infinite Earths, Rathaway turned over a new leaf. Even when continuity was shaken up again during the New 52, Piper was still reformed and has yet to go back to his old criminal ways. Of course, Barry Allen was suspicious that Rathaway was involved in the current cosmic chaos the Flash Family has found themselves enmeshed in. But Hartley is still on the up and up as he works closely with Michael Holt at Terrifitech.

While Hartley Rathaway doesn’t commit crimes anymore, he’s stagnated a bit. Oh sure, he’s been a big asset at Terrifitech and has been helping Inspector Pilgrim deal with the crisis the DC Universe is facing. But Pied Piper has come a long way since his days as a villain. He’s genuinely reformed and ready to help the Flash whenever he needs. Becoming a more proactive hero could be a good development for him. With James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU on the horizon, making Pied Piper a bigger Flash ally could be a good direction for both characters.

Pied Piper Should Be Flash’s Partner Going Forward

Pied Piper is one of the few Flash villains that has reformed and stayed that way. He’s the best example of showing the positive impact the Scarlet Speedster has on his foes. Not to mention Piper’s sonic powers pair well with Flash’s vibrations. While there’s been no indication as to what the DCU’s Flash will be like, The Flash #9 shows that Pied Piper is ride or die with the Fastest Man Alive. The next time the Flash hits the silver screen, Pied Piper should be right there with him.

The Flash #9 is available now from DC Comics.