The CW hit series The Flash is coming back for a ninth season, and as the news of Jesse L. Martin stepping down from being a regular cast member breaks the internet, the fate of the rest of the cast for the new season remains undecided. Season 8 saw major plot twists while the finale teased the end for certain characters.
Since the first introduction of the scarlet speedster, the show has given a sneak peek at many other speedsters, allies, and the bounty of villains Barry has had to face. While the show welcomed many new characters over its long run, one constant family was the team The Flash needed. Certain characters became regulars and contributed to the plot over the show’s course, aiding the speedster.
Ralph Dibny/ Elongated Man
While the latest seasons have added in newer characters like Allegra and Chester, Ralph’s presence was quite impactful for the team. Ralph is an ex-cop who later becomes a shady private detective and is shown as lazy and greedy.
As the series progress, he learns about his newly discovered powers ad becomes the Elongated Man. Dibny becomes an integral part of team Flash in taking down The Thinker and, while doing so, becomes more sympathetic and understanding. Despite his childish and immature ways, he did support the team at times of despair.
Wally West/ Kid Flash
Another speedster with similar powers to The Flash, Wally West is the younger brother of Iris on the show. Unlike the other metahumans, Wally didn’t possess any powers at the beginning of his story arc. Wally inherits the powers from the speed force after Flashpoint from Doctor Alchemy.
Wally deals with complex issues regarding his insecurities and powers, leading him to leave Central City eventually. He comes back starring as a guest in the season 5-6 reprising his role as Kid Flash beside ‘The Flash.’ Wally’s character arc revolves around self-discovery and trying to be the best version of himself. Nevertheless, he has always had Team Flash’s back and is always there to lend extra speed to the team.
Eobard Thawne/ Reverse Flash
The Flash’s archenemy and the creator, Eobard Thawne aka Reverse Flash, travel from the future and disguise himself as Harrison Wells, eventually creating the particle accelerator. He is the main antagonist making several appearances over the series’ course.
The time-traveling criminal inadvertently creates The Flash after getting to know Barry’s identity and then killing his mother. He is cunning and intelligent and relentlessly tries to hurt Barry and his family. He draws his speed from the ‘negative speed force’ opposite Barry’s and considers himself superior to The Flash.
Cecile Horton
Cecile is a district attorney who was a good friend to Joe in season 1. In the later season, she becomes Joe’s partner and eventually learns about the team Flash. Cecile has worked on several cases and helped countless times, legally speaking.
Her character became a regular after season 5, and from then on, she became a resident member of team Flash. She even receives telepathic powers during pregnancy and eventually learns how to use and control them. Her optimistic and kind nature makes her one of the likable favorites.
Harrison Wells
First introduced as the brilliant founder of STAR Labs, Harrison Wells was the main mastermind behind the particle accelerator, and as a result, he created The Flash.
In season 1, however, he is later revealed to be Reverse Flash/ Eobard Thawne, while the later seasons saw different versions of Harrison Wells from various Earths. Though most of the Wells are cold and distant, they are all exceptionally brilliant. Despite coming from various Earths, “The Council Of Wells” has assisted team Flash in countless situations.
Cisco Ramon/ Vibe
One of Barry’s best friends and an important member is Cisco Ramon. He and Caitlin are a few of the closest friends Barry calls family and have been beside him from the series’ start. One of the fan favorites, Cisco’s witty and fun personality with a side of empathy makes him a popular character. A gifted engineer, he is the mastermind behind Barry’s suit.
Like Caitlin, Cisco too discovers superpowers and is nicknamed Vibe. Although the powers were not long-lived, especially after he takes the cure, he still creates an armor to mimic his powers by the alternative name Mecha-Vibe. Fans were disappointed when the actor playing Cisco, Carlos Valdes, stepped down from a regular.
Caitlin Snow/ Killer Frost
Dr. Caitlin Snow is introduced as a brooding scientist in STAR labs who, along with Cisco Ramon, have been beside Barry since the particle accelerator fiasco. Her narrative hasn’t been friendly to her as she experiences heavy losses over the series.
All the more, Snow has to even come to terms with her alter ego with icy powers, Killer Frost. She is exceptionally supportive of her friends and assisted the team during dire times. The viewers were devastated on seeing Killer Frost’s death, yet she had one of the most developed character arcs.
Joe West
The adoptive father of Barry and Iris’s dad, Joe West, is a popular character on the show for his nurturing and caring personality. A lot of the credit for Barry’s personality and upbringing goes to Joe.
Honest with his work, he is passionate about truth and would go out of his way for his family. He has helped team Flash numerous times and always supported the team even without any powers. He made his appearance in season 1 as a regular, and it would be hard for viewers not to see him on the team.
Iris West Allen
Secondly on the list would be the wife of the speedster herself. Iris West is an ambitious and righteous woman who cares about fighting for truth and justice. She is a reporter who is Barry’s fiend formerly and later his wife.
Despite her character on the show having mixed reviews, she has been a regular on the series since episode 1. Iris might not exactly have a good reputation in the viewers’ eyes due to her strict and stubborn ways, but she is an integral part of the team and usually looks out for her family. She is naturally curious and supports her husband no matter what.
Barry Allen/ The Flash
Taking the top spot in the list is the scarlet speedster himself. Barry Allen has not had it easy since the first episode, and over the series’s prolonged running period, his character has grown immensely.
With the series beginning, Barry had to face the grim reality of his father’s imprisonment and cope with his mother’s death while discovering his new powers. He eventually hunts the man who killed his mother in season 1 and has been saving Central City since then. The show’s course also sees him mature and accept his flaws while protecting his loved ones.
