Ep 3. Yellow Eyed Penguin

Barry Allen, as The Flash, is trying to get the hang of his new powers, and what better way could there be than chasing down a metahuman that wants nothing but to destroy him? In season 1 episode 3 of The Flash, Barry faces off against a villain known as The Mist, and is joined by Dr. Caitlin Snow and Cisco Ramon in his pursuit of justice.

The episode sets off as Barry is testing his new abilities in the middle of a busy road, near a construction site. His speed is immediately evident, but it becomes clear that he has a lot to learn. This is where Dr. Snow enters the picture, as the two have a chat to discuss Barry's training. But their conversation is cut short, as Barry receives an unexpected visit from a metahuman who has the power to transform into gas.

The villain, Shawna Baez aka Peek-a-Boo, has recently escaped from prison and has a score to settle with the man in red who put her behind bars. In Peek-a-Boo's first appearance on screen, she ambushes a couple on a date, with an intention to steal their money. The scene is a reminder that not all metahumans are inherently evil; some are often driven by circumstances outside their control. However, Peek-a-Boo's goals become more sinister when she sets her sights on The Flash.

The stage is set for a thrilling chase scene as Peek-a-Boo changes into gas and starts to move through the city to her destination. Here, we truly see the extent of Barry's speed as he chases after the villain. The scene, while also serving as a litmus test for Barry's abilities, is a testament to the show's excellent special effects and direction.

However, The Flash soon realizes that something isn't quite right with the villain he's pursuing. While Rooftop Ella accuses Tinya of aiding and abetting Peek-a-Boo, and Dr. Snow and Ramon start analyzing the gas, Barry discovers that Peek-a-Boo isn't alone in her mission of revenge. He discovers that another metahuman is using her rage and anger to control her.

This new villain goes by the name of Clyde Mardon, and he has the power to control the weather. He's only been mentioned briefly in the first two episodes of the series, but now viewers get to see him in action. The combined efforts of Peek-a-Boo and Mardon - allied under the leadership of Mardon's brother, Mark - make The Flash's mission much more challenging than he expected.

Despite the odds, however, Barry remains determined to bring the metahumans to justice, and he's not alone. He enlists the help of Dr. Snow and Ramon, who begin to devise a plan to neutralize Peek-a-Boo's powers and put an end to Mardon's control. It's here that viewers get a glimpse of the inner workings of S.T.A.R. Labs, and learn more about the show's most prominent secondary characters.

As the trio works to find a solution, the villainous duo continues to wreak havoc. The effects of Mardon's manipulation of the weather are shown in full force, with thunder and lightning wreaking havoc across the city. But The Flash refuses to give up, and the episode climax sees Peek-a-Boo being apprehended.

But even though the city is saved from the villains, it's not without its costs. We see how the events of the episode affect The Flash's inner circle, and it's clear that the act of saving the world comes with a heavy toll.

Overall, season 1 episode 3 of The Flash builds on the groundwork laid by the first two episodes of the series. It introduces a new villain, and its well-executed chase scenes and special effects keep viewers engaged throughout. But what makes the episode stand out is the way it balances action with character development, as we see glimpses of the supporting cast's backstories and how they're coping with the dangers of the world they inhabit. Fans of the show will undoubtedly cherish this episode, and those who haven't watched it yet will find it a great introduction to The Flash.