DeVoe’s plans are revealed. Gypsy and Cisco make a serious call about their relationship. So does Marlize DeVoe…

This episode is massively satisfying. Firstly because we get the reveal on what DeVoe plans to do and how Team Flash tie into it. They are, after all, the poster children for dark matter so it makes sense DeVoe would want them front and centre when he uses what empowers them to lobotomize everyone else. It’s a brilliant, wide screen supervillain plan and it’s so refreshing to see.

Then there’s the relationship drama this week, which is honest, heartfelt and works. Cisco and Gypsy’s problems are dealt with using the exact combination of humour and realism and the scenes have way more heft than you might think. This life isn’t easy and while it’s been, oh, two weeks since one of Team Flash died, there are other prices to pay.

But best of all, this is the Marlize DeVoe Show. Kim Engelbrecht has never been less than good in the show but here she’s amazing. Gates and Pound use flashbacks to explore the way she and Clifford come together and then fly apart and it gives us the context she’s needed to make Marlize work. Marlize is an idealist, a brightly optimistic person whose work should have succeeded. What she saw in Clifford’s plans wasn’t just horrifying it was… plausible. And her running from that, only to embrace it wholeheartedly after the attack in Kenya makes perfect sense. Clifford is a monster blinded by his own abilities. Marlize chooses to be there and, this week, at last chooses not to be. It’s a massive beat, embodied by a single, silent smile from Engelbrecht and it turns the back of the season on its head.

Rounded out by a lovely way to use Cecile’s temporary powers and the long overdue confirmation of just who the mystery woman is, this is great fun.

Verdict: The Flash is officially heading into the home straight at a sprint. 10/10

Alasdair Stuart