The metahuman cure is finished and the first possible test subject for it? King Shark. There are two problems with this. The first is that King Shark is being controlled by someone. The second is that someone is Gorilla Grodd.

The core plot here, which opens with the gorilla/shark punch up and then rewinds to give you context, is great. There’s a logical reason for everything, the fight itself is actually really fun and King Shark is a fun, somewhat tragic character who benefits hugely from the spotlight.

The rest of the episode is less successful. The manufactured conflict between Barry, Caitlin and Cisco is just that, manufactured. Barry made a bad call sure but he made it based on some very limited options and while it’s nice to see a pair of scientists protesting the unethical testing regimens, it also doesn’t feel natural. Which is a shame as, given the temporal shenanigans Barry has committed before now you’d expect both of them to be well within their rights to be mad forever. But then again, Dad Barry is a world away from Idiot Time Traveller Barry of three seasons ago and it just comes across as a little unfair.

On a lighter note, Joe’s back! And better still, back as everyone’s favourite dad who doesn’t have superspeed. The scenes between Iris and her dad are a joy and Joe’s cheerful admission that Cicada scared the crap out of him which is the real reason he visited Wally, is a really lovely moment. Joe West. Cop. Dad. Grandfather. Samuroid beheader. The man can do it all.

Verdict: There’s a lot to enjoy here but some of the gears crunch as they change. If you can deal with that, you get to watch a giant shark punch a gorilla in the face. Even if you can’t? You should still watch a giant shark punch a gorilla in the face. 7/10

Alasdair Stuart