The beating heart of The Flash is Joe West, the nicest cop in America, father to Iris and adoptive father figure to Barry (see, told you Barry's crush is creepy). Jesse L. Martin plays the character with such warmth and humanity that it sometimes feels like he's been airlifted in from a much more dramatic show. Despite a couple of flirtations, his love life was a non-starter in season one and very few mentions are made of his previous relationships, including with Iris' mother. In fact, she was so little referred to that many viewers assumed she was dead. Imagine the surprise, then, when it was announced that actress Vanessa Williams had been cast as the mysterious Mrs West and would be playing an important role in season two. No word yet on their relationship status or even her name but Joe could do with a break. He'll have to work to keep her out of the arms of Captain Cold though, of course. Such is the burden of every resident of Central City.