The Flash: 5 Lessons It Should Learn From Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman
A blast from the past may give The Flash a second wind.
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman debuted in 1993, making Dean Cain the Man of Steel for young millennials. The show focused on the relationship between Lois Lane & Clark Kent over more traditional superhero tales, and was endearing even if it was light on the high stakes action found in the comics.
The Flash had the more serious sci-fi action material usually reserved for the movies when it launched in 2014. Real supervillians, real danger, and that epic "fate of the Multiverse is on the line" quality that Lois & Clark lacked.
Fastforward five years.
Barry Allen is fading from existence. Not due to a temporal paradox, but rather the result of a series unsure of what else to do with him after 5 years. His role on the show has changed from the protagonist into something more like a host. He opens the show, welcomes new characters, and gives them guidance...but it is their story. This year it is Nora, last year it was Ralph. They are the Skywalkers to Allen's Obi-Wan. The show needs to reinvigorate Barry Allen, and the tips for doing so can be found in Metropolis of the 1990s.
The Flash has surpassed Lois & Clark in many ways, however, Lois & Clark excelled in ways which The Flash is struggling with.
5. Secret Identity 101
Barry Allen has no duel identity. He has a costume and a codename that he uses at very brief intervals. What is the difference? There is not a unique Flash persona separate from Barry. All of his friends are in on the secret, which is also a pretty open secret among many bad guys even. His costume is just work clothes, and the show misses out on rich storytelling material for Barry by neglecting the ramifications of duel identities.
Dean Cain's Clark Kent was a man with an actual duel identity. He balanced two different lives. One in which is he is a mild-mannered reporter with a circle of friends, and in another he is a famous hero with his own set of acquaintances (albeit some overlap). Lois & Clark showcased this duality often for storylines.
Initially, Lois & Clark showed Clark facing anxiety and near panic attacks following his first public appearance. It took time for him to cope with the attention and unusual stresses associated with living a secret double life. Clark's time in the cape was limited to only when necessary, but over time Clark grew more comfortable as Superman. This led to an expanded role for the Man of Steel.
These themes are all one that The Flash has yet to explore. They would provide fresh material for both Barry Allen and his alter ego. Plus an increase in character development for The Flash persona would further open even more doors for renewed character development.