The Scientist (Arrow)
Episode introducing Barry Allen as a backdoor pilot for The Flash.
"The Scientist" is the eighth episode of the second season of the American television series Arrow, based on the DC Comics character Green Arrow. It serves as a backdoor pilot to the spin-off series The Flash, introducing guest star Grant Gustin as Barry Allen. The episode was written by Andrew Kreisberg and Geoff Johns from a story by Greg Berlanti and Kreisberg, and directed by Michael Schultz.
- Series
- Arrow
- Season
- 2
- Episode
- 8
- Original air date
- December 4, 2013
- Network
- The CW
- Viewers (u.s.)
- 3.24 million
- Rotten tomatoes approval
- 90%
Lore & Background
The episode follows Central City crime scene investigator Barry Allen as he arrives in Starling City to investigate a superhuman-related crime involving a masked thief with superhuman strength who stole a centrifuge from Queen Consolidated. Barry reveals he is searching for super-powered beings to find his mother's murderer and exonerate his father, and is also a fan of the Arrow. Oliver Queen realizes the thief was enhanced using the same serum Ivo sought. Oliver tracks the thief, Cyrus, and is injected with an unknown toxin; to save Oliver, Felicity Smoak reveals Oliver's identity to Barry so he can help find an antidote. Meanwhile, Merlyn pressures Moira to tell the truth to Thea; Moira contacts Ra's, who wants to kill Merlyn for breaking the League's code by destroying the Glades, leading Merlyn to leave. In a flashback to the island, Oliver and Shado find the serum, but injecting it into Slade without the required sedative stops his heart as Ivo arrives.
Reader's Guide
"The Scientist" is significant as the introduction of Barry Allen, the future Flash, into the Arrowverse, establishing the shared continuity that would expand into multiple television series. The episode was met with positive reviews from critics, earning a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It achieved a season high viewership and a series high 18–34 rating, with 3.24 million U.S. viewers. The episode's success helped pave the way for the spin-off series The Flash, which would premiere the following year. Its blend of superhero origin elements with the existing Arrow narrative demonstrated the potential for interconnected storytelling within the Arrowverse.
Did You Know?
- The episode was watched by 3.24 million viewers according to Nielsen Media Research.
- It had a season high viewership, but contrary to some reports, it did not achieve a series high in the 18–34 demographic for Arrow at the time.
- Grant Gustin guest stars as Barry Allen, who arrives in Starling City to investigate a superhuman-related crime.
More in Arrow episodes 1-24
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