Reverse-Flash and the Flash: A Century-Long Rivalry in The Flash Series

In the recent episode of The Flash where Reverse-Flash, aka Professor Thawne, returned from a future beyond the current 2024, viewers were left puzzled by his motivations and the cryptic remark about fighting for centuries. This article delves into the complexities of their ongoing rivalry, providing insights into Thawne's return and the implications of their age-old conflict.

Thawne’s Return to 2024

Professor Thawne, born in the distant future, came from a time when the Flash did not exist in his timeline. Despite this, his obsession with the Flash remained unquenched. He was drawn to 2024 because it was the era during which he first encountered The Flash, Barry Allen. His return to this period allowed him to confront and battle the Flash, even though no such hero existed in his own timeline. Thawne’s rivalry with the Flash transcended time and space, making him a timeless adversary.

The Meaning Behind the Centuries of Conflict

Thawne’s statement, "they would be fighting for centuries," reflects the enduring nature of their feud. As a time traveler, Thawne was able to engage in a long-standing conflict with the Flash across multiple eras and dimensions. Each side pursued the other through the timestream, continuing their battle long into the future. This conflict was not just limited to a single timeline but spanned generations, making it a true saga of eternal struggle.

How Thawne Became the Reverse-Flash

Chetandeep Singh Pahuja provided an insightful answer on how Thawne became the Reverse-Flash. Thawne was originally a fan of Barry Allen, to the point where he replicated the electrochemical bath that gave Barry his speed powers. He went as far as to change his appearance to look like the Flash, hoping to one day face off against him. Thawne possessed his own cosmic treadmill, found in The Flash Museum, which allowed him to travel through time. However, he arrived years after Barry's death, having discovered that his future self was destined to become the Reverse-Flash. In his time, he was defeated by Wally West, another version of the Flash.

Thawne did not actually become the Flash himself. Rather, he was a speedster from the future who adopted the persona of the Reverse-Flash, the arch-nemesis of the Flash. His powers came from an as-yet-unexplained means in his own future timeline. He used the cosmic treadmill to travel back in time to battle the Flash, starting the cycle of conflict that would continue for centuries.

Dimensional Travel and the perpetual Rivalry

Barry and Thawne's battles extended beyond a single timeline. They have been traveling back and forth across different dimensions, chasing each other for centuries. This perpetual motion has kept their rivalry alive, making it difficult to determine who truly emerged victorious in the long run. Whether or not Thawne’s return to 2024 was to confront a version of the Flash who no longer existed, or to initiate a new conflict, remains a mystery until future episodes reveal the full story.

Understanding the intricate dynamics between the Flash and Reverse-Flash provides a deeper appreciation for the series' rich narrative and the complex characters involved. The ongoing battle between these two figures not only drives the plot forward but also highlights the eternal struggle of good versus evil.