The FAILURE of THE FLASH (1990): Let's Do Batman (1989) On TV!

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In this episode, we explore the intriguing story of "The Flash" TV series from 1990 and how its unfortunate fate contrasts with the soaring success of "Batman" (1989) on the big screen.

Join us as we unravel the journey of "The Flash" TV series, which attempted to bring the Scarlet Speedster to television audiences in the early '90s. With its high hopes and ambitious vision, the show starred talented actors, cutting-edge special effects, and thrilling storylines. However, despite its initial promise, the show faced numerous challenges that ultimately led to its cancellation.

We'll delve into a captivating comparison between "Batman" (1989), the iconic Tim Burton-directed film that redefined superhero cinema, and "The Flash" (1990) TV series. Why did one soar while the other stumbled? What factors contributed to the divergence in their success?

Though "The Flash" TV series experienced setbacks, it remains an essential chapter in the evolution of superhero adaptations, even getting some closure decades later in The Flash 2014 series on the CW. We'll discuss the lessons that can be learned from its shortcomings and how it paved the way for future superhero successes on both television and the big screen.

We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Which version of The Flash did you prefer? Are you a die-hard fan of the '90s TV series or the modern interpretation? Let's have a lively and respectful discussion about these iconic superheroes and their adaptations.

The Flash TV Show from 1990 was special for comic book fans. Growing up as a young comic book fan in the '80s and '90s was not easy. All you current comic fans have it so easy. I grew up in the dark times, my friends. We were glad when anything comic book related was on movies and TV. We were so desperate that we would make excuses for anything.
Superman 3? Hey, he gets to fight an evil Superman!

Generation X? Look they’re in the X-mansion!

Howard the Duck? Yeah….I got nothing.

But every once in a while someone would get it right. Richard Donner’s Superman started it but it was Tim Burton’s Batman film in 1989 that started to change things. Sure we would eventually get duds like Batman & Robin, but we also had Batman The Animated Series and Blade. Yet for a long time, there was one TV show that was mostly ignored for years. It wasn't until 28 years later that it was showered with love and truly appreciated for all it did to comic book media. I am of course talking about The Flash TV series from 1990.

Yes, long before Grant Gustin raced into comic book fan's TV sets in 2014, there was another scarlet speedster who was the trailblazer for the speed force. So before we see yet another Flash break the sound barrier, let's talk about the original, and to me the best hero to wear the lightning bolt. In this episode of Gone But Not Forgotten.

In the lead up to The Flash 2023 a movie that is probably coming out we're taking a look back at three properties that tie directly (or indirectly) to the characters of The Flash, Supergirl and Batman. To kick things off we'll be looking at the very much ahead of its time Flash series from 1990. Starring John Wesley Shipp who would later return to the character in the 2014 series, it's huge budget and cinematic nature put it a cut above what we'd seen on television before. But then they cancelled it. Thanks for watching our Caravan Of Garbage review!

• 00:00 The Start
• 01:40 Biggest Budget Series
• 02:38 Batman 89 Comparison
• 04:20 The Characters
• 06:22 Special Effects
• 07:14 The Flash Suit
• 08:31 Weaknesses (Too Horny?)
• 11:11 The Villains
• 12:38 Connections to CW Arrowverse
• 13:56 Was it a success?
• 15:00 Green Trivia
• 19:26 Final Thoughts