Warning! The following contains spoilers for The Flash episode "The One With The Nineties." Read at your own risk!
The Flash Season 7 has certainly sent fans on a ride so far, especially now that the multiple Forces are out in Central City. What's weirder is that the Speed Force is now a physically living person, and for some reason, completely different personality-wise than she's ever been in the show's history.
Before Season 7, the Speed Force was a droll, somewhat matter-of-fact, emotionless presence that took physical form when Barry or others entered its space. The Speed Force offered counsel, or at the very least, instructed Barry about what he needed to do to solve whatever crisis he was in. They didn't really have a friendly relationship or even a professional one, but it was necessary interaction that had to happen every so often.
Now in Season 7, the Speed Force is a living thing, and she's suddenly all concerned about Barry's well-being? Furthermore, she wanted to learn more about him and Nora Allen, and Iris just willingly ran down that whole rabbit hole with her while Barry healed himself? Hell, the Speed Force is shacking up with the West-Allen family until further notice, so this dynamic has really evolved in a short amount of time.
Granted, it seems I'm not alone in acknowledging that this change of the Speed Force is weird. Barry certainly seemed uncomfortable with inviting the Speed Force to live in his home, to the point he would rather she stayed at S.T.A.R. Labs until it was time to move on. Of course, he wasn't around for Iris teaching the Speed Force how her appearance as his dead mother was actually comforting to him, though I doubt he'd be okay with Iris sharing that if he was.
At times, it almost felt like the Speed Force wanted to be Barry's mother, which, again, is just really damn weird. I'm not exactly sure what The Flash is trying to accomplish with this story or what possible payoff could come from it. Perhaps it's a product of filling the void left by Tom Cavanagh, who hasn't returned since the original Harrison Wells went back to his wife. Maybe the Speed Force is secretly a villain? At this point, I'm really reaching for reasons to justify this bizarre turn of events with the Speed Force and why it's been such a big part of the story as of late.
Of course, the Speed Force's confusing character shift has been a byproduct of the Strength, Sage, and Still Forces out in the city and their respective guardians wreaking havoc before disappearing. I'm cautiously optimistic that this weirdness with the Speed Force may make more sense by the time it wraps, though given the small arcs the show is going with, I'm not sure there will be enough time to explain all the craziness.
The Flash airs on The CW Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET. Season 7 has had a lot of twists and turns, so it's more imperative than ever to keep up with any little change on the series that's announced when it happens. On that note, be sure to read up on the upcoming appearance of Bart Allen and the mixed feelings that come with it.
