The Enigma of Yellow Lighting in The Flash: A Case Study of Jay Garricks Version of Hunter Zolomon
The Enigma of Yellow Lighting in The Flash: A Case Study of Jay Garrick's Version of Hunter Zolomon
Recently, in a pivotal episode of The Flash TV series, the question of why Jay Garrick's version of Hunter Zolomon had yellow lighting during his dialogues resurfaced. This article aims to delve into the episode in question, explore the in-universe explanation provided, and analyze the implications this detail has for the overall narrative of the series.
Episode Overview and Plot Points
In Episode 18, Hunter Zolomon (a.k.a. The Flash villain known as Zoom) makes an unexpected appearance and explains his existence to Team Flash. He reveals that Jay Garrick, the original Speedster, was actually his past self. This revelation adds layers of complexity to the series, as Hunter Zolomon is no longer identified simply as a villain but as a time remnant or a consequence of a past event.
The episode also provides context for why Hunter Zolomon (now known as Zoom) had yellow lighting. To delve into this, let us briefly recap episodes 17 and 18:
Episode 17: Zoom's true nature is gradually revealed. He mentions having taken Velocity-9, and as a result, his yellow lightning starts to flicker due to his deteriorating condition. This detail is crucial, as it explains why his lightning is blue in most of his appearances before.
Episode 18: After saving Wally West (The Flash), Jay Garrick (who was supposed to have died) suddenly appears as a future version of Hunter Zolomon. His appearance is marked by yellow lightning, suggesting a different state or form compared to his usual self.
Exploring the In-Universe Explanation
According to the narrative, Jay Garrick from the past (who was on the verge of losing his speed) was convinced by his alter ego (Hunter Zolomon) to help complete his mission. This fusion of two Hunters Zolomon resulted in an entity with unique characteristics—predominantly yellow lightning instead of blue. This new form of Zoom could be interpreted as a time remnant, a result of the merging of two timelines or a manifestation of the past self's deteriorating condition.
The creators of The Flash are known for weaving complex timelines and timelines into their narrative. This episode showcases another dimension to the established lore, highlighting the interesting nature of Zoom's existence and his evolving form. The use of yellow lightning in this context signifies a significant shift in the character's identity and his relationship with the Speed Force.
Implications and Debate
While the explanation provided in the episode explains the visual discrepancy, it leaves much to be discussed. For instance, this raises questions about the nature of time travel and the consequences of altering the past. If Jay Garrick (Hunter Zolomon) exists in two timelines, the potential paradoxes and consequences of their interactions are profound. Furthermore, this detail adds another layer to the already intricate web of The Flash's story, making it even more interesting for fans of the series.
Some fans have expressed confusion regarding the connection between Eobard Thawne (Reverse-Flash) and the fate of Zoom. If Zoom's past self believed he had died, it would challenge the established timeline and raise questions about the omnipotence and accuracy of Reverse-Flash's historical knowledge.
Conclusion
The recent episode of The Flash that explores the yellow lighting of Hunter Zolomon presents a complex narrative that delves into the mechanics of time and the Speed Force. This addition to the series adds depth to the characters and elevates the storytelling to a higher level. It also invites further analysis and discussion among fans, encouraging a deeper engagement with the show's intricate plot lines.