Utilizing multi-layered characters and plotlines, in addition to plenty of exciting action sequences, "The Flash" marks a high point for comic book adaptations.
What executive producers Andrew Kreisberg and Greg Berlanti have settled on here is a kind of family-friendly action-adventure show with a solid sense of humor about itself as well as a strong streak of sentiment about the things that really matter.
While the close-ups flirt with being a touch too comical, the longer-range and in-profile views of Barry's booking are quite electric and jibe with the series' overall feel, which is one of fun, fun, fun.
He's a little different from many contemporary comic superheroes, though, in that he rarely jumps off the screen. He's more subtle, which distributes the drama load around the rest of the cast.
Right out of the gate, The Flash establishes itself as a very different kind of superhero drama. It manages to tell a more classically comic book-y story while still remaining true to the general tone and vibe of Arrow.
Even compared to Gotham, The Flash isn't as stylish or nuanced -- but there's a sense that's not what it wants to be. This is more classic, old-fashioned, gladly-suspend-your-disbelief entertainment.