Tonight is the payoff for the entire season.  Tonight is the battle between the Flash (and his amazing friends) versus the Reverse Flash.  Team Arrow, the Rogues, Oliver Queen, and Firestorm, the Reverse Flash & each meta-baddie this season!

 ***** SPOILER ALERT *****

So, how do you continue to outdo yourself? I am sure The Flash staff had several conversations about what to do for May sweeps.  Last week was one of the best episodes I had seen.  At the same time I was waiting for the team up this week.  Truly this was what every The Flash/Arrow fan has been waiting for since the end of the season promo.

There have been several team ups with Felicity spending what seemed equal time in Central City, as well as in Starling.  Ray teamed up with Barry, Cisco created Laurel’s ‘Canary Cry,’ and even Detective West and Captain Lance worked a case together to find the real Dr. Wells.  Still last night’s battle royal was amazing!

Let’s just call Eobard the master orchestrator who sets up the whole evening’s fun.  When he started the Particle Accelerator, Thawne forced Barry to relocate the captured metahumans in S.T.A.R. Labs.  Without help from the police or DA, Barry brokers a partnership with Captain Cold and his sister to help with the transportation.

I have to admit, with the latest news about Legends of Tomorrow, I was a little surprised that Cold betrayed Barry.  I found it oddly enjoyable when he reminds Flash that he is who he is, a criminal.  That metas who escape will owe him, and he will be able to grow his Rogues.  I think it will be pretty interesting to see how second season plays with the Rogues.

By now everyone knows how much I like Detective Joe West.  I love that he is the Obiwan to Barry’s Luke.  Tonight was no exception when Barry, beaten and betrayed by Captain Cold, Joe came to him reminding him how he wasn’t the Arrow.  He encouraged Barry to remember that he was a hero, not a vigilante.  That the Flash operates differently.  He inspires, he doesn’t force.

Eddie is found this evening by Team Flash.  He was being held within S.T.A.R. Labs where Eobard was hiding. I think season two will be a dark journey for Eddie.  He breaks up with Iris, believing the future is already written.  I believe this is his first next step down the dark side of his nature.

All of this happens before the main event.  Now I have to say it never really explains how Oliver gets to Central City (especially with everything going on with Arrow).  I am sure a few purists will hate, but I just have to say I hope it is explained tonight with Arrow’s season finale (where the Flash has at least a cameo).  Also, if it’s NOT, I am simply OK with it.  When he and Firestorm joined the Flash, it was like I was watching the Avengers all over again, for the first time.  I thought that this is what fans believe should be normal.  Barry can’t beat the Reverse Flash alone, fine… don’t do it alone.

Then there is the other gem that every Flash fan was waiting for.  Watching Eobard Thawne transform into the Reverse Flash using the Flash (Reverse Flash) ring.  Also, it was great to watch the Reverse Flash cut loose on Flash, Firestorm and the Dark Arrow. The smile Wells had before he used the ring so said it was on!  I bet you would be hard pressed to find a Flash fan who doesn’t want Barry to use the ring.  I don’t know how they are going to get it to work, but I am sure Cisco and Caitlin will be able to help Barry with that.

The end fight was as good as either shows have been to date.  The Reverse Flash would easily be able to take down any of the heroes alone.  Together though, the three heroes (four if you count Ray’s arrows that nullifies the Reverse Flash’s speed force) slowed Thawne.  I know it is Barry’s show, but you had to enjoy the fight between a de-powered Reverse Flash and Dark Arrow.  Though I hate to admit it, Oliver should have easily disabled Thawne with not only his training, but also the League’s training.

Between Firestorm’s blasts, dropping the Reverse Flash from a building and Ray’s arrow delivered by Oliver… Eobard Thawne is defeated.  I know that next week is the season finale, but tonight really felt like it was, too.  Tonight was as good as it has been since The Flash started. It had the best elements of both shows with some nice lead into Arrow’s finale, season two of The Flash, and even this fall’s Legends of Tomorrow.

I know next week is a temporal episode, I LOVE temporal episodes.  Still it will have to be pretty spectacular to top this one.  I guess we will find out in six days with “Fast Enough.”  I remember Arrow’s first season.  It was pretty amazing as well.  I think DC fan’s have a lot to look forward to this fall with the next seasons of both The Flash & Arrow.  Also, though we get to look forward to both Legends of Tomorrow & Supergirl.  Here’s to an amazing Fall of DC heroes!

The Flash airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW. Watch full episodes on CWTV.com.