Sometimes, the characters did not need to be alive on the show for a long time to make an impact. Barry’s connections to his parents, even though they were not alive past season two in the present day, were still a heavy element to the emotional arc of the series. Friendships, familial dynamics, and romantic relationships all had their place inThe Flash’snine seasons. Friendships such as Caitlin and Cisco helped keep the series grounded in the foundation of mutual love and respect toward a completely platonic relationship. Cisco’s complicated relationship with each Harrison Wells ended up being one of the most dynamic duos in the series.
Familial relationships also never failed to be a part of the beating heart of the series. Joe’s relationships with Iris and Barry show his nature as a father. Joe’s romance with Cecile allowed him to expand beyond a paternal role and show himself as being a trusting and loving partner in addition to a father. Of course, nothing inThe Flashwould be the same without relying so heavily on the friendship turned romance between Barry and Iris and how the series heavily leaned into the meaning behind their relationship for the entire show’s run.
10Barry, Nora, and Henry
Sadly, Barry did not get to spend much time with his parents. Nora was murdered when Barry was a child, and Zoom killed Henry fairly quickly after Henry was released from Iron Heights.
What Makes Them Important
But so much ofBarry’s emotional motivationstemmed from his love for his parents and his grief following their deaths. Barry, Nora, and Henry were rarely seen together on screen, but Barry’s devotion to his parents is part of what madeThe Flashwhat it was and helped push Barry as a person.
9Frost and Mark
Even though these two were ultimately not together for that long, Mark was still one of the few people outside of Team Flash to whom Frost opened up. Frost and Mark’s relationship gave layers to both of their characters, especially asFrost was in the process of trying to figure out her identityas an individual.
Mark gave Frost a sense of understanding of what her life could be on her own, separate from Caitlin. Meanwhile, Frost encouraged Mark to work on the right side of the law and help Team Flash.
8Cisco and Harrison Wells Doppelgängers
Cisco always had a unique relationship with a Harrison Wells doppelgänger. It almost always started roughly, with Cisco being uncertain or not fully trusting the new Harrison Wells before they would eventually become close.
Of all the doppelgängers, Harry Wells, most specifically, Cisco, built a strong bond with each iteration he spent a long time with. Their intelligence allowed them to communicate, and Harry’s growing love for Team Flash, as well as every other Wells iteration that followed him, helped the team in their endeavors.
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7Barry and Cisco
Cisco was one of the first people to help Barry become The Flash. Cisco and Barry became as close as brothers, relying on each other for support. Their friendship was one of the original pillars of the series.
They were never afraid to be angry with each other, as Cisco demonstrates when he realizes his brother Dante only died as a result of Barry’s Flashpoint. Barry’s struggle to show his true sadness about Cisco leaving forced them all to confront the truth about how much they would all miss each other.
6Caitlin and Cisco
Caitlin and Cisco’s relationship, though, was arguably the most important that either of them had. They are truly best friends, looking out for each other and taking care of each other whenever the other needs them. Caitlin and Cisco were a unit that knew how to work together.
There was never a point in the series where it seemed as if Caitlin and Cisco would venture into a romantic relationship. Their platonic love was perfect for the series, and they always helped each other when the other needed it.
5Joe and Cecile
Before Cecile knew the truth about Barry being The Flash, Joe questioned if they should stay together due to the amount of danger he is usually in and how it could result in Cecile getting hurt. But, their staying together ended up being the best decision for their characters.
When Cecile gained Meta Human abilities, it only strengthened her relationship with Joe. It prevented Joe from hiding much from Cecile because she could read his emotions, which encouraged a more honest relationship between them. Joe and Cecile even worked out a way to give their daughter a safe upbringing while allowing Cecile to continue helping Team Flash and Central City.
4Barry and Joe
Even though Joe was not Barry’s father, he was still his dad. Joe raised Barry and, for all intents and purposes, was the most stable and constant father that Barry had growing up, given how Henry spent most of Barry’s life in prison.
Joe and Barry’s relationship speaks highly of how blood does not matter to make a family. Joe raised Barry as if Barry had been his own son. He even considers Barry to be his son. Although they argue, usually it surrounds that they care about each other and can not lose one another.
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3Iris and Joe
Joe may have taken in Barry and later embraced Wally, but it was always clear that he never lost sight of Iris. Iris always remained a top priority for Joe. Iris and Joe would argue occasionally, just as most parents do with their children. But ultimately, they loved each other and would fight together.
Portraying a mostly loving and supportive relationship between a parent and a child is always a positive thing. Not every relationship on television allows for such a positive relationship, whether it be for the sake of drama or not. Still, letting Iris and Joe be on good terms or argue adds extra layers of relatability to their dynamic.
2Barry and Eobard Thawne
If there was ever a pure example of mutual hatred, it was between Barry and Eobard Thawne. Eobard made it his life’s mission to kill Barry. Meanwhile, Barry always struggled when dealing with Thawne, especially following the betrayal that Eobard Thawne was not Harrison Wells and that he had been responsible for Barry’s mother’s death.
As much as Barry never wanted to deal with Thawne,they circled each other constantly, and their rivalry was one of the most emotionally charged in the series. Barry never had it in him to permanently kill Thawne, even after everything he did.
1Barry and Iris
Iris and Barry’s relationship is the heart and soul ofThe Flash. They started out as childhood friends, but Barry’s crush on Iris has always been in the background of their lives. They grew up together and relied on each other.
Barry learns early on that he is destined to marry Iris, based on a future news article. Although Iris knows what the future says, she does not immediately jump into a romance with Barry. It takes time for her to accept her feelings. Following their getting together,The Flashconstantly reinforces their romance and love as being the keys to everything.
