Even though Tom Cavanagh said his goodbyes as Harrison Wells on The CW’s The Flash earlier this year, the actor isn’t ruling out a return just yet. Cavanagh teased what could possibly be in store once the superhero series comes to an end, and it’s enough to make any fan hopeful that they will see him, or at least something close to him, on their TV screens once again.
Tom Cavanagh has played many versions of Harrison Wells over the years, but perhaps the most formidable player is Grant Gustin’s Barry Allen’s archenemy, the Reverse-Flash. Just when Barry thinks that Eobard Thawne is no longer in the game, he comes back when he least expects it. The Reverse-Flash was last seen in Season 5, when he was helping Barry and Iris’ (Candice Patton) future daughter, Nora (Jessica Parker Kennedy), defeat Cicada. Though it's been some time since fans saw Reverse-Flash, Cavanagh tells TVLine a hope he has for The Flash when it comes time for the show to finish its run:
I’m not saying that this is going to happen, but Greg and I always felt that when Grant decides to depart the show, it’d be hard to imagine a scenario other than ‘Batman comes home to Joker,’ and Flash and Reverse Flash settle things. It'd be hard to imagine a different storyline — and that’s all I’m going to say right now.
The hope of seeing the Reverse-Flash confirms what was known in the Season 6 episode, “The Exorcism of Nash Wells” last year. While Eobard Thawne was expelled from Nash Wells’ body, Barry and Cisco confirmed that the act didn’t kill Reverse-Flash. The two mentioned that his negative tachyons would be in search of another body soon, indicating that he could be back but with another face. It’s hard to picture the Reverse-Flash played by someone other than Tom Cavanagh, given how long he's played the role. But even though he didn’t mention he’d reprise his role if the Reverse-Flash were to make another appearance, his return is still possible.
Both Tom Cavanagh and Carlos Valdes, who portrays Cisco Ramone, were announced to be leaving The Flash during the current season. Cisco’s exit, which will occur in this week's episode, will have him moving to San Francisco with girlfriend Kamila. With Cavanagh and Valdes’ exits seemingly being open-ended (while also completing their stories), fans will still be able to hold on to the hope that this won’t be the last time they’re seen on screens.
With The Flash already renewed for Season 8 and showing no signs of slowing down, as of yet, it’s hard to tell if or when the Reverse-Flash will make another appearance, and if Tom Cavanagh will be returning to the iconic role. Let's hope the fan-favorite actor does make a return before the series reaches the finish line.
Catch new episodes of The Flash on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on The CW and, while you're at it, check out our summer TV release schedule to find out what shows are premiering and returning to your screens.
