Actress Candice Patton is known for playing Iris West in The Flash, starring Grant Gustin in the lead role. Patton’s character serves as the primary love interest for the titular superhero. Iris was an important part of the show’s DNA, especially during its earlier seasons. As a result, it was frustrating that the character was relegated to a frustrating subplot.
In the show’s earlier seasons, Iris is unaware of Barry Allen’s secret identity as the Flash. As a result, many fans disliked this aspect of the character’s storyline. However, Patton admitted in an interview that she was equally frustrated by the subplot and was happy to see it resolved by the end of season 2. Here is what Patton had to say about the annoying Iris subplot in The Flash.
The Flash fans and Candice Patton agree on the most frustrating plot point from the earlier seasons
Candice Patton essayed the role of Iris West in all nine seasons of The Flash, starring Grant Gustin in the title role. After Barry takes on the titular superhero identity, those around him slowly learn about his secret and superpowers. However, Iris remained in the dark about Barry’s secret identity.
During an interview with Den of Geek, Patton discussed her work on the show’s first two seasons, with Iris finally learning Barry’s secret by the end of season 2.
I think fans were more sick of it than I was. I enjoyed playing that part of it. I know people don’t really like seeing a woman kind of out of the loop.
Patton made the above statement, admitting that while she enjoyed playing with that aspect of her character, she was glad the subplot was finally resolved.
Iris being the only one left out of the loop about Barry’s powers was frustrating for fans because she is a journalist and also one of the closest people to him. However, Patton admitted that the earlier dynamic between Barry and Iris was important because of the show’s comic book roots.
One taboo aspect of Barry and Iris’ romance in The Flash wasn’t a problem for Candice Patton
Another aspect of the show’s earlier dynamic between Barry and Iris was their almost step-sibling-like dynamic. In the pilot episode, it was established that Barry was practically raised by Iris’s father. Therefore, some fans felt that a romantic relationship between them was uncomfortable.
However, Patton admitted that Iris and Barry’s romantic relationship wasn’t a problem for her despite the implications of their past. She said:
Never. Absolutely never. I mean we’ve never spoken about that in the cast or with the producers.
Patton added that the issue wasn’t real since neither the cast nor the producers had ever discussed it.
Therefore, the actress argued that the issue with Barry and Iris having a romantic interest in each other was simply a result of fans reading too much into the narrative. At the same time, Patton also felt that the series did enough groundwork to establish that the characters’ bond wasn’t like siblings.
The Flash is streaming on Netflix.
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