'The Flash' Season 1 Spoilers: 7 Things To Know Before The Oct. 7 Premiere

Tuesday night marks the beginning of a new superhero on television with the series premiere of “The Flash” on CW. The “Arrow”-spinoff airs its first episode tonight, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m. EDT. While fans of the DC comic book character may have had the date circled on their calendars since the CW picked up the show earlier this year, new fans to the character might be curious what they are getting into with the new premiere.

Here are 7 things fans need to know for the premiere of “The Flash.”

1. The Flash Begins

“The Flash” may be a spinoff of “Arrow,” but fans won't have to be familiar with “Arrow” to settle right in to the new show. “The Flash” premiere starts out very much telling the origin story of the famous book character, and the show’s creators have compared the new series to the Christopher Nolan film, “Batman Begins.” “We always talk about the show like it’s ‘Flash Begins,’” executive producer, Andrew Kriesberg says, pointing to the character of Iris West (Candice Patton) as an example. “Iris in the comics is a famous award-winning journalist. We’re seeing her from the ground up. She’s starting as a blogger and as the season progresses we’re going to see her really take journalism to heart and that’s really her beginning.”

2. Barry Allen

“The Flash,” of course, focuses on the titular comic book character that, in real life, is just a forensic scientist for the Central City Police. He develops superhuman speed after an accident at the S.T.A.R. Labs particle accelerator facility. He eventually decides to become "The Flash" and uses these powers to fight crime. While in “Arrow,” Oliver is a powerful vigilante crusader from Day 1. But in “The Flash,” Barry Allen is just discovering his powers, and the premiere marks the first day on his journey to becoming a super hero.

3. Grant Gustin

Grant Gustin has been tapped to play The Flash/Barry Allen in the series. Gustin has already played the role in the character’s appearances on Season 2 of “Arrow.” The character of Barry Allen appeared in episodes 8 and 9 of the series and was featured in the accident that turned Barry Allen into The Flash. Gustin is otherwise known for his role of Sebastian Smythe on “Glee.”

4. Arrow Crossover

“Arrow” and “The Flash” both exist in the same universe, and in a special episode, the two heroes will meet. Episode 8 in the new season of both shows will be a combined two-hour crossover episode featuring both heroes. The producers are promising the episode will deliver a big surprise for fans of both shows. The title of the episode is, not surprisingly, “Flash vs. Arrow.”

5. Keeping It In The Family

Robbie Amell, the cousin of Stephen Amell (who plays hero Oliver Queen in “Arrow”), has joined the cast of “The Flash.” Amell will play Ronnie Raymond, the fiancé of S.T.A.R. scientist, Caitlin Snow (Danielle Panabaker). After an accident, Amell will eventually become one half of the hero Firestorm.

6. Premiere Title

The title of “The Flash” premiere is “City of Heroes.” This was also the title of the Season 2 premiere of “Arrow,” for fans who are following closely.

7. Trailer

The extended trailer for “The Flash” hints that the show will explore some of Barry Allen’s childhood and the origin of “The Flash.” It also shows some of the action coming in the premiere season and introduces many of the major characters, as well as giving fans a glimpse into the comic book world of Central City.

Watch the trailer for “The Flash” below:

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