Season 3, Episode 1: “Flashpoint”
Picking up a few months after the second season finale left off, “Flashpoint” introduces us to the world that could have been, if only. The consequences of Barry’s decision to create Flashpoint may be dire, but there’s some appeal to the alternate world he created. It’s lovely to see his parents alive and well, and No Chill Barry makes a delightful appearance when he tries to ask Iris out for coffee. Or a drink. Or tea. If it weren’t for the fact it was seemingly the only way to save Wally’s life, Barry might have remained in this alternate world…and I’m not entirely sure I could blame him.
Season 3, Episode 2: “Paradox”
Two points make this episode worth binging – it introduces Caitlin’s new powers, but it perhaps more importantly establishes why Barry would generally refrain from using time travel to fix all his problems in the future. John Wesley Shipp is a delight to watch on the series, as Henry Allen as well as the Real Jay Garrick, so it’s any episode with him in it is well worth binging.
Season 3, Episode 6: “Shade”
This episode probably wouldn’t make the list, except it is the episode that establishes how Wally gets his powers, which would lead him to take on the mantle of Kid Flash.
Season 3, Episode 9: “The Present”
This is another arguable entry on the list. I’ve included it because it does establish how Barry sees the future and decides he will do anything to save Iris from her apparent death at the hands of Savitar. On the other hand, that death scene will be replayed a disturbing number of times over the remainder of the season, so if one misses it here, there will be ample opportunities to catch it. In the next episode, “Borrowing Problems from the Future,” he tells Iris of her impending fate in a scene that showcases why Candice Patton is one of the strongest actors on the show – if not the entire network.
Season 3, Episode 17: “Duet”
This episode is not only bingeworthy because it’s just plain fun, it’s bingeworthy because it gives us the (real) proposal between Barry Allen and Iris West. (His first proposal, in episode 14, “Attack on Central City,” was ruined by manufactured drama necessary to set up this episode and force a parallel between ships.) It also features True Love’s Kiss, for the fellow romance fans in the audience.
Season 3, Episode 19: “The Once and Future Flash”
Could Barry Allen move on and love again if he ever lost Iris? This episode offers an unequivocal answer to that question, and the answer is no. Gustin’s performance as his future self, when he tells Barry that losing Iris will break him, is one of his strongest and most heartbreaking.
Season 3, Episode 20: “I Know Who You Are”
Savitar is another villain whose story doesn’t really hold up all that well upon questioning, but this is the episode where his true identity is finally revealed. While I can’t help but think the season-long plot could have been strengthened by a reveal earlier in the season (for the audience if not the characters), it’s still an important moment to watch in any binge watch of the series.
Season 3, Episode 21: “Cause and Effect”
These last few episodes tie into each other so much that it would be hard to skip them and follow the plot into the finale. If one had to skip one, this would probably be the one to choose. Still, it offers the (granted, full of plot holes) explanation for how Savitar exists and what he’s after, making it an important addition to the binge list.
Season 3, Episode 22: “Infantino Street”
Hum a few bars of “Murder Song (5, 4, 3, 2, 1)” to any Westallen fan, and they’re going to automatically know that this is the episode you’re referencing. It can be a bit of a tough watch, as it ends with the moment the entire season has seemingly built to. But Grant Gustin and Candice Patton are acting powerhouses in the episode, ensuring that there won’t be a dry eye in the house when Barry thinks he’s lost the love of his life to…something like his own hand.
Season 3, Episode 23: “Finish Line”
It would be hard to binge a show and not watch the first and last episodes of each season, since those are the episodes that generally set up the villain for the year and resolve said villain’s arc. The season finales also set up the cliffhanger for the next season, and this one was an emotional doozy. After it’s revealed that it was actually H.R. that died at Savitar’s hand (with help from Killer Frost), Barry has precious few moments to appreciate that he wasn’t murdered by Savitar (thanks to Iris) before he is given a choice that isn’t much of a choice at all: he must sacrifice himself to the speed force prison in order to save the city.