We’ll be meeting Zoom on the next episode of The Flash, so we theorize about who might be under that terrifying mask.
Since Zoom has been sending metahumans from Earth-2 to kill Barry on The Flash, there’s been quite the mystery surrounding the speed demon. Now, ahead of his appearance in the next episode of The Flash, “Enter Zoom,” we’ve gotten our first look at him when he’s not vibrating. Oh, and he’s terrifying. See for yourself:
It’s worth noting that Zoom’s costume looks identical to Barry’s, just dark. However, getting this first look at Zoom also raises the question of just who is under that suit. Assuming that Zoom is someone we already know for greater emotional impact when we actually get the reveal, we have a few theories.
Earth-2 Barry Allen
With all the Earth-2 counterparts that have come over to Earth-1, wouldn’t it be fascinating if Barry were fighting his darkest self? On Earth-1 he gained powers and used them for good, but what if on Earth-2 he gained powers and used them to the opposite effect?
Of course, Barry is leaner than the figure wearing the Zoom suit, meaning that unless Earth-2 Barry was significantly bulked up, this option is likely not true.
Earth-1 Jay Garrick
Speaking of counterparts, has anyone wondered whether Jay Garrick has an Earth-1 counterpart? What if Earth-1 Jay somehow crossed universes and became Zoom? Stranger things have happened. Moreoever, The Flash has trained us to be suspicious of people who appear to mean well.
However, a mentor “betraying” Barry would be a bit of a retread from last season so we think this one is also unlikely.
Earth-2 Eddie Thawne
Iris lost her fiance and Joe his partner when Eddie killed himself to erase Eobard Thawne from existence. What if, however, Earth-2’s Eddie Thawne took after his descendant, Eobard, and was also evil? It would be interesting if the Thawne line continued to haunt Barry across universes.
This might be tricky, though, since Rick Cosnett is currently working on ABC’s Quantico. But him working on a new project would be a strong red herring, especially if Zoom’s identity isn’t revealed until much later in the season.
Earth-2 Joe West
There isn’t much that could be more personal for Barry than fighting an evil version of the father-figure who helped raise him into the good-hearted man he is today. This would affect the entire team as well since Joe has become a pivotal member of Team Flash.
Additionally, this is also shaping up to be a West family-heavy season of The Flash with the introduction of Francine West and the bombshell of Iris having a (half?) brother.
Earth-2 Henry Allen
Our favorite theory is that Zoom is the Earth-2 version of Barry’s father. Barry spent over a decade trying to free his father from prison after his false imprisonment. What if the Henry Allen of Earth-2 actually is a murderer? This would be incredibly hard for Barry and would make for some great drama.
The fact that John Wesley Shipp, who played the Flash on the 1990 series, plays Henry Allen on The Flash lends credence to this theory as well; it would be a treat to have the original Barry Allen play an evil speedster.
Of course, there are still options that we haven’t explored here — including the possibility that Zoom will mirror his comic book counterpart in Hunter Zolomon. We’re looking forward to seeing this mystery unfold.
The Flash airs Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET on The CW.
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