The Goodness of Dr. Wells in The Flash: A Closer Look

In the critically acclaimed TV series The Flash, Scott Patterson's portrayal of Dr. Martin Stein / Atom and Tommy Merth's portrayal of Dr. Strauber / Reverse-Flash (Eobard Thawne) have left a lasting impact on viewers. The character of Dr. Wells (Professor Eobard Thawne) has often been questioned for his actions and motivations. Is he truly a good person, or is he just a villain with a twisted sense of purpose? Let's break it down and analyze his character.

The Problem with Dr. Wells: An Analysis

Many fans of the series, including myself, have expressed doubts about Dr. Wells' character. It is often pointed out that he doesn't truly have to take drastic measures to return to his time. Specifically, he doesn't need to kill people to achieve his goal. Instead, he could have sought the help of The Flash or Black Canary, who can travel through time legally and safely. By creating an enemy rather than a partner, he makes the situation much more complicated and dangerous.

The argument isn't entirely without merit. If you were transported 400 years into the past and were only able to return by killing someone, it is understandable that you might do it, regardless of moral implications. Dr. Wells finds himself in a situation where he is separated from his family for a very long period, and the opportunity to return to his own time is very rare. However, this does not necessarily justify his actions.

Understanding Dr. Wells: A Man Struggling with Time and Desire

Dr. Wells is essentially a man who is far away from his family and yearns to return to his own time. He is not just a cold and detached villain, but a sentient being with a complex set of desires and needs. Imagine being sent back in time to the year 1813, without any modern technology, and having the only way back to your family in the 24th century is by killing someone. Would you not do it?

This dilemma encapsulates part of Dr. Wells' character. He is a man who is relentless in his pursuit to go back to his time, even if his methods seem questionable. He is driven by a deep-seated desire to reunite with his family and friends. This human aspect should not be overlooked; it makes him more than just a one-dimensional villain, but a figure with flaws and weaknesses that make his actions understandable, if not necessarily justified.

The Reverse-Flash: A Tangled Web of Infiltration

When discussing Dr. Wells, it is crucial to clarify that he is not the same as the Reverse-Flash, Eobard Thawne. In fact, the Reverse-Flash is Dr. Wells' alter ego, the person he becomes when he allows his anger and ambition to take over. Dr. Wells is attempting to return home, but the Reverse-Flash is acting out of pure malice and revenge. The Reverse-Flash's actions are destructive and primarily driven by his hatred for The Flash and others who stand in his way.

Dr. Wells, on the other hand, is more focused on achieving his goal through any means necessary. While he does have a darker side, as he transforms into the Reverse-Flash, his initial motivations are understandable. However, as the series progresses, Wells' actions become more and more questionable, especially as he begins to embrace the power of the Reverse-Flash.

Final Thoughts on Dr. Wells

In conclusion, Dr. Wells in The Flash is a character who combines complexity and charisma. While he does not always have the most ethical approach to his goals, his motivations are rooted in a deep desire to return to his own time and family. His actions, while often questionable, are driven by a genuine need that many viewers can relate to, despite the ethical shortcomings.

Throughout the series, Wells' character evolves, and it is worth noting that his actions can be seen as a result of being placed in an extremely difficult situation. However, this does not fully justify his darker actions as the Reverse-Flash.