Given the size of my ever expanding DVD collection, I present a flashback review of one of the best episodes of the 1990 series, "The Flash."

In the fall of 1990, CBS aired the superhero drama "The Flash." It was an attempt to cash in on the film "Batman," by airing a gritty super-hero drama. The Flash, for those not familiar with the concept, is police scientist Barry Allen, who was struck by a bolt of lightning and bathed in chemicals in his lab and ended up with super-speed, and a hyper-accelerated metabolism.

In the early episode, Barry fought regular criminals. But in the episode "Ghost in the Machine," he battled his first super-villain.

In 1955, Central City was terrorized by a villain known as The Ghost played by Anthony Starke. The Ghost used television in his crimes, and in his coup-de-gras, tried to blackmail the city, threatening to blow up key buildings if he wasn't paid $1 million.

But where there's a super-villain, there's a superhero, this one named Nightshade played by Jason Bernard. During their battle, Nightshade rescues Ghost's female accomplice, but the Ghost is believed killed. However, the Ghost slipped through a secret door, and used his cryogenic chamber, and slept for 35 years. Once awakening, he starts up his extortion scheme, this time upping the ante to $1 billion.

Of course this time he runs across the Flash, and the unplanned return of the Nightshade. After an initial setback, the two put their heads together, and through teamwork, defeat the Ghost. The Nightshade retires again, but not without telling Barry he's welcome to talk to him any time, should he need to discuss the particular problems they both share.

This show was ahead of its time. Given how the crime procedural/CSI shows are so popular these days, this show could have had a shot if introduced now. A CSI super hero might just wow the crowds. Especially with the popularity of "Heroes."

What Worked

I really liked how enthralled Barry was when he learned Central City had a masked protector decades earlier. In the continuity of this show, there don't appear to be super heroes running around everywhere. When Barry learns about the Nightshade, he's filled with questions.

He later gets the chance to save Nightshade, and the two become allies. Nightshade and Flash team up to defeat the Ghost, as he becomes one with the internet. Barry ends up with a mentor of sorts, with Nightshade telling him he's welcome to talk with him any time.

What Didn't Work

I missed the Barry/Tina story. Since this was a Nightshade story more than anything else, something else had to go. The characters of Barry and Tina have a nice chemistry, and the writers have developed a very nice 'are they just friends vibe' with them.

They play the romantic interest card for them when necessary, but it's open enough for Barry to have a date with the female of the week.

But they cut all the interest out of the Barry/Tina story, which just left a lot of nothing.

Giving Credit Where Credit's Due

"The Flash" starred John Wesley Shipp, Amanda Pays and Alex Desert. "Ghost in the Machine" guest starred Jason Bernard as Dr. Desmond Powell/Nightshade, and Anthony Starke as the Ghost. It was written by Howard Chaykin and John Francis Moore and directed by Bruce Bilson.

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Ed Left is a columnist for Airlock Alpha, who was lives in the beautiful city of Chicago. He also is the Webmaster of Sci Fi On TV. He can be reached at eleft@airlockalpha.com.