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'''Harrison Wells''' is the name of several [[Character (arts)|fictional characters]] appearing in [[the CW]]'s television series ''[[The Flash (2014 TV series)|The Flash]]'', all portrayed by [[Tom Cavanagh]]. Created by [[Geoff Johns]], [[Greg Berlanti]] and [[Andrew Kreisberg]], the character is an original creation for the series, not being based on any existing character appearing in comics published by [[DC Comics]]. Most versions of Wells are from [[Parallel universes in fiction|parallel universes]], each working as the director of [[S.T.A.R. Labs]] on their respective Earths.
'''Harrison Wells''' is the name of several [[Character (arts)|fictional characters]] appearing in [[the CW]]'s television series ''[[The Flash (2014 TV series)|The Flash]]'', all portrayed by [[Tom Cavanagh]]. Created by [[Geoff Johns]], [[Greg Berlanti]] and [[Andrew Kreisberg]], the character is an original creation for the series, not being based on any existing character appearing in comics published by [[DC Comics]]. Most versions of Wells are from [[Parallel universes in fiction|parallel universes]], each working as the director of [[S.T.A.R. Labs]] on their respective Earths.


Cavanagh has received praise from critics and fans for his performances as various versions of the character, particularly for '''[[Eobard Thawne]]''' disguised as [[Earth-One|Earth-1]]'s Wells; and [[Earth-Two|Earth-2]]'s '''Harry Wells'''. He has also reprised these two role in the [[Arrowverse]] series ''[[Arrow (TV series)|Arrow]]'', ''[[Legends of Tomorrow]]'' and ''[[Supergirl (TV series)|Supergirl]]''.
Cavanagh has received praise from critics and fans for his performances as various versions of the character, particularly for '''[[Eobard Thawne]]''' disguised as [[Earth-One|Earth-1]]'s Wells; and [[Earth-Two|Earth-2]]'s '''Harry Wells'''. He has also reprised these two roles in the [[Arrowverse]] series ''[[Arrow (TV series)|Arrow]]'', ''[[Legends of Tomorrow]]'' and ''[[Supergirl (TV series)|Supergirl]]''.


== Fictional character biographies ==
== Fictional character biographies ==
=== Harrison Wells / Eobard Thawne ===
=== Harrison Wells / Eobard Thawne ===
Harrison Wells is first introduced in the series as the director of [[S.T.A.R. Labs]] in [[Central City (DC Comics)|Central City]]. During season one's timeframe, he activates a particle accelerator that malfunctions, releasing dark matter energy that kills several people and grants various individuals [[metahuman]] abilities, including [[Flash (Barry Allen)|Barry Allen]]. Months later, Wells is a recluse and a pariah, confined to a wheelchair. Along with [[Vibe (comics)|Cisco Ramon]] and [[Killer Frost#Caitlin Snow|Caitlin Snow]], he helps develop Barry's powers as the [[Flash (comics)|Flash]] and mentors him in pushing speed to the limit to come up with novel solutions to take down metahuman criminals. However, Wells is revealed to have many secrets: he is faking paralysis, possesses the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] Gideon with futuristic information,<ref name="Pilot">{{Cite episode |title=Pilot |episode-link=Pilot (The Flash) |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=October 7, 2014 |season=1 |number=1}}</ref> and is willing to kill to protect his protégé and cover his own tracks.<ref name="Fastest Man Alive">{{Cite episode|title=Fastest Man Alive|episode-link=Fastest Man Alive|url=|access-date=|series=The Flash|series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series)|last=|first=|network=[[The CW]]|station=|date=October 14, 2014|season=1|series-no=|number=2|minutes=|time=|transcript=|transcript-url=|quote=|language=}}</ref> He turns to be the '''[[Reverse-Flash]]''', a mysterious tachyon-powered speedster that occasionally terrorizes the Flash and the S.T.A.R. Labs team despite being close to all of them, especially Barry and Cisco.<ref name="The Man in the Yellow Suit">{{Cite episode|title=The Man in the Yellow Suit|episode-link=|url=|access-date=|series=The Flash|series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series)|last=|first=|network=[[The CW]]|station=|date=December 9, 2014|season=1|series-no=|number=9|minutes=|time=|transcript=|transcript-url=|quote=|language=}}</ref> Despite being a father figure alongside Joe West and [[List of minor DC Comics characters#Henry Allen|Henry Allen]] to Barry, Wells is eventually revealed to be '''[[Eobard Thawne]]''', Barry's archenemy from the future and a descendant of Central City police officer [[Eddie Thawne]].<ref name="Out of Time">{{Cite episode |title=Out of Time |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |date=March 17, 2015 |season=1 |number=15}}</ref> He assumed the appearance of the real Harrison Wells, killing the scientist and his wife Tess;<ref name="Tricksters" /> the investigation into Tess' death by Joe and Cisco leads to the discovery of Wells' corpse and Eobard's facade.<ref name="Who Is Harrison Wells?">{{Cite episode |title=Who Is Harrison Wells? |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |date=April 21, 2015 |season=1 |number=19}}</ref> Although his tachyon equipment restored most of his former abilities, Eobard orchestrated the events that would turn Barry into the Flash himself in order to use Barry's connection to the [[Speed Force]] to create a wormhole and return to his own time period. However, Barry foils the Eobard's plan to return to the future, resulting in the two speedsters engaging each other again. As Eobard attempts to kill the Flash, Eddie sacrifices himself, which causes Eobard to be erased from existence,<ref name="Fast Enough">{{Cite episode |title=Fast Enough |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=May 19, 2015 |season=1 |number=23}}</ref> though his existence lingers to preserve the timeline.<ref name="The Reverse-Flash Returns" /> In season two's premiere, it is revealed that Thawne left a will which bequeathed S.T.A.R. Labs to Barry. It also contains a video-recorded confession of his murder of [[List of minor DC Comics characters#Nora Allen|Nora Allen]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://uproxx.com/hitfix/dc-superhero-crossover-how-rich-is-barry-allen/ |title=The DC Superhero Crossover Has Us Wondering&nbsp;– How Rich Is Barry Allen? |last=Pantozzi |first=Jill |date=December 2, 2016 |website=[[Uproxx]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702112322/http://uproxx.com/hitfix/dc-superhero-crossover-how-rich-is-barry-allen/ |archive-date=July 2, 2017 |dead-url=no |access-date=March 6, 2018 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Unfortunately, Thawne's various actions causes problems for other [[doppelgänger]]s of Wells, who have to remain in disguise to avoid being mistaken for the imposter.<ref name="Legends of Today"/><ref name="Shade"/>
Harrison Wells is first introduced in the series as the director of [[S.T.A.R. Labs]] in [[Central City (DC Comics)|Central City]]. During season one's timeframe, he activates a particle accelerator that malfunctions, releasing dark matter energy that kills several people and grants various individuals [[metahuman]] abilities, including [[Flash (Barry Allen)|Barry Allen]]. Months later, Wells is a recluse and a pariah, confined to a wheelchair. Along with [[Vibe (comics)|Cisco Ramon]] and [[Killer Frost#Caitlin Snow|Caitlin Snow]], he helps develop Barry's powers as the [[Flash (comics)|Flash]] and mentors him in pushing speed to the limit to come up with novel solutions to take down metahuman criminals. However, Wells is revealed to have many secrets: he is faking paralysis, possesses the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] Gideon with futuristic information,<ref name="Pilot">{{Cite episode |title=Pilot |episode-link=Pilot (The Flash) |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=October 7, 2014 |season=1 |number=1}}</ref> and is willing to kill to protect his protégé and cover his own tracks.<ref name="Fastest Man Alive">{{Cite episode|title=Fastest Man Alive|episode-link=Fastest Man Alive|url=|access-date=|series=The Flash|series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series)|last=|first=|network=[[The CW]]|station=|date=October 14, 2014|season=1|series-no=|number=2|minutes=|time=|transcript=|transcript-url=|quote=|language=}}</ref> He turns to be the '''[[Reverse-Flash]]''', a mysterious tachyon-powered speedster that occasionally terrorizes the Flash and the S.T.A.R. Labs team despite being close to all of them, especially Barry and Cisco.<ref name="The Man in the Yellow Suit">{{Cite episode|title=The Man in the Yellow Suit|episode-link=|url=|access-date=|series=The Flash|series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series)|last=|first=|network=[[The CW]]|station=|date=December 9, 2014|season=1|series-no=|number=9|minutes=|time=|transcript=|transcript-url=|quote=|language=}}</ref> Despite being a father figure alongside Joe West and [[List of minor DC Comics characters#Henry Allen|Henry Allen]] to Barry, Wells is eventually revealed to be '''[[Eobard Thawne]]''', Barry's archenemy from the future and a descendant of Central City police officer [[Eddie Thawne]].<ref name="Out of Time">{{Cite episode |title=Out of Time |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |date=March 17, 2015 |season=1 |number=15}}</ref> He assumed the appearance of the real Harrison Wells, killing the scientist and his wife Tess;<ref name="Tricksters" /> the investigation into Tess' death by Joe and Cisco leads to the discovery of Wells' corpse and Eobard's facade.<ref name="Who Is Harrison Wells?">{{Cite episode |title=Who Is Harrison Wells? |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |date=April 21, 2015 |season=1 |number=19}}</ref> Although his tachyon equipment restored most of his former abilities, Eobard orchestrated the events that would turn Barry into the Flash himself in order to use Barry's connection to the [[Speed Force]] to create a wormhole and return to his own time period. However, Barry foils the Eobard's plan to return to the future, resulting in the two speedsters engaging each other again. As Eobard attempts to kill the Flash, Eddie sacrifices himself, which causes Eobard to be erased from existence,<ref name="Fast Enough">{{Cite episode |title=Fast Enough |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=May 19, 2015 |season=1 |number=23}}</ref> though his existence lingers to preserve the timeline.<ref name="The Reverse-Flash Returns" /> In season two's premiere, it is revealed that Thawne left a will which bequeathed S.T.A.R. Labs to Barry. It also contains a video-recorded confession of his murder of [[List of minor DC Comics characters#Nora Allen|Nora Allen]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://uproxx.com/hitfix/dc-superhero-crossover-how-rich-is-barry-allen/ |title=The DC Superhero Crossover Has Us Wondering&nbsp;– How Rich Is Barry Allen? |last=Pantozzi |first=Jill |date=December 2, 2016 |website=[[Uproxx]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702112322/http://uproxx.com/hitfix/dc-superhero-crossover-how-rich-is-barry-allen/ |archive-date=July 2, 2017 |dead-url=no |access-date=March 6, 2018 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Unfortunately, Thawne's various actions causes problems for other [[doppelgänger]]s of Wells, who have to remain in disguise to avoid being mistaken for the imposter.<ref name="Legends of Today" /><ref name="Shade" />


In season four, a speedster claiming to be the man in question is one of the main antagonists in the "[[Crisis on Earth-X]]" crossover. He has Wells's appearance, which he states he actually resumed "for old times' sake". When Barry mentioned watching Thawne die, Thawne implies that he might not have actually died when Eddie shot himself, due to the vagaries of time travel.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hawkins |first=Kayla |date=November 29, 2017 |title=How This 'Flash' Villain Made A Shocking & Terrifying Return In "Crisis on Earth-X" |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/how-is-eobard-thawne-still-alive-in-crisis-on-earth-x-this-flash-speedster-found-himself-a-brand-new-timeline-6334981 |dead-url=no |magazine=[[Bustle (magazine)|Bustle]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180601165217/https://www.bustle.com/p/how-is-eobard-thawne-still-alive-in-crisis-on-earth-x-this-flash-speedster-found-himself-a-brand-new-timeline-6334981 |archive-date=June 1, 2018 |access-date=June 1, 2018}}</ref> Now in league with the Dark Arrow ([[Oliver Queen (Arrow)|Oliver Queen]]'s doppelgänger) and Overgirl ([[Supergirl (Kara Zor-El)|Kara Danvers]]' doppelgänger), Thawne aided the leaders of the Nazi-ruled [[Earth-X (DC Comics)|Earth-X]] in Oliver's plan to keep Overgirl alive while conquering Earth-1. During the climactic final battle, Barry and Thawne engage one another in a super-speed clash. Barry ultimately defeats Thawne, but chooses to spare his life and lets him leave. His allies now dead, Thawne races away, vowing to return in yet another identity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/crisis-on-earth-x-evil-supergirl-arrow/|title=Crisis on Earth X's Evil Doppelgangers&nbsp;– From Overgirl to Dark Flash|last=Erao|first=Matthew|date=December 1, 2017|website=[[Screen Rant]]|access-date=February 4, 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204174013/https://screenrant.com/crisis-on-earth-x-evil-supergirl-arrow/|archivedate=February 4, 2018|deadurl=no|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
In season four, a speedster claiming to be the man in question is one of the main antagonists in the "[[Crisis on Earth-X]]" crossover. He has Wells's appearance, which he states he actually resumed "for old times' sake". When Barry mentioned watching Thawne die, Thawne implies that he might not have actually died when Eddie shot himself, due to the vagaries of time travel.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hawkins |first=Kayla |date=November 29, 2017 |title=How This 'Flash' Villain Made A Shocking & Terrifying Return In "Crisis on Earth-X" |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/how-is-eobard-thawne-still-alive-in-crisis-on-earth-x-this-flash-speedster-found-himself-a-brand-new-timeline-6334981 |dead-url=no |magazine=[[Bustle (magazine)|Bustle]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180601165217/https://www.bustle.com/p/how-is-eobard-thawne-still-alive-in-crisis-on-earth-x-this-flash-speedster-found-himself-a-brand-new-timeline-6334981 |archive-date=June 1, 2018 |access-date=June 1, 2018}}</ref> Now in league with the Dark Arrow ([[Oliver Queen (Arrow)|Oliver Queen]]'s doppelgänger) and Overgirl ([[Supergirl (Kara Zor-El)|Kara Danvers]]' doppelgänger), Thawne aided the leaders of the Nazi-ruled [[Earth-X (DC Comics)|Earth-X]] in Oliver's plan to keep Overgirl alive while conquering Earth-1. During the climactic final battle, Barry and Thawne engage one another in a super-speed clash. Barry ultimately defeats Thawne, but chooses to spare his life and lets him leave. His allies now dead, Thawne races away, vowing to return in yet another identity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/crisis-on-earth-x-evil-supergirl-arrow/|title=Crisis on Earth X's Evil Doppelgangers&nbsp;– From Overgirl to Dark Flash|last=Erao|first=Matthew|date=December 1, 2017|website=[[Screen Rant]]|access-date=February 4, 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204174013/https://screenrant.com/crisis-on-earth-x-evil-supergirl-arrow/|archivedate=February 4, 2018|deadurl=no|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
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=== Harry Wells (Earth–2) ===
=== Harry Wells (Earth–2) ===
'''Harrison "Harry" Wells''' is introduced in the second season as the founder and director of S.T.A.R. Labs on [[Earth-Two|Earth-2]].<ref name="Flash of Two Worlds">{{Cite episode |title=Flash of Two Worlds|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=October 13, 2015|season=2 |number=2}}</ref> Like Eobard, he was responsible for the creation of metahumans on Earth-2 using a particle accelerator which also exploded,<ref name="The Darkness and the Light">{{Cite episode |title=The Darkness and the Light|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=November 3, 2015|season=2 |number=5}}</ref> including the psychopathic serial killer [[Hunter Zolomon]] as the rogue speedster Zoom.<ref name="Versus Zoom" /> However, he refused to take responsibility for the metahumans, while making a profit with developing metahuman detector technology. But when Zoom kidnaps his daughter [[Jesse Chambers|Jesse Wells]], Harry travels to Earth-1 to assist Barry in the fight against Zoom's extorted metahumans and locate Jesse.<ref name="The Darkness and the Light"/><ref name="Enter Zoom">{{Cite episode |title=Enter Zoom|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=November 10, 2015|season=2 |number=6}}</ref> Team Flash, specifically Cisco and Joe, distrust him because of the prior betrayal by Eobard,<ref name="The Darkness and the Light" /> and Harry himself is mistaken by people unaware that the Reverse-Flash's actions ruined his Earth-1 doppelgänger's name and legacy.<ref name="The Fury of Firestorm" /><ref name="Legends of Today" /> For instance, [[Patty Spivot]] shoots and nearly kills Harry, believing him to be the Earth-1 Wells.<ref name="Legends of Today">{{Cite episode |title=Legends of Today |episode-link=Heroes Join Forces |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=December 1, 2015 |season=2 |number=8}}</ref> Likewise, Mercury Labs head [[Tina McGee]] also similarly mistakes Harry,<ref name="The Fury of Firestorm">{{Cite episode |title=The Fury of Firestorm |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=October 27, 2015 |season=2 |number=4}}</ref> until they actually meet and are properly introduced.<ref name="Invincible">{{Cite episode |title=Invincible |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=May 17, 2016 |season=2 |number=22}}</ref> Harry also meets the Reverse-Flash's younger self, suspecting that the encounter between them is what caused Eobard's future actions towards his true Earth-1 doppelganger.<ref name="The Reverse-Flash Returns">{{Cite episode |title=The Reverse-Flash Returns |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=January 26, 2016 |season=2 |number=11}}</ref> Harry is extorted by Zoom into developing a device to steal the Flash's speed for Zoom in exchange for his daughter's life. But Harry confesses to his collaboration with Zoom so Barry and Cisco decide to travel to Earth-2 with Harry to rescue Jesse.<ref name="Fast Lane">{{Cite episode |title=Fast Lane|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=February 2, 2016|season=2 |number=12}}</ref> After their mission is complete, Harry and Jesse seek refuge on Earth-1 from Zoom's pursuit.<ref name="Escape from Earth-2">{{Cite episode |title=Escape from Earth-2|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=February 16, 2016|season=2 |number=14}}</ref> After Barry's speed is sacrificed to Zoom to save [[Wally West]],<ref name="Versus Zoom">{{Cite episode |title=Versus Zoom|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=April 19, 2016 |season=2 |number=18}}</ref> Harry recreates a miniature particle accelerator to help Barry regain these powers based on Eobard's plans.<ref name="Rupture">{{Cite episode |title=Rupture|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=May 3, 2016|season=2 |number=20}}</ref> Although the accelerator explosion causes Barry to disappear, and its dark matter affects both Wally and Jesse (who enters a coma), Harry eventually locates Barry at the Speed Force; he is able to bring Barry back with Cisco and [[Iris West]]'s help, and Barry wakes Jesse from the coma.<ref name="The Runaway Dinosaur">{{Cite episode |title=The Runaway Dinosaur|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=May 10, 2016|season=2 |number=21}}</ref> After Zoom's defeat, Harry and Jesse return to Earth-2 with [[Flash (Jay Garrick)|Jay Garrick]] (the Flash of Earth-3), promising to help him return to his own Earth.<ref name="The Race of His Life">{{Cite episode |title=The Race of His Life |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=May 24, 2016 |season=2 |number=23}}</ref>
'''Harrison "Harry" Wells''' is introduced in the second season as the founder and director of S.T.A.R. Labs on [[Earth-Two|Earth-2]].<ref name="Flash of Two Worlds">{{Cite episode |title=Flash of Two Worlds|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=October 13, 2015|season=2 |number=2}}</ref> Like Eobard, he was responsible for the creation of metahumans on Earth-2 using a particle accelerator which also exploded,<ref name="The Darkness and the Light">{{Cite episode |title=The Darkness and the Light|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=November 3, 2015|season=2 |number=5}}</ref> including the psychopathic serial killer [[Hunter Zolomon]] as the rogue speedster Zoom.<ref name="Versus Zoom" /> However, he refused to take responsibility for the metahumans, while making a profit with developing metahuman detector technology. But when Zoom kidnaps his daughter [[Jesse Chambers|Jesse Wells]], Harry travels to Earth-1 to assist Barry in the fight against Zoom's extorted metahumans and locate Jesse.<ref name="The Darkness and the Light" /><ref name="Enter Zoom">{{Cite episode |title=Enter Zoom|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=November 10, 2015|season=2 |number=6}}</ref> Team Flash, specifically Cisco and Joe, distrust him because of the prior betrayal by Eobard,<ref name="The Darkness and the Light" /> and Harry himself is mistaken by people unaware that the Reverse-Flash's actions ruined his Earth-1 doppelgänger's name and legacy.<ref name="The Fury of Firestorm" /><ref name="Legends of Today" /> For instance, [[Patty Spivot]] shoots and nearly kills Harry, believing him to be the Earth-1 Wells.<ref name="Legends of Today">{{Cite episode |title=Legends of Today |episode-link=Heroes Join Forces |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=December 1, 2015 |season=2 |number=8}}</ref> Likewise, Mercury Labs head [[Tina McGee]] also similarly mistakes Harry,<ref name="The Fury of Firestorm">{{Cite episode |title=The Fury of Firestorm |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=October 27, 2015 |season=2 |number=4}}</ref> until they actually meet and are properly introduced.<ref name="Invincible">{{Cite episode |title=Invincible |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=May 17, 2016 |season=2 |number=22}}</ref> Harry also meets the Reverse-Flash's younger self, suspecting that the encounter between them is what caused Eobard's future actions towards his true Earth-1 doppelganger.<ref name="The Reverse-Flash Returns">{{Cite episode |title=The Reverse-Flash Returns |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=January 26, 2016 |season=2 |number=11}}</ref> Harry is extorted by Zoom into developing a device to steal the Flash's speed for Zoom in exchange for his daughter's life. But Harry confesses to his collaboration with Zoom so Barry and Cisco decide to travel to Earth-2 with Harry to rescue Jesse.<ref name="Fast Lane">{{Cite episode |title=Fast Lane|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=February 2, 2016|season=2 |number=12}}</ref> After their mission is complete, Harry and Jesse seek refuge on Earth-1 from Zoom's pursuit.<ref name="Escape from Earth-2">{{Cite episode |title=Escape from Earth-2|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=February 16, 2016|season=2 |number=14}}</ref> After Barry's speed is sacrificed to Zoom to save [[Wally West]],<ref name="Versus Zoom">{{Cite episode |title=Versus Zoom|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=April 19, 2016 |season=2 |number=18}}</ref> Harry recreates a miniature particle accelerator to help Barry regain these powers based on Eobard's plans.<ref name="Rupture">{{Cite episode |title=Rupture|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=May 3, 2016|season=2 |number=20}}</ref> Although the accelerator explosion causes Barry to disappear, and its dark matter affects both Wally and Jesse (who enters a coma), Harry eventually locates Barry at the Speed Force; he is able to bring Barry back with Cisco and [[Iris West]]'s help, and Barry wakes Jesse from the coma.<ref name="The Runaway Dinosaur">{{Cite episode |title=The Runaway Dinosaur|series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=May 10, 2016|season=2 |number=21}}</ref> After Zoom's defeat, Harry and Jesse return to Earth-2 with [[Flash (Jay Garrick)|Jay Garrick]] (the Flash of Earth-3), promising to help him return to his own Earth.<ref name="The Race of His Life">{{Cite episode |title=The Race of His Life |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=May 24, 2016 |season=2 |number=23}}</ref>


Harry returns in season three with Jesse, who has developed super-speed as a result of the accelerator accident. Harry wants the team to dissuade Jesse from becoming a super-hero, but after Barry and Jesse are forced to team up to defeat [[Magenta (comics)|Frankie Kane / Magenta]], Harry becomes more accepting of his daughter's intentions.<ref name="Magenta">{{Cite episode |title=Magenta |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=October 18, 2016 |season=3 |number=3}}</ref> Harry and Jesse soon return to Earth-2 a few days later, with a version of Wells from Earth-19 known as H.R. joining Team Flash to fill the void left by Harry.<ref name="vulture" /> Later on Earth-2, Harry leads an expedition to [[Gorilla City]], but is captured and held captive there. Barry, Cisco, Caitlin, and Barry's colleague [[Doctor Alchemy|Julian Albert]] arrive there to rescue him, but are captured by [[Gorilla Grodd|Grodd]], a telepathic gorilla. Speaking through Harry, Grodd asks Barry to assassinate his master [[Solovar]] (leader of Gorilla City) to prevent a planned invasion of Central City. Barry agrees to fight Solovar in the arena for the lives of the others; defeating him, he spares his life.<ref name="Attack on Gorilla City">{{Cite episode |title=Attack on Gorilla City |episode-link=Gorilla City (The Flash) |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=February 21, 2017 |season=3 |number=13}}</ref> Having seized control of Gorilla City, Grodd prepares an invasion of Earth-1. After Grodd leaves, Barry frees Harry and his friends; they all return to Earth-1. Harry and H.R. clash over their personalities, and Jesse intends to stay on Earth-1 with Wally, which Harry eventually agrees to. After Grodd is defeated by Solovar (who re-assumes leadership of Gorilla City) and all the gorillas return to Earth-2 (except Grodd who is imprisoned in [[A.R.G.U.S.]]), Harry also leaves.<ref name="Attack on Central City">{{Cite episode |title=Attack on Central City |episode-link=Gorilla City (The Flash) |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=February 28, 2017 |season=3 |number=14}}</ref> When Iris is in danger of being killed by Savitar, she, Wally and Joe seek refuge with Harry on Earth-2, but H.R. inadvertently gives away their location to Savitar who forcibly takes her back to Earth-1, despite Harry's attempts to stop him.<ref name="Infantino Street">{{Cite episode |title=Infantino Street|episode-link= |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=May 16, 2017|season=3 |number=22}}</ref> Following the deaths of H.R. and Savitar, Harry remains on Earth-1 as a favor to Barry, who goes into the Speed Force to help stabilize it.<ref name="Finish Line" />
Harry returns in season three with Jesse, who has developed super-speed as a result of the accelerator accident. Harry wants the team to dissuade Jesse from becoming a super-hero, but after Barry and Jesse are forced to team up to defeat [[Magenta (comics)|Frankie Kane / Magenta]], Harry becomes more accepting of his daughter's intentions.<ref name="Magenta">{{Cite episode |title=Magenta |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=October 18, 2016 |season=3 |number=3}}</ref> Harry and Jesse soon return to Earth-2 a few days later, with a version of Wells from Earth-19 known as H.R. joining Team Flash to fill the void left by Harry.<ref name="vulture" /> Later on Earth-2, Harry leads an expedition to [[Gorilla City]], but is captured and held captive there. Barry, Cisco, Caitlin, and Barry's colleague [[Doctor Alchemy|Julian Albert]] arrive there to rescue him, but are captured by [[Gorilla Grodd|Grodd]], a telepathic gorilla. Speaking through Harry, Grodd asks Barry to assassinate his master [[Solovar]] (leader of Gorilla City) to prevent a planned invasion of Central City. Barry agrees to fight Solovar in the arena for the lives of the others; defeating him, he spares his life.<ref name="Attack on Gorilla City">{{Cite episode |title=Attack on Gorilla City |episode-link=Gorilla City (The Flash) |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=February 21, 2017 |season=3 |number=13}}</ref> Having seized control of Gorilla City, Grodd prepares an invasion of Earth-1. After Grodd leaves, Barry frees Harry and his friends; they all return to Earth-1. Harry and H.R. clash over their personalities, and Jesse intends to stay on Earth-1 with Wally, which Harry eventually agrees to. After Grodd is defeated by Solovar (who re-assumes leadership of Gorilla City) and all the gorillas return to Earth-2 (except Grodd who is imprisoned in [[A.R.G.U.S.]]), Harry also leaves.<ref name="Attack on Central City">{{Cite episode |title=Attack on Central City |episode-link=Gorilla City (The Flash) |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=February 28, 2017 |season=3 |number=14}}</ref> When Iris is in danger of being killed by Savitar, she, Wally and Joe seek refuge with Harry on Earth-2, but H.R. inadvertently gives away their location to Savitar who forcibly takes her back to Earth-1, despite Harry's attempts to stop him.<ref name="Infantino Street">{{Cite episode |title=Infantino Street|episode-link= |series=The Flash |series-link=The Flash (2014 TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |date=May 16, 2017|season=3 |number=22}}</ref> Following the deaths of H.R. and Savitar, Harry remains on Earth-1 as a favor to Barry, who goes into the Speed Force to help stabilize it.<ref name="Finish Line" />
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=== Other versions ===
=== Other versions ===
[[File:Harrison Wells.jpg|thumb|220px|upright|Various versions of Harrison Wells, clockwise from top left: Eobard Thawne (as Earth-1 Wells), Harrison, Harry, H.R., Wells the Grey, Wells 2.0, H. Lothario Wells and Harrison Wolfgang Wells.]]In the season 3 episode "The New Rogues", before returning to Earth-2 with Jesse, Harry suggests that Team Flash replace him with another version of himself from somewhere in the [[Multiverse (DC Comics)#Arrowverse|multiverse]]. In order to locate a suitable candidate, they transmit a message asking for help across the Earths, hidden inside a complex mathematical equation. Several versions of Wells do solve the puzzle and transmit responses, which are reviewed by Cisco, Caitlin and Harry, before H.R. is recruited, over Harry's objections.<ref name="vulture" /><ref name="MeetHRWells">{{Cite news |url=http://ew.com/article/2016/10/25/flash-new-harrison-wells/ |title='The Flash': Meet the New Harrison Wells |last=Abrams |first=Natalie |date=October 25, 2016 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530063243/http://ew.com/article/2016/10/25/flash-new-harrison-wells/ |archive-date=May 30, 2018 |dead-url=no}}</ref> The versions of Wells considered before H.R. were "Hells Wells", a [[cowboy]] from an unspecified Earth; Wells of Earth-17, a British-accented [[steampunk]] scientist; and a French-speaking [[mime artist]] from another unspecified Earth.<ref name="MeetHRWells" /><ref name="ArrowverseInverse" /> Additionally, during the formation of the Council of Wells, a wizard from Earth-13 named Wells the Grey appears, but is not taken into the Council.<ref name="ArrowverseInverse"/> A new version of Harrison Wells will be introduced in season 5, also portrayed by Tom Cavanagh.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/news/the-flash-season-5-spoilers-new-harrison-wells/ |title=The Flash Mega Buzz: Season 5 to Introduce New Harrison Wells |last=MacDonald |first=Lindsay |date=May 24, 2018 |website=[[TV Guide]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531084714/http://www.tvguide.com/news/the-flash-season-5-spoilers-new-harrison-wells/ |archive-date=May 31, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=May 31, 2018}}</ref>
[[File:Harrison Wells.jpg|thumb|220px|upright|Various versions of Harrison Wells, clockwise from top left: Eobard Thawne (as Earth-1 Wells), Harrison, Harry, H.R., Wells the Grey, Wells 2.0, H. Lothario Wells and Harrison Wolfgang Wells.]]In the season 3 episode "The New Rogues", before returning to Earth-2 with Jesse, Harry suggests that Team Flash replace him with another version of himself from somewhere in the [[Multiverse (DC Comics)#Arrowverse|multiverse]]. In order to locate a suitable candidate, they transmit a message asking for help across the Earths, hidden inside a complex mathematical equation. Several versions of Wells do solve the puzzle and transmit responses, which are reviewed by Cisco, Caitlin and Harry, before H.R. is recruited, over Harry's objections.<ref name="vulture" /><ref name="MeetHRWells">{{Cite news |url=http://ew.com/article/2016/10/25/flash-new-harrison-wells/ |title='The Flash': Meet the New Harrison Wells |last=Abrams |first=Natalie |date=October 25, 2016 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530063243/http://ew.com/article/2016/10/25/flash-new-harrison-wells/ |archive-date=May 30, 2018 |dead-url=no}}</ref> The versions of Wells considered before H.R. were "Hells Wells", a [[cowboy]] from an unspecified Earth; Wells of Earth-17, a British-accented [[steampunk]] scientist; and a French-speaking [[mime artist]] from another unspecified Earth.<ref name="MeetHRWells" /><ref name="ArrowverseInverse" /> Additionally, during the formation of the Council of Wells, a wizard from Earth-13 named Wells the Grey appears, but is not taken into the Council.<ref name="ArrowverseInverse" /> A new version of Harrison Wells will be introduced in season 5, also portrayed by Tom Cavanagh.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/news/the-flash-season-5-spoilers-new-harrison-wells/ |title=The Flash Mega Buzz: Season 5 to Introduce New Harrison Wells |last=MacDonald |first=Lindsay |date=May 24, 2018 |website=[[TV Guide]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531084714/http://www.tvguide.com/news/the-flash-season-5-spoilers-new-harrison-wells/ |archive-date=May 31, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=May 31, 2018}}</ref>


== Concept and creation ==
== Concept and creation ==
The character of Harrison Wells was created by ''The Flash'' executive producers [[Greg Berlanti]] and [[Andrew Kreisberg]] and DC Comics CCO [[Geoff Johns]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/123045-new-images-promo-for-the-flash-focus-on-tom-cavanaghs-dr-harrison-wells |title=New Images, Promo for The Flash Focus on Tom Cavanagh's Dr. Harrison Wells |date=September 17, 2014 |website=[[ComingSoon.net]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531040410/http://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/123045-new-images-promo-for-the-flash-focus-on-tom-cavanaghs-dr-harrison-wells |archive-date=May 31, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=May 31, 2018}}</ref> Although a character named "Dr. Wells" had previously appeared in ''Flash TV Special #1'', a 1991 tie-in comic book to [[CBS]]' ''[[The Flash (1990 TV series)|The Flash]]'' (1990),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbr.com/tv-legends-was-flashs-harrison-wells-based-on-a-comic-character/|title=TV Legends: Was Flash's Harrison Wells Based On a Comic Character?|last=Cronin|first=Brian|date=September 14, 2016|website=[[Comic Book Resources]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011225555/http://www.cbr.com/tv-legends-was-flashs-harrison-wells-based-on-a-comic-character/|archive-date=October 11, 2016|dead-url=no|access-date=March 21, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Johns has stated that Harrison Wells is an original creation for the CW series.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/flash-premiere-tom-cavanagh-eps-738650 |title='The Flash' Stars and EPs Break Down the Premiere's Final Moment |last=Ng |first=Philiana |date=October 7, 2014 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=May 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531183926/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/flash-premiere-tom-cavanagh-eps-738650 |archive-date=May 31, 2018 |dead-url=no}}</ref> On February 10, 2014, Tom Cavanagh was cast in the role, described as "a rock star in the world of physics and the mind and money behind Central City's S.T.A.R. Labs Particle Accelerator".<ref name="Cavanagh">{{Cite web |url=http://www.thewrap.com/ed-star-tom-cavanagh-joins-cws-flash-pilot/ |title='Ed' Star Tom Cavanagh Joins CW's 'Flash' Pilot |last=Nededog |first=Jethro |date=February 10, 2014 |website=[[TheWrap]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305084244/http://www.thewrap.com/ed-star-tom-cavanagh-joins-cws-flash-pilot/ |archive-date=March 5, 2014 |dead-url=no |access-date=August 6, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The character of Harrison Wells was created for [[the CW]] series ''[[The Flash (2014 TV series)|The Flash]]'' by it's executive producers [[Greg Berlanti]] and [[Andrew Kreisberg]] and [[DC Comics]] CCO [[Geoff Johns]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/123045-new-images-promo-for-the-flash-focus-on-tom-cavanaghs-dr-harrison-wells |title=New Images, Promo for The Flash Focus on Tom Cavanagh's Dr. Harrison Wells |date=September 17, 2014 |website=[[ComingSoon.net]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531040410/http://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/123045-new-images-promo-for-the-flash-focus-on-tom-cavanaghs-dr-harrison-wells |archive-date=May 31, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=May 31, 2018}}</ref> Although a character named "Dr. Wells" had previously appeared in ''Flash TV Special #1'', a 1991 tie-in comic book to [[CBS]]' ''[[The Flash (1990 TV series)|The Flash]]'' (1990),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbr.com/tv-legends-was-flashs-harrison-wells-based-on-a-comic-character/|title=TV Legends: Was Flash's Harrison Wells Based On a Comic Character?|last=Cronin|first=Brian|date=September 14, 2016|website=[[Comic Book Resources]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011225555/http://www.cbr.com/tv-legends-was-flashs-harrison-wells-based-on-a-comic-character/|archive-date=October 11, 2016|dead-url=no|access-date=March 21, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Johns has stated that Harrison Wells is an original creation for the CW series.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/flash-premiere-tom-cavanagh-eps-738650 |title='The Flash' Stars and EPs Break Down the Premiere's Final Moment |last=Ng |first=Philiana |date=October 7, 2014 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=May 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531183926/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/flash-premiere-tom-cavanagh-eps-738650 |archive-date=May 31, 2018 |dead-url=no}}</ref> On February 10, 2014, [[Tom Cavanagh]] was cast in the role, described as "a rock star in the world of physics and the mind and money behind Central City's S.T.A.R. Labs Particle Accelerator".<ref name="Cavanagh">{{Cite web |url=http://www.thewrap.com/ed-star-tom-cavanagh-joins-cws-flash-pilot/ |title='Ed' Star Tom Cavanagh Joins CW's 'Flash' Pilot |last=Nededog |first=Jethro |date=February 10, 2014 |website=[[TheWrap]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305084244/http://www.thewrap.com/ed-star-tom-cavanagh-joins-cws-flash-pilot/ |archive-date=March 5, 2014 |dead-url=no |access-date=August 6, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>


Cavanagh differentiated each version of Wells based on character mannerisms, voice, and origin story.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://fanfest.com/2018/04/09/the-flash-tom-cavanagh-on-the-many-faces-of-harrison-wells/ |title='The Flash': Tom Cavanagh on the Many Faces of Harrison Wells |last=Tieman |first=Alyssa |date=April 9, 2018 |website=Fan Fest |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602055023/http://fanfest.com/2018/04/09/the-flash-tom-cavanagh-on-the-many-faces-of-harrison-wells/ |archive-date=June 2, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 2, 2018}}</ref> He has described Thawne (posing as Earth-1 Wells) as someone who "seems good but he's bad" and Harry as somebody who "seems bad but he's good", while describing H.R. as "a bit of a [[Confidence trick|con man]] ... But I didn't want to repeat myself from last year, so what I thought I would try [to do is play him as] a guy who fills it up with comedy".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/the-flash/259709/the-flash-tom-cavanagh-carlos-valdes-talk-hr-wells |title=The Flash: Tom Cavanagh & Carlos Valdes Talk H.R. Wells |last=Burt |first=Kayti |date=November 2, 2016 |website=[[Dennis Publishing|Den of Geek]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602043102/http://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/the-flash/259709/the-flash-tom-cavanagh-carlos-valdes-talk-hr-wells |archive-date=June 2, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 2, 2018}}</ref> [[Grant Gustin]], who portrays Barry Allen, described Harry as a "douchebag", and Cavanagh said it was his own idea to portray the character as egotistical, despite not being written that way.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.etonline.com/news/174383_the_flash_harrison_wells_earth_2_hes_a_dick_grant_gustin_tom_cavanagh |title='The Flash' Cast Dishes on Harrison Wells' Return: 'He's a Dick' (and No One's Thrilled!) |last=Aguilera |first=Leanne |date=October 20, 2015 |website=[[Entertainment Tonight]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608073732/https://www.etonline.com/news/174383_the_flash_harrison_wells_earth_2_hes_a_dick_grant_gustin_tom_cavanagh |archive-date=June 8, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 8, 2018}}</ref> He said H.R. was created to bring more "comedic power" to the series in a way that would not undermine its serious narrative.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/1580359/how-the-flashs-latest-harrison-wells-is-different-from-the-others-according-to-tom-cavanagh |title=How The Flash's Latest Harrison Wells Is Different From The Others, According To Tom Cavanagh |last=Venable |first=Nick |date=November 1, 2016 |website=Cinema Blend |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602052531/https://www.cinemablend.com/television/1580359/how-the-flashs-latest-harrison-wells-is-different-from-the-others-according-to-tom-cavanagh |archive-date=June 2, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 2, 2018}}</ref> ''The Flash'' showrunner [[Todd Helbing]] described the Council of Wells as being "all about intelligence and being the smartest people in the universe" and the Council of Harrisons as its "[[wikt:emo|emo]] version".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2018/05/02/lucifer-season-3-spoilers-deaths/ |title=Matt's Inside Line: Scoop on Legends, Walking Dead, Lucifer, Supernatural, NCIS, Once, Code Black, H50 and More |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |date=May 2, 2018 |website=[[TVLine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608071915/http://tvline.com/2018/05/02/lucifer-season-3-spoilers-deaths/ |archive-date=June 8, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 8, 2018}}</ref> Cavanagh described Wolfgang Wells as someone who thinks that "everything that is not German is not good" and Wells 2.0 as a "bad ass from the [[Outback]], who doesn’t like anybody".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/flash-tom-cavanagh-council-of-wells/ |title=The Flash: Tom Cavanagh Teases the Council of Wells |last=Damore |first=Meagan |date=14 November 2017 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608095058/https://www.cbr.com/flash-tom-cavanagh-council-of-wells/ |archive-date=June 8, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 8, 2018}}</ref> Wells the Grey was modelled after [[Gandalf]], a character in [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s [[Middle-earth]] stories, while H. Lothario Wells was inspired by [[Hugh Hefner]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2017/11/14/the-flash-spoilers-season-4-episode-6-wells-doppelgangers/ |title=The Flash Stars Preview 'Over-the-Top' Council of Wells, Dibny's New Costume |last=Gelman |first=Vlada |date=November 14, 2017 |website=[[TVLine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602100810/http://tvline.com/2017/11/14/the-flash-spoilers-season-4-episode-6-wells-doppelgangers/ |archive-date=June 2, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 2, 2018 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://ew.com/recap/the-flash-season-4-episode-6/2/ |title=''The Flash'' recap: 'When Harry Met Harry...' |last=Agard |first=Chancellor |date=November 14, 2017 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=June 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602101111/http://ew.com/recap/the-flash-season-4-episode-6/2/ |archive-date=June 2, 2018 |dead-url=no |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
Cavanagh differentiated each version of Wells based on character mannerisms, voice, and origin story.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://fanfest.com/2018/04/09/the-flash-tom-cavanagh-on-the-many-faces-of-harrison-wells/ |title='The Flash': Tom Cavanagh on the Many Faces of Harrison Wells |last=Tieman |first=Alyssa |date=April 9, 2018 |website=Fan Fest |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602055023/http://fanfest.com/2018/04/09/the-flash-tom-cavanagh-on-the-many-faces-of-harrison-wells/ |archive-date=June 2, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 2, 2018}}</ref> He has described Thawne (posing as Earth-1 Wells) as someone who "seems good but he's bad" and Harry as somebody who "seems bad but he's good", while describing H.R. as "a bit of a [[Confidence trick|con man]] ... But I didn't want to repeat myself from last year, so what I thought I would try [to do is play him as] a guy who fills it up with comedy".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/the-flash/259709/the-flash-tom-cavanagh-carlos-valdes-talk-hr-wells |title=The Flash: Tom Cavanagh & Carlos Valdes Talk H.R. Wells |last=Burt |first=Kayti |date=November 2, 2016 |website=[[Dennis Publishing|Den of Geek]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602043102/http://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/the-flash/259709/the-flash-tom-cavanagh-carlos-valdes-talk-hr-wells |archive-date=June 2, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 2, 2018}}</ref> [[Grant Gustin]], who portrays Barry Allen, described Harry as a "douchebag", and Cavanagh said it was his own idea to portray the character as egotistical, despite not being written that way.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.etonline.com/news/174383_the_flash_harrison_wells_earth_2_hes_a_dick_grant_gustin_tom_cavanagh |title='The Flash' Cast Dishes on Harrison Wells' Return: 'He's a Dick' (and No One's Thrilled!) |last=Aguilera |first=Leanne |date=October 20, 2015 |website=[[Entertainment Tonight]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608073732/https://www.etonline.com/news/174383_the_flash_harrison_wells_earth_2_hes_a_dick_grant_gustin_tom_cavanagh |archive-date=June 8, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 8, 2018}}</ref> While Kriesberg described Thawne posing as Earth-1 Wells as "deadly and scary", he differentiated Harry from him by calling him "a tortured man who’s beset with guilt" and loves his daughter. He added, "[Harry is] a jerk, but he’s doing everything he’s doing because he loves his daughter more than anything in the world."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2016/04/26/the-flash-the-many-faces-of-harrison-wells|title=The Flash: The Many Faces of Harrison Wells|last=Beedle|first=Tim|date=2016-04-26|work=[[DC Comics]]|access-date=2018-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611091251/https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2016/04/26/the-flash-the-many-faces-of-harrison-wells|archive-date=2018-06-11|dead-url=no}}</ref> Cavanagh said H.R. was created to bring more "comedic power" to the series in a way that would not undermine its serious narrative.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/1580359/how-the-flashs-latest-harrison-wells-is-different-from-the-others-according-to-tom-cavanagh |title=How The Flash's Latest Harrison Wells Is Different From The Others, According To Tom Cavanagh |last=Venable |first=Nick |date=November 1, 2016 |website=Cinema Blend |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602052531/https://www.cinemablend.com/television/1580359/how-the-flashs-latest-harrison-wells-is-different-from-the-others-according-to-tom-cavanagh |archive-date=June 2, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 2, 2018}}</ref> ''The Flash'' showrunner [[Todd Helbing]] described the Council of Wells as being "all about intelligence and being the smartest people in the universe" and the Council of Harrisons as its "[[wikt:emo|emo]] version".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2018/05/02/lucifer-season-3-spoilers-deaths/ |title=Matt's Inside Line: Scoop on Legends, Walking Dead, Lucifer, Supernatural, NCIS, Once, Code Black, H50 and More |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |date=May 2, 2018 |website=[[TVLine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608071915/http://tvline.com/2018/05/02/lucifer-season-3-spoilers-deaths/ |archive-date=June 8, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 8, 2018}}</ref> Cavanagh described Wolfgang Wells as someone who thinks that "everything that is not German is not good" and Wells 2.0 as a "bad ass from the [[Outback]], who doesn’t like anybody".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/flash-tom-cavanagh-council-of-wells/ |title=The Flash: Tom Cavanagh Teases the Council of Wells |last=Damore |first=Meagan |date=14 November 2017 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608095058/https://www.cbr.com/flash-tom-cavanagh-council-of-wells/ |archive-date=June 8, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 8, 2018}}</ref> Wells the Grey was modelled after [[Gandalf]], a character in [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s [[Middle-earth]] stories, while H. Lothario Wells was inspired by [[Hugh Hefner]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2017/11/14/the-flash-spoilers-season-4-episode-6-wells-doppelgangers/ |title=The Flash Stars Preview 'Over-the-Top' Council of Wells, Dibny's New Costume |last=Gelman |first=Vlada |date=November 14, 2017 |website=[[TVLine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602100810/http://tvline.com/2017/11/14/the-flash-spoilers-season-4-episode-6-wells-doppelgangers/ |archive-date=June 2, 2018 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 2, 2018 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://ew.com/recap/the-flash-season-4-episode-6/2/ |title=''The Flash'' recap: 'When Harry Met Harry...' |last=Agard |first=Chancellor |date=November 14, 2017 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=June 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602101111/http://ew.com/recap/the-flash-season-4-episode-6/2/ |archive-date=June 2, 2018 |dead-url=no |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
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* Season 4's Wells: http://www.cinemablend.com/television/1684349/will-the-flash-season-4-bring-in-a-new-harrison-wells-heres-what-tom-cavanagh-told-us
* Season 4's Wells: http://www.cinemablend.com/television/1684349/will-the-flash-season-4-bring-in-a-new-harrison-wells-heres-what-tom-cavanagh-told-us
* Council of Wells: http://ew.com/tv/2017/11/01/flash-council-wells/
* Council of Wells: http://ew.com/tv/2017/11/01/flash-council-wells/
* http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2016/04/26/the-flash-the-many-faces-of-harrison-wells
* http://ew.com/article/2016/10/25/flash-new-harrison-wells/
* http://ew.com/article/2016/10/25/flash-new-harrison-wells/
* Producers about character: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/flash-premiere-tom-cavanagh-eps-738650
* Producers about character: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/flash-premiere-tom-cavanagh-eps-738650

Revision as of 09:16, 11 June 2018

Harrison Wells
Arrowverse character
File:Harrison "Harry" Wells (Tom Cavanagh).jpg
Tom Cavanagh as Harrison "Harry" Wells, in season two.
First appearanceThe Flash:
"Pilot" (1x01)
October 7, 2014
Created byGreg Berlanti
Andrew Kreisberg
Geoff Johns
Portrayed byTom Cavanagh
In-universe information
NicknameEarth-2: Harry
Earth-19: H.R.
AffiliationTeam Flash
S.T.A.R. Labs
SpouseEarth-1: Tess Morgan
Earth-2: Unnamed wife[1]
ChildrenEarth-2: Jesse Wells

Harrison Wells is the name of several fictional characters appearing in the CW's television series The Flash, all portrayed by Tom Cavanagh. Created by Geoff Johns, Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg, the character is an original creation for the series, not being based on any existing character appearing in comics published by DC Comics. Most versions of Wells are from parallel universes, each working as the director of S.T.A.R. Labs on their respective Earths.

Cavanagh has received praise from critics and fans for his performances as various versions of the character, particularly for Eobard Thawne disguised as Earth-1's Wells; and Earth-2's Harry Wells. He has also reprised these two roles in the Arrowverse series Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl.

Fictional character biographies

Harrison Wells / Eobard Thawne

Harrison Wells is first introduced in the series as the director of S.T.A.R. Labs in Central City. During season one's timeframe, he activates a particle accelerator that malfunctions, releasing dark matter energy that kills several people and grants various individuals metahuman abilities, including Barry Allen. Months later, Wells is a recluse and a pariah, confined to a wheelchair. Along with Cisco Ramon and Caitlin Snow, he helps develop Barry's powers as the Flash and mentors him in pushing speed to the limit to come up with novel solutions to take down metahuman criminals. However, Wells is revealed to have many secrets: he is faking paralysis, possesses the AI Gideon with futuristic information,[2] and is willing to kill to protect his protégé and cover his own tracks.[3] He turns to be the Reverse-Flash, a mysterious tachyon-powered speedster that occasionally terrorizes the Flash and the S.T.A.R. Labs team despite being close to all of them, especially Barry and Cisco.[4] Despite being a father figure alongside Joe West and Henry Allen to Barry, Wells is eventually revealed to be Eobard Thawne, Barry's archenemy from the future and a descendant of Central City police officer Eddie Thawne.[5] He assumed the appearance of the real Harrison Wells, killing the scientist and his wife Tess;[6] the investigation into Tess' death by Joe and Cisco leads to the discovery of Wells' corpse and Eobard's facade.[7] Although his tachyon equipment restored most of his former abilities, Eobard orchestrated the events that would turn Barry into the Flash himself in order to use Barry's connection to the Speed Force to create a wormhole and return to his own time period. However, Barry foils the Eobard's plan to return to the future, resulting in the two speedsters engaging each other again. As Eobard attempts to kill the Flash, Eddie sacrifices himself, which causes Eobard to be erased from existence,[8] though his existence lingers to preserve the timeline.[9] In season two's premiere, it is revealed that Thawne left a will which bequeathed S.T.A.R. Labs to Barry. It also contains a video-recorded confession of his murder of Nora Allen.[10] Unfortunately, Thawne's various actions causes problems for other doppelgängers of Wells, who have to remain in disguise to avoid being mistaken for the imposter.[11][12]

In season four, a speedster claiming to be the man in question is one of the main antagonists in the "Crisis on Earth-X" crossover. He has Wells's appearance, which he states he actually resumed "for old times' sake". When Barry mentioned watching Thawne die, Thawne implies that he might not have actually died when Eddie shot himself, due to the vagaries of time travel.[13] Now in league with the Dark Arrow (Oliver Queen's doppelgänger) and Overgirl (Kara Danvers' doppelgänger), Thawne aided the leaders of the Nazi-ruled Earth-X in Oliver's plan to keep Overgirl alive while conquering Earth-1. During the climactic final battle, Barry and Thawne engage one another in a super-speed clash. Barry ultimately defeats Thawne, but chooses to spare his life and lets him leave. His allies now dead, Thawne races away, vowing to return in yet another identity.[14]

Harrison Wells (Earth–1)

The true Harrison Wells of Earth-1 appears in the season 1 episode "Tricksters". He is shown only in flashback scenes of the time leading up to his murder by Eobard Thawne. The Earth-1 Wells was a soft-spoken, brilliant and ambitious man who was devoted to his wife Tess Morgan, whom he met when working together as research partners in Maryland.[15] The couple later relocated to Starling City at some point after they got married. Harrison is first seen at a beach with Tess, discussing his plan for a chain of independent research laboratories unconnected to government or big business, drawing an initial design sketch on a paper napkin. Wells wanted to name it T.E.S.S. ("Technological Engineering Scientific Studies"), but Tess herself opted for "Scientific and Technological Advanced Research Laboratories", or S.T.A.R. Labs. Later that night, Tess was killed when Thawne caused their car to crash. Thawne told Harrison that in the year 2020 of his timeline, Harrison's particle accelerator would have been hugely successful and changed the course of history. Thawne then killed Wells with a futuristic device that allowed to assume his victim's form and identity.[16][6]

Harry Wells (Earth–2)

Harrison "Harry" Wells is introduced in the second season as the founder and director of S.T.A.R. Labs on Earth-2.[17] Like Eobard, he was responsible for the creation of metahumans on Earth-2 using a particle accelerator which also exploded,[18] including the psychopathic serial killer Hunter Zolomon as the rogue speedster Zoom.[19] However, he refused to take responsibility for the metahumans, while making a profit with developing metahuman detector technology. But when Zoom kidnaps his daughter Jesse Wells, Harry travels to Earth-1 to assist Barry in the fight against Zoom's extorted metahumans and locate Jesse.[18][20] Team Flash, specifically Cisco and Joe, distrust him because of the prior betrayal by Eobard,[18] and Harry himself is mistaken by people unaware that the Reverse-Flash's actions ruined his Earth-1 doppelgänger's name and legacy.[21][11] For instance, Patty Spivot shoots and nearly kills Harry, believing him to be the Earth-1 Wells.[11] Likewise, Mercury Labs head Tina McGee also similarly mistakes Harry,[21] until they actually meet and are properly introduced.[22] Harry also meets the Reverse-Flash's younger self, suspecting that the encounter between them is what caused Eobard's future actions towards his true Earth-1 doppelganger.[9] Harry is extorted by Zoom into developing a device to steal the Flash's speed for Zoom in exchange for his daughter's life. But Harry confesses to his collaboration with Zoom so Barry and Cisco decide to travel to Earth-2 with Harry to rescue Jesse.[23] After their mission is complete, Harry and Jesse seek refuge on Earth-1 from Zoom's pursuit.[24] After Barry's speed is sacrificed to Zoom to save Wally West,[19] Harry recreates a miniature particle accelerator to help Barry regain these powers based on Eobard's plans.[25] Although the accelerator explosion causes Barry to disappear, and its dark matter affects both Wally and Jesse (who enters a coma), Harry eventually locates Barry at the Speed Force; he is able to bring Barry back with Cisco and Iris West's help, and Barry wakes Jesse from the coma.[26] After Zoom's defeat, Harry and Jesse return to Earth-2 with Jay Garrick (the Flash of Earth-3), promising to help him return to his own Earth.[27]

Harry returns in season three with Jesse, who has developed super-speed as a result of the accelerator accident. Harry wants the team to dissuade Jesse from becoming a super-hero, but after Barry and Jesse are forced to team up to defeat Frankie Kane / Magenta, Harry becomes more accepting of his daughter's intentions.[28] Harry and Jesse soon return to Earth-2 a few days later, with a version of Wells from Earth-19 known as H.R. joining Team Flash to fill the void left by Harry.[29] Later on Earth-2, Harry leads an expedition to Gorilla City, but is captured and held captive there. Barry, Cisco, Caitlin, and Barry's colleague Julian Albert arrive there to rescue him, but are captured by Grodd, a telepathic gorilla. Speaking through Harry, Grodd asks Barry to assassinate his master Solovar (leader of Gorilla City) to prevent a planned invasion of Central City. Barry agrees to fight Solovar in the arena for the lives of the others; defeating him, he spares his life.[30] Having seized control of Gorilla City, Grodd prepares an invasion of Earth-1. After Grodd leaves, Barry frees Harry and his friends; they all return to Earth-1. Harry and H.R. clash over their personalities, and Jesse intends to stay on Earth-1 with Wally, which Harry eventually agrees to. After Grodd is defeated by Solovar (who re-assumes leadership of Gorilla City) and all the gorillas return to Earth-2 (except Grodd who is imprisoned in A.R.G.U.S.), Harry also leaves.[31] When Iris is in danger of being killed by Savitar, she, Wally and Joe seek refuge with Harry on Earth-2, but H.R. inadvertently gives away their location to Savitar who forcibly takes her back to Earth-1, despite Harry's attempts to stop him.[32] Following the deaths of H.R. and Savitar, Harry remains on Earth-1 as a favor to Barry, who goes into the Speed Force to help stabilize it.[33]

Harry has a supporting role in season four. He has returned to Earth-2 for undisclosed reasons; he is, however, one of the scientists who assisted Cisco in developing a means to retrieve Barry from the Speed Force.[34] Harry later returns to reside on Earth-1 after a falling out with Jesse and aides Team Flash with their investigation of a mysterious mastermind who appears to be targeting them.[35] With the help of the "Council of Wells", Harry successfully identifies the criminal: Clifford DeVoe/The Thinker.[36][37] Over season four's course, Harry struggles with his frustration that he cannot anticipate DeVoe's intentions or actions, concluding that he is simply not as smart. He decides to emulate DeVoe's methods and creates his own intelligence-enhancing "Thinking Cap". The device does allow Harry to come up with insights and strategies against the villain. However, during DeVoe's assault on S.T.A.R. Labs, Harry uses his device to come up with a counter-strategy, but goes past the recommended safety limits. The intense infusion of dark matter damages his brain to the point where the more he uses his intellect, the faster he loses it. With the help of Cecile Horton and the "Council of Harrisons", Harry is able to determine that DeVoe's own emotional state is interfering with his overall plan. But he still continues to deteriorate: he begins forgetting rudimentary elements of everyday life and is eventually reduced to babbling.[38] Following DeVoe's defeat and death, Team Flash uses a device given to them by their ally, DeVoe's estranged wife Marlize, to reverse the damage to Harry's brain. It is successful to an extent: Harry recovers his normal mental functions, but not his genius or his higher education and knowledge. He is undeterred by this development and grateful for the insight into other aspects of his personality. He bids Team Flash a fond farewell as he prepares to leave for Earth-2 to be with Jesse.[39]

H.R. Wells (Earth–19)

Harrison "H.R." Wells from Earth-19 is selected as a replacement in the third season, after having seemingly solved a complicated mathematical equation.[29] Cisco later discovers that H.R. is not a scientist even though he works at S.T.A.R. Labs on Earth-19 as well; his partner Randolph Morgan was the one who solved the equation meant for him. Barry suggests letting H.R. stay for a few more weeks to see if they could still work together, otherwise they will send him back to Earth-19.[40] H.R. strives to prove his worth to the team, despite not being a scientist, and he is generally intelligent and intuitive which helps form plans and locate super-criminals. He recognizes the potential worth in events and individuals, which leads him to begin training Wally, now a speedster, to be a hero.[41] Despite Earth-1 Wells's tainted name, H.R. is able to venture into public by using a device invented by Randolph. It disguises his appearance holographically in such a way that while Team Flash members see H.R. normally, all others see a projected image of a different face.[12] He also briefly transforms S.T.A.R. Labs into a museum open to the public to generate income for himself and the team. It is eventually revealed that H.R. is a wanted criminal on Earth-19 for having crossed dimensions when Gypsy, an enforcer from Earth-19 (where interdimensional travel is illegal), arrives to collect him before being defeated by Cisco. It is also revealed that H.R. had been transmitting fictionalized versions of the season's events with him as the protagonist to Earth-19, which is how Gypsy was able to track him.[42] H.R. later falls in love with Tracy Brand, a scientist who Team Flash recruits to help build a device to imprison Savitar.[43] When Iris, Wally and Joe seek refuge with Harry on Earth-2 to keep safe from Savitar, H.R. inadvertently gives away their locations to Savitar who forcibly takes her back to Earth-1, and forces Barry to watch her being killed.[32] However, it is later revealed that H.R., stricken by the guilt of letting Iris be captured, located Savitar and released Iris from the chains she was bound in. Before the two could escape, Savitar noticed and H.R. had no choice but to use Morgan's device to assume Iris's likeness. Ultimately, he let himself be killed by Savitar who is later shot dead by Iris.[33] Iris eulogizes H.R. at his funeral:

"When I think of H.R., I'm reminded of a story that John Lennon once told. When Lennon was five years old, his teacher asked him to write down what he wanted to be when he grew up. Lennon wrote "Happy". His teacher said that he didn't understand the assignment, and Lennon said they didn't understand life. H.R. understood life. He wasn't a genius, and he didn't have super-speed. But when we needed him the most, he was a hero. He was my hero." [33]

In an alternate future, H.R. became a successful novelist on Earth-1.[44]

Council of Wells

In the season 4 episode "When Harry Met Harry...", Harry reveals that he has a circle of "friends", astonishing all the members of Team Flash. However, when he introduces them to Cisco, they are actually other version of Wells from other Earths. The group, nicknamed the "Council of Wells" by Cisco, brainstorm the true identity and location of DeVoe (from the thousands within Central City).[36][37] Along with Harry, the Council of Wells includes Harrison Wolfgang Wells, a German author and scientist from Earth-12; H. Lothario Wells, a wealthy playboy-scientist from Earth-47; and Wells 2.0., a cyborg from Earth-22.[45]

Council of Harrisons

After Harry is expelled from the Council of Wells in "Harry and the Harrisons" due to his deteriorating intelligence, Cisco forms a new group of Wells he terms the "Council of Harrisons," who are more sensitive and empathetically inclined than the Council of Wells. They advise Harry to determine DeVoe's underlying psychology and emotions in order to defeat him.[46] Along with Harry, this Council includes H. Lothario Wells (also expelled from the Council of Wells); "Sonny" Wells of Earth-24; and Harrison "H.P." Wells, a French poet from Earth-25.[47]

Other versions

Various versions of Harrison Wells, clockwise from top left: Eobard Thawne (as Earth-1 Wells), Harrison, Harry, H.R., Wells the Grey, Wells 2.0, H. Lothario Wells and Harrison Wolfgang Wells.

In the season 3 episode "The New Rogues", before returning to Earth-2 with Jesse, Harry suggests that Team Flash replace him with another version of himself from somewhere in the multiverse. In order to locate a suitable candidate, they transmit a message asking for help across the Earths, hidden inside a complex mathematical equation. Several versions of Wells do solve the puzzle and transmit responses, which are reviewed by Cisco, Caitlin and Harry, before H.R. is recruited, over Harry's objections.[29][48] The versions of Wells considered before H.R. were "Hells Wells", a cowboy from an unspecified Earth; Wells of Earth-17, a British-accented steampunk scientist; and a French-speaking mime artist from another unspecified Earth.[48][45] Additionally, during the formation of the Council of Wells, a wizard from Earth-13 named Wells the Grey appears, but is not taken into the Council.[45] A new version of Harrison Wells will be introduced in season 5, also portrayed by Tom Cavanagh.[49]

Concept and creation

The character of Harrison Wells was created for the CW series The Flash by it's executive producers Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg and DC Comics CCO Geoff Johns.[50] Although a character named "Dr. Wells" had previously appeared in Flash TV Special #1, a 1991 tie-in comic book to CBS' The Flash (1990),[51] Johns has stated that Harrison Wells is an original creation for the CW series.[52] On February 10, 2014, Tom Cavanagh was cast in the role, described as "a rock star in the world of physics and the mind and money behind Central City's S.T.A.R. Labs Particle Accelerator".[53]

Cavanagh differentiated each version of Wells based on character mannerisms, voice, and origin story.[54] He has described Thawne (posing as Earth-1 Wells) as someone who "seems good but he's bad" and Harry as somebody who "seems bad but he's good", while describing H.R. as "a bit of a con man ... But I didn't want to repeat myself from last year, so what I thought I would try [to do is play him as] a guy who fills it up with comedy".[55] Grant Gustin, who portrays Barry Allen, described Harry as a "douchebag", and Cavanagh said it was his own idea to portray the character as egotistical, despite not being written that way.[56] While Kriesberg described Thawne posing as Earth-1 Wells as "deadly and scary", he differentiated Harry from him by calling him "a tortured man who’s beset with guilt" and loves his daughter. He added, "[Harry is] a jerk, but he’s doing everything he’s doing because he loves his daughter more than anything in the world."[57] Cavanagh said H.R. was created to bring more "comedic power" to the series in a way that would not undermine its serious narrative.[58] The Flash showrunner Todd Helbing described the Council of Wells as being "all about intelligence and being the smartest people in the universe" and the Council of Harrisons as its "emo version".[59] Cavanagh described Wolfgang Wells as someone who thinks that "everything that is not German is not good" and Wells 2.0 as a "bad ass from the Outback, who doesn’t like anybody".[60] Wells the Grey was modelled after Gandalf, a character in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth stories, while H. Lothario Wells was inspired by Hugh Hefner.[61][62]

Reception

Critical response

In her review of the episode "The New Rogues", which features Cavanagh portraying multiple versions of Wells, Angelica Jade Bastién of Vulture stated that the various portrayals of Wells "let Tom Cavanagh stretch himself even more as an actor".[29] She did criticize his portrayal of H.R. in the episode "Untouchable", feeling that he was an "annoying character" who was "just another symbol of the show's inability to grow", with his only purpose being to "continue the Harrison Wells mythos."[63] In September 2017, Irina Curovic of Comic Book Resources described Cavanagh's portrayal of all the versions of Wells introduced to that point as "flawless", noting that "Harry was the best fit for team Flash. Not only did he contribute to the team, but he also established meaningful relationships with the members of the team".[64] Adam Holmes of Cinema Blend ranked Harry sixth in his list of "10 Best TV Characters DC Introduced in 2015".[65] On May 22, 2015, Allison Keene of Collider named Cavanagh, for his portrayal of Eobard Thawne impersonating Wells as "TV Performer of the Week", noting that, "while there are several of the show's stars who could, and should, be singled out for their performances [...] it's Tom Cavanagh as the mysterious villain Dr. Harrison Wells who really helped make The Flash become something special."[66]

Erik Kain of Forbes stated in a review of "The Trap" that Cavanagh was "uncanny, a perfect fit for the ominous yet likable villain".[67] Reviewing Cavanagh's performance as Harry in the episode "The Darkness and the Light", Eric Walters of Paste said, "Having Tom Cavanagh back is wonderful, and he has brought a renewed energy with him. When Harrison 2 referred to Cisco as "Crisco," I knew this episode was going to be hot fire."[68] In his review of "When Harry Met Harry...", Jesse Schedeen of IGN felt that the Council of Wells was "basically an excuse for Cavanagh to put on funny wigs and ridiculous accents,"[69] and he had similar feelings for the episode "Harry and the Harrisons", which had Harry joining the Council of Harrisons.[70] However, in his review of the season 4 penultimate episode "Think Fast", which shows Harry's declining intelligence due to the effects of the Thinking Cap, Schedeen felt that "Cavanagh is doing a fine job of depicting Harry's deteriorating mental state, playing it both for laughs and tragedy as the situation demands."[71]

Accolades

The Eobard Thawne version of Wells was ranked at number 35 in Rolling Stone's list of 40 Greatest TV Villains of All Time.[72] He also topped Entertainment Weekly's list of "20 "best" villains on superhero TV in 2015",[73] and was included in Collider's list of Best TV Villains of 2015.[74] Cavanagh received an IGN Awards nomination for Best TV Villain for his portrayal of the character in The Flash.[75] He was also nominated for Choice TV – Villain at the 2015 Teen Choice Awards.[76] Jason Berman of Screen Rant ranked Cavanagh fifth in his 2016 list, "20 Best Actors in the Arrowverse".[77]

Other appearances

Cavanagh reprised his roles of Harry and Thawne posing as Earth-1 Wells in Supergirl,[78] Arrow,[79] and Legends of Tomorrow, all of which are set in the Arrowverse along with The Flash.[80] A version of Wells appears on the episode "Ants on a Hamburger" of the non-Arrowverse animated series Robot Chicken, voiced by Cavanagh.[81][82]

References

  1. ^ Barnhardt, Adam (March 6, 2018). "'The Flash' Recap With Spoilers: "Enter Flashtime"". Comicbook.com. Archived from the original on May 31, 2018. Retrieved May 31, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ "Pilot". The Flash. Season 1. Episode 1. October 7, 2014. The CW.
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  4. ^ "The Man in the Yellow Suit". The Flash. Season 1. Episode 9. December 9, 2014. The CW.
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