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When CW’sThe Flashdebuted in 2014, it was an instant hit with fans of superheroes. The Arrowverse had already established a strong following withArrow, and the show quickly followed suit. With its fast-paced storytelling and charming protagonist, Barry Allen, portrayed by Grant Gustin, fans soon fell in love. However, one character in the show became a point of contention among fans: Iris West, played by Candice Patton.
Although she was a key figure in Allen’s life, the character received substantial backlash throughout the 9-season series. It is important to understand that the animosity toward Patton’s Iris West has far less to do with the actress’ acting ability and much more to do with how the character was written and portrayed.
Why The Flash fans hated Candice Patton’s Iris West
Right from the beginning ofThe Flashseries,Candice Patton’sIris West was introduced asGrant Gustin’scharacter, Barry Allen’s love interest and eventual wife. Although that arc aligned with her role in the original DC Comics, fans were unimpressed by the couple’s on-screen chemistry. In fact, the show’s interpretation of the actress’ character often felt at odds with the way fans expected the character to evolve. In a post onReddit, fans explained that the problem was not with the 36-year-old’s acting but instead with the writing.
Fine actress, but very bad writing. Also Patty had better chemistry with Barry. The writers shoved Iris-Barry down our throats, regardless of what the audience wanted.
With fans stating that Gustin’s character could have been a better match with Patty Spivot played by Shantel VanSanten and evenother charactersinstead of Patton’s Iris, their frustration only increased. Another fan onRedditexplained,“Candice is a great actress in this role. The problem is with the writing of her character coming off as selfish and unlikable.”After all, in the early seasons, the character was largely sidelined in the action and served more as a motivator or emotional support for the main character rather than an active participant in the storyline.
‘Don’t think anybody else could have played them better’: The Flash Fans Honor Grant Gustin’s Barry Allen and Candice Patton’s Iris West Relationship as Final Season Ends Legendary Run
In fact, Patton’s character even went on to becomeThe Flash’steam leader after a time jump. However, most fans felt she was the least qualified for the job. Although some fans had valid problems with the show’s writing and the character, there were some who couldn’t look past the actress’ skin tone.
The racism Candice Patton faced
In 2014, when Candice Patton was cast as Iris West inThe Flash, most fans were excited to see what the actress would bring to the table. However, some were unhappy with the casting choice. With the character being white in the comics, people were outraged by the change and even made sure that the 36-year-old knew about it. In an episode ofThe Open Up Podcast, she ended up getting candid about how Warner Bros. Television, did not do enough to protect her from the online harassment.
There were no support systems, no one was looking out for that. It was just free range to get abused every single day because it’s happening regardless. It’s just not enough to make me your lead female and say, ‘Look at us, we’re so progressive, we checked the box. It’s great, but you’ve put me in the ocean alone around sharks.
While the hate may have gotten to Patton in the earlier seasons, by the 8th, the actress admitted,“It’s more leveled out.”However, she could not help but feel as though she had been thrown into the deep end when the show was just starting out. Luckily for the star, her resolve ended up paying off.
‘Have Nothing To Lose’: The Flash Star Candice Patton Says Arrowverse Mistreats Her, Wants People To See Her Legacy as ‘Grace Under Fire’
The dislike for Iris West inThe Flashseries was never truly about Patton’s acting skills or even the color of her skin. Instead, it wound up being a combination of poor writing, forced character development, and the use of outdated love-interest tropes. Thankfully, most fans were able to separate the art from the artist.
Stream Candice Patton’s 9-season series,The Flash, on Amazon Prime Video.
Prathika Prashant
Articles Published :192
With over three years of experience in the field of writing, and a knack for storytelling, she dives into the pop culture world to provide fans with insightful updates and engaging narratives worldwide. Her articles add a dash of insightful commentary and a captivating narrative to ensure that readers get the whole story. When she is not working, you can find her browsing new music or going down a rabbit hole of old timey sitcoms and more.
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Candice PattonGrant GustinIris WestThe Flash
