‘The Flash’ 9×09 Preview: Gustin, Amell and Panabaker on Oliver Return

For Amell, who filmed his ultimate Arrow scenes in November 2019, “Actually, it didn’t really feel bizarre in any respect” to be again after so lengthy a break, he tells TVLine.

“It was nerve-wracking, getting picked up on the primary day and taking pictures my first scene,” he admits, “however after quarter-hour, it was like, ‘OK. I’m right here…. When’s lunch?’”

To be part of Gustin’s personal Arrowverse swan music — effectively over three years since they final shared a scene collectively — “was actually particular,” Amell says. “It was good to be there, and it was good to see him.”

Evaluating how Gustin should have felt at this level within the season to when he himself was knocking out Arrow‘s personal ultimate episodes, Amell notes, “They filmed, what, 13 episodes? And we’re the ninth. So although it could look like you’re near the top, belief me once I let you know that none of these casts thought that they had been near the top. As a result of these final episodes are so huge and concerned.”

Not that Episode 9 is any small potatoes. Removed from it….

“It’s My Occasion and I’ll Die If I Need To” is “considered one of our largest [episodes] of the season,” Gustin declares, “aside from most likely the final two — and truthfully, in a number of methods it could be the largest.”

And that speaks volumes in regards to the religion that showrunner Eric Wallace has in forged member Danielle Panabaker, that she was tapped to direct this visitor star-studded, action-packed installment.

“I ended up with such a stellar script and an unimaginable visitor forged,” Panabaker informed TVLine throughout an early-season chat. “I’m grateful that they consider in my talents as a director and felt comfy giving me an episode of this scale, as a result of… it’s large… a fairly bold episode throughout.”

It additionally was no small factor to have an Arrowverse vet akin to Panabaker direct an episode that speaks a lot to the deep, deep historical past between two of the CW franchise’s lead heroes.

“It was actually vital to me to be respectful and pay homage to the totally different reveals, significantly Arrow, and incorporate that into our storytelling as a lot as attainable,” Panabaker defined. “I actually hope I delivered some moments that the entire Arrowverse followers will likely be glad by.”

The moments Panabaker speaks of are a climactic conflict that purposely evokes Arrow‘s go-to model of close-quarters fight.

“We did a combat sequence that, once more, was my homage to the unimaginable combat sequences that they did on Arrow all these years,” says the actress/director. “And my understanding is that one of many stunts we did was one of many largest stunts that has even been completed on Flash. It’s a packed-full episode, completely.”

As Gustin himself recollects with reverence, “[Danielle] had an enormous sequence in downtown Vancouver that took a few nights” and concerned “insane wire work and blew up some automobiles, a number of background [actors], a number of superheroes.”

“Danielle was nice. She nailed it,” Amell additionally attests. “This was the primary episode again after [holiday] break, so there have been COVID protocols and a bunch of shifting items, however she was completely in cost and actually communicative with nice notes. She was like an outdated professional.”

However as a lot punch because the hour has to ship, it additionally has a lotta coronary heart, and emotion, as these most sudden reunions happen….

Working once more with Amell, with whom he maybe shares most of his scenes within the episode, was “similar to getting the band again collectively,” says Gustin, smiling. “Good occasions, a number of laughing….”

“We’re right here to play the hits! We’re not attempting to reinvent the wheel,” is how Amell places it. “It’s like, if Im gonna come again, [it’s] as a result of the followers would get pleasure from me coming again. Properly, if the followers are going to get pleasure from it, then what are they going to get pleasure from? You begin there.”

TVLine had solely reported on how Amell had a selected ask when first approached by Flash boss Wallace about this encore. Talking (very vaguely) to that, Amell tells us, “I’m not significantly treasured in relation to dialogue, however I wished to ensure that Oliver had one thing to supply, be it new info or the opening of a door, one thing that may intrigue individuals. And we acquired a few these issues in there. I can’t say sufficient about how collaborative Eric was.”

And for the longtime #Olicity followers on the market, Amell additionally guarantees “a pleasant allusion” to “how the household is doing. The script is simply very well completed.”

Need extra scoop on The Flash, or for another present? Electronic mail InsideLine@tvline.com and your query could also be answered by way of Matt’s Inside Line.