Wally West deserved better. Honestly, if you ask any die-hard DC fan about the Flash CW Wally West, you’re going to get a mix of nostalgia and genuine frustration. He showed up on Joe West’s doorstep in season 2, a surprise son with a chip on his shoulder and a love for illegal drag racing, and everyone thought: here we go, the fastest man alive is finally getting his partner.
But things got weird. Discover more on a related issue: this related article.
Instead of the legendary partnership we saw in the comics—where Wally eventually surpasses Barry Allen—the show sort of fumbled the handoff. Keiynan Lonsdale brought a lot of heart to the role, but the writers never quite figured out how to have two speedsters on one team without Wally feeling like a "spare" Flash.
Why the CW's Wally West felt so different
In the comics, Wally is the goofy, red-headed nephew of Iris West. In the Arrowverse, he’s her brother, and his introduction was a lot more grounded. He wasn't some superfan; he was a kid dealing with a terminal mom and a father he never knew existed. It was heavy. Additional journalism by Deadline highlights related views on this issue.
Then came the speed.
Wally didn't get his powers from the same lightning bolt as Barry. Well, he did, but also he didn't. In the Flashpoint timeline, he was the primary Flash. When that timeline was erased, he spent half of season 3 obsessed with getting his speed back, eventually using Dr. Alchemy’s "husk" method to manifest his powers. This was the first hint that Wally’s connection to the Speed Force was... different. More spiritual, maybe?
The struggle for screen time
The show had a "Power Creep" problem. Basically, if Wally is just as fast as Barry, why does Barry need help with a bank robber? To fix this, the writers often sidelined Wally. They sent him to Earth-2 to hang out with Jesse Quick. They had him "meditating" in Blue Valley. Eventually, they just sent him to a monastery in China.
It felt like the show was trying to get rid of him because he was too powerful to be a sidekick.
The jump to Legends of Tomorrow
When Wally joined the Legends of Tomorrow in season 3, it felt like a breath of fresh air. Finally, he wasn't in Barry's shadow. He was the heavy hitter on a team of misfits. You've got guys with fire guns and shrinking suits, and then you've got a guy who can literally freeze time.
Wally was happy there. He was zen. He wore his hair out. He was actually using his powers in creative ways that Team Flash never thought of.
But then, he left.
The real reason Keiynan Lonsdale walked away
There’s a lot of rumors that Lonsdale was fired or that the writers hated the character. Neither is true. Keiynan Lonsdale actually wanted to explore other things. He’s a massive talent—a singer, a dancer, and a fashion icon. In 2018, he posted on Instagram that he was stepping away from being a series regular to find himself and pursue music.
He didn't leave because of "bad blood." He just didn't want to be "The Flash guy" for ten years.
Wally's later appearances and "Zen" powers
When Wally finally returned for guest spots in later seasons, he was almost unrecognizable—in a good way. He had mastered abilities Barry hadn't even touched.
- Speed Force constructs: He could make things out of pure energy.
- Multiversal perception: He could see through the veil of reality.
- Healing: Not just himself, but others.
By the time season 9 rolled around, Wally was arguably more "one" with the Speed Force than Barry ever was. He wasn't just running; he was vibrating on a different frequency.
What most people get wrong about Wally’s speed
There’s this constant debate: Is Wally faster than Barry? In the comics? Yes. Absolutely. In the CW show? It’s complicated. Early on, Wally was faster than Barry was at the same "stage" of his training. He was a prodigy. But because the show is called The Flash, Barry always had to be the hero.
The reality is that Wally's speed was more organic. While Barry treats the Speed Force like a science project or a tool, Wally treats it like a religion. That spiritual connection allowed him to do things Barry couldn't, even if his "top speed" on a speedometer was slightly lower during the mid-seasons.
Actionable insights for fans and writers
If you're looking back at the legacy of the Flash CW Wally West, here is the reality of why his arc matters:
- Character over powers: Wally’s best moments weren't when he was running; they were when he was trying to figure out his place in a family that had functioned without him for decades.
- The "Mentor" problem: If you're writing a superhero story, having a sidekick who is more naturally gifted than the lead creates a narrative vacuum. The CW never solved this, which is why Wally had to go to another show to shine.
- Don't ignore the comics: The "Rebirth" era of DC Comics actually fixed a lot of the issues the show had by making Wally the emotional heart of the universe. If you felt let down by the show, go read The Flash (Vol. 2) by Mark Waid. It’s the definitive Wally story.
Wally West’s journey from a reckless drag racer to a literal Speed Force monk is one of the most unique arcs in the Arrowverse. Even if he wasn't always on screen, his impact on the West family and the way he pushed Barry to be better is undeniable. He wasn't a replacement; he was the evolution.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch Legends of Tomorrow Season 3, Episodes 11-18 to see Wally at his peak.
- Check out Keiynan Lonsdale’s music (like "Rainbow Dragon") to see the artist's path he chose over the suit.
- Re-watch the Season 6 episode "Death of the Speed Force" for the best showcase of Wally’s unique powers.
