HELLFROST

The Flash was my favorite hero when I was a little boy. I wished that I could run fast. In 1964, I watched Billy Mills, a Native American and Marine Lieutenant become the 1st American to win the men’s Olympic 10,000-meter footrace, a distance is 6.2 miles. I watched it with my father and maternal grandfather. I asked them, how can someone run 6 miles? They did not know. A couple decades later, I did know.

The Olympic 10K is 26 laps of a running track. Billy Mills ran his final lap in 54 seconds. I have a friend who held the US record for the 10K. He said, “Do you know what it feels like to run your first lap in 54 seconds and pass the finish line to see a chalkboard sign that says ‘24 laps to go’?”

So I fucking love the Flash. I forgive this show for its flaws, and cherish it for its triumphs. (Rod Serling voice) “Submitted for your consideration: Episode 8.13 is the Best. Flash. Episode. EVER.”

Are any of you old enough to remember the Broadway production of Peter Pan with Mary Martin, where Tinker Bell drinks the poison intended for Peter, and Peter (the brilliant Martin) breaks the proscenium and asks the children in the audience, “Do you believe in fairies? If you believe in fairies, then clap for Tinker Bell! Please clap!” By consensus acclaim the audience always revives Tinker Bell.

We will reclaim HELLFROST. You see, I now know how a person can run 6 miles fast.