The Flash: Why Iris' Speedster Lightning Is Purple (& Not Yellow) - Screen Rant

When Iris West-Allen (Candice Patton) received Barry Allen's (Grant Gustin) powers in The Flash season 4, episode 16, "Run, Iris, Run," she was given a distinct look from her husband — including her own unique purple lightning effect. The reason why Iris was stylized so differently from her husband and masked hero, known as "The Flash," was never fully explored in-universe; however, there are numerous fan theories as to why — as well as a narrative explanation that makes total sense as an aesthetic behind-the-scenes decision.

The Flash is the second show in the CW's Arrowverse, which began with Arrow in 2012. The Flash follows the adventures of a forensic scientist who develops superhuman speed abilities after an experimental particle accelerator explodes. Based on the character from DC Comics, The Flash has shown a willingness to divert from its source material, and explore core concepts in its own way — such as the nature of Barry's speed, how superspeed and time travel work, and the concept of the "Speed Force."

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Most fan theories regarding Iris's purple lightning point to Iris's relationship with the Speed Force, since this is the most obvious difference between her and Barry. The exact science behind the difference was never explored fully in The Flash, largely because Iris opted to not continue having meta-human powers by the end of the episode. Narratively speaking, however, Iris's distinct purple lightning was conscious choice: it was done to hint at the identity of the "mystery girl" seen earlier in the season.

Why The Flash Gave Iris Purple Lightning

In an interview with TV Guide, executive producer Todd Helbing confirmed that the costume choice and lightning color used for Iris in "Run, Iris, Run" were made for "a specific reason," alluding to a big reveal at the end of the season. Of course, the season 4 finale contained a long-awaited answer to who the mysterious female speedster was who kept appearing throughout the season. First showing up in the Crisis on Earth-X crossover, the girl exhibited familiar knowledge of Team Flash, and had speedster abilities — characterized by purple and yellow lightning. The finale confirmed what fans had already guessed based on the clues: she was Barry and Iris's child from the future, Nora West-Allen. Iris's purple lightning in episode 16 was thus a way for the show's creative team to hint a connection between Iris and the mystery girl.

What Iris's Purple Lightning Means In The Flash

In-universe, the reason for Iris's lightning color is less clear. While Iris's purple lightning is never discussed at length, its different color likely has something to do with her relationship with the Speed Force. The Speed Force is a mysterious sentient entity that exists outside of the multiverse and supplies speedsters with their abilities. While it can manifest itself into a physical form in order to communicate, largely, it exists as an extra-dimensional space. Barry has visited the Speed Force on numerous occasions on the show, and was even trapped there for a time in an experience akin to the Christian idea of purgatory. In The Flash, s peedsters like Barry and Iris's brother Wally West (Keiynan Lonsdale), who goes by "Kid Flash," achieved their connection to the Speed Force in a similar manner, and thus both create yellow lightning as they run. Other speedsters in the series, however, generate a different colored lightning — like Iris's purple variant.

Since Iris and Wally are siblings, it seems unlikely that genetics are the reason for Iris's distinct lightning color; therefore, their differing relationships with the Speed force is a more likely explanation. While the different lightning could have to do with her gender, this wouldn't explain why the Flash's daughter Nora has purple and yellow lightning. Both Wally and Barry received their meta-human powers because of an accident that put them in a coma. Iris, conversely, received her powers when a meta-human transferred Barry's powers to her. In a way, Iris's superhuman speed is just granted to her fully-formed, rather than being developed, as it is in other speedsters. The Flash already established that speedsters who gain their abilities through using drugs, or by way of the Negative Speed Force, create blue and red lightning respectively, so it makes sense for Iris's lightning to have a similarly distinct color.

Next: Flash Theory: How Nora West Allen Set Up Crisis On Infinite Earths

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Sarah Bea Milner (101 Articles Published)

Sarah Milner is an editor for Screen Rant's Film/Television features division. She is a writer, researcher, and folk musician. Her writing has appeared in Exclaim! and Electric City Magazine. A graduate of Trent University, Sarah's MA thesis examines Frankenstein adaptations and their relationship with popular culture. She has a fierce love of all things "spooky," and a deep appreciation for classic cinema.