The CW’s “The Flash” Loses Original Cast Regular

The CW’s hit DC Comics adaptation The Flash was recently renewed for a 9^th season, which most expect to be its last, though there have been no confirmations of that, as of yet. However, with Grant Gustin only signing a one-year extension to return, the writing seems to be on the wall. Adding a little more fuel to the fire is that, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Jesse L. Martin is dropping out as a regular cast member for the upcoming season.

Martin has played Detective Joe West, the biological father of Iris and Wally, and the surrogate father for Barry Allen himself, after the loss of his parents, for the last 8 seasons. Over that time, he’s become a fan favorite and stalwart character, often grounding show when it needs it the most. However, as the seasons have worn on and the stories have gotten more and more outrageous, there has seemed to be less and less space for the character.

Of note, Martin won’t be leaving the show entirely. Rather, he’ll be coming back as a guest star. While his role will still be greatly reduced from previous seasons, he’ll still likely be integral to the plot, in some form or fashion. He just won’t appear in every single episode.

And part of the reason for this change has to be because Martin has also closed a deal with NBC to return to the network as the lead of a new drama, titled The Irrational. Martin will star as a behavioral science professor trying to match wits a female domestic terror suspect. Currently, the show has only received a pilot order.

While it’s disappointing that the character of Joe West is going to take a bit back seat going forward, it’s good to see that Martin will still have life after the superhero show. The Flash is expected to return for what is likely its final season in October of this year.