Grant Gustin, Melissa Benoist, Jesse L. Martin etc. get to show off their musical theater backgrounds and singing chops in “The Flash’s” first musical episode, “Duet,” and it’s a delight for fans of both shows. They managed to squeeze five musical numbers into the episode, and here’s our ranking of each performance.
5. “Moon River” (Performed by Melissa Benoist)
Benoist gives a lovely, understated performance of the song made famous by Audrey Hepburn in “Breaktfast at Tiffany’s,” but in a high-energy episode, this one was a little sleepy.
4. “More I Cannot Wish You” (Performed by Victor Garber, Jesse L. Martin and John Barrowman)
This “Guys and Dolls” ditty with the confusing lyrics (“sheep’s eye and licorice tooth” … huh?) was a highlight of the episode, mostly because of the talent performing the song together. When Victor Garber, Jesse L. Martin and John Barrowman want to sing you a lullaby, you shut up and enjoy it.
3. “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” (Performed by Jeremy Jordan, Carlos Valdes, Darren Criss, John Barrowman and company)
This ensemble number sends a jolt into the episode and really cements that Barry and Kara are, in fact, trapped inside a movie musical. Plus Jeremy Jordan’s voice, which gets a nice solo moment, is just undeniable, let’s be honest.
2. “Runnin’” (Performed by Grant Gustin)
The only song not performed in the alternate universe, this original song from the “La La Land” songwriters was the perfect declaration of love from Barry to Iris. And it was just nice to keep the magic going for just a little while longer after everyone woke up in the real world.
1. “Superfriends” (Performed by Grant Gustin and Melissa Benoist)
The pinnacle of the musical performances came from this original song written for the episode by “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” star Rachel Bloom, who managed to encompass the levity and comedic chemistry between Barry and Kara into one three-minute number. Fresh, adorable, funny and expertly incorporating a tap number for the duo (thank you Rachel!), this is the number that will be remember from “Duet” and rightfully so.
