CW orders 'The Flash' pilot after seeing Grant Gustin in new 'Arrow' season 2 episodes, ruling out 'backdoor pilot' strategy

Earlier this year, Grant Gustin (Glee) was cast as The Flash in the hit DC Comics CW series Arrow. Gustin's role would have eventually led to a spinoff series of his own, entitled The Flash, after his story arc on Arrow came to a close. The final episode of this arc would have served as a "backdoor pilot" for the new series, but now the CW is scrapping this idea in order to get The Flash on the air as soon as possible.

So far, Gustin has filmed 2 episodes as The Flash in Arrow, due to air in December but after seeing these episodes (8 and 9 of season 2), CW executives decided to go ahead with the series. Episode 20 of Arrow was going to be focused on The Flash and serve as a pilot, but not any more.

Deadline reports:

The decision was made after CW brass saw cuts of Episodes 8 and 9, which have been very well received. Filming a stand-alone Flash pilot would allow the creators to better flesh out the superhero's story and his world on a bigger budget, as pilot budgets are significantly higher than episodic ones. While no longer a full-blown spinoff, The Flash still will be tethered to the Arrow universe since the the character (as Barry Allen) will first be introduced there. In light of the pilot order, it is unclear whether Episode 20 of Arrow will feature the Flash or any reference to him. The Arrow producers are expected to discuss their ideas for the episode with the CW this coming week. 

What do you think of this news about The Flash? Considering it doesn't really change anything for Arrow, this might be a great move for the network in order to get two superhero shows on the air.