"Pilot" is the first episode of The CW series The Flash. The episode was written by Andrew Kreisberg and Geoff Johns, based on a story by Greg Berlanti, Kreisberg, and Johns, and directed by David Nutter. It was first broadcast on October 7, 2014, on The CW. The show is a spin-off from Arrow where many of the characters in The Flash were introduced during its second season. The episode revolves around Barry Allen (Grant Gustin), a forensic scientist working for the Central City Police Department. On the night of the launch of a particle accelerator, a malfunction causes it to explode during a storm. At the same time, Barry is struck by lightning. He wakes from a coma after nine months, and discovers that he has developed a new power: super speed. He is helped by S.T.A.R. Labs' personnel, l