Okay, let’s be real, most of us watching the Spider-Man movies have had a moment where we wanted to shove Flash Thompson into a locker ourselves. He’s the epitome of the arrogant, entitled jock who seems to exist solely to make Peter Parker’s life miserable. But what if there’s more to Flash than meets the eye? What if beneath that cocky exterior lies a kid struggling with his own personal demons?
One scene, in particular, makes us rethink our whole perspective on Flash: the “Edith glasses” scene in “Spider-Man: Far From Home.” When Peter accidentally activates the glasses’ facial recognition software, we get a glimpse into the private lives of everyone on his class trip. And guess what? Flash’s phone reveals some heartbreaking messages – messages that paint a picture of a strained family life, filled with arguments and possible parental neglect.
This discovery hits even harder when the class returns from their trip. While everyone else is greeted by excited family members, Flash is left standing alone. He waits awkwardly until, finally, a driver from his family’s company arrives to pick him up. It’s a small detail, but one that speaks volumes. Where are Flash’s parents? Are they too busy with work or their own lives to be there for their son?
It’s not an excuse for Flash’s bullying, of course. But it does make us wonder if his constant need for attention, his aggressive behavior, stems from a place of deep insecurity and a desperate desire for approval that he doesn’t receive at home.
Maybe, just maybe, Flash Thompson isn’t inherently bad, just a lonely kid crying out for help in all the wrong ways. And that’s a thought that makes you see the high school bully in a whole new light.
