Following weeks of speculation,
TV Line and
Entertainment Weekly have both separately confirmed that Jesse L. Martin, who plays Detective Joe West, will be taking a medical leave of absence from the series within the next few weeks. In their official statement, The CW said, “
Jesse Martin is taking a medical leave of absence from The Flash. We wish him a full and speedy recovery and look forward to his return as Detective Joe West.”
According to TV Line's sources, Martin suffered a pretty major back injury over the summer hiatus, limiting his mobility, which explains why almost all of his scenes this season have featured him in a sitting position. It also explains why he's spent the vast majority of his time at home, save for a brief appearance at the precinct last night, and why he hasn't taken a particularly active role in Team Flash's hunt for Cicada (Chris Klein).
Martin's absence will be addressed on the series in the coming weeks, but details on his temporary exit are being kept under wraps for now. A timetable on his return has also not been given, but considering the nature of his injury, it seems that he may end up missing a good chunk of the season, which has eighteen episodes left to air.
That’s what that was? This season already shytting on the last two easily