Is Caitlin really dead on The Flash? (Who is Khione?)

Spoilers ahead of The Flash season 9

The Flash season 9 began with a fun Groundhog’s day episode that brought Westallen closer together but episode 2, “Hear No Evil,” struck a somber tone as it was revealed that Caitlin had been replaced by a new character bearing her resemblance.

We last saw Caitlin in season 8 when she resumed looking for a way to bring her sister, Frost, back from the dead after Barry had destroyed her efforts the first time. Assisted by Mark, Frost’s boyfriend, she managed to recreate the necessary machine to resurrect her other half.

However, the machine didn’t revive Frost instead it birthed a character who initially went by the name Snow. And, as Mark explained it, killed Caitlin in the process. But is she really gone? Here’s what we know.

Is Caitlin dead on The Flash?

Yes, at least for the time being. In an interview with TVLine, actress Danielle Panabaker had the following to say:

"I will say that it was surprising for me, especially so fresh on the heels of losing Frost…Due to the fact that all of a sudden, our episode order got reduced and we had such a shorter season, I do think everyone’s sort of forced to grieve Caitlin quickly."

But, as fans of this universe know, nobody’s ever truly gone. In Panabaker’s words: “I do like to joke, ‘Nobody’s ever really dead on these shows!’”

So we could see Caitlin again in season 9, whether that’s in the present day or flashbacks we’ll have to wait in see. In the meantime, we’ll be getting to know Khione who’d previously introduced herself as Snow at the top of the episode.

Who is Khione on The Flash?

Khione’s name comes from Caitlin’s father. In the past, he’d been trying to figure out a way to make Caitlin immune to ALS and ended up creating a split personality instead who’d later go on to be Frost. He’d left it up to the girls to decide how they’d exist in the world and, for a good portion of Caitlin’s life that meant her operating without her sister’s input until her powers began to manifest.

When Caitlin went into the machine, she was aware that only one person would come out of it. She made her choice and it was to attempt to bring her sister back. Instead, Khione was born and now it’s her turn to become a fully realized person with her own autonomy and agency, not a stand in for Caitlin or Frost.

She has a completely different personality. Calm and empathetic, Khione is open to discussing tough subjects and takes people as they are whilst also providing sound advice and someone to listen without judgement. She may also have water or whether powers, but we’ll have to see if that comes into the plot.

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New episodes of The Flash season 9 air Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on The CW. Next day streaming is available on cwtv.com and the CW App. The new season will be available on Netflix Summer 2023. Stay tuned to Hidden Remote for more CW news and coverage!