If you are anything like me, you find a new television series to binge-watch every few weeks and it becomes your latest addiction. Every once in a while, we come across a series that really stands out to us and provides us with an important message or lesson, which is the main goal of any series really. Recently, I began watching “The Flash” on Netflix and after a few episodes, I was hooked.

"The Flash, " tells the story of a young crime scene investigator named Barry Allen, who is struck by lightning and exposed to unknown chemicals during a failed science experiment that explodes throughout all of Central City. Allen wakes up from a nine-month coma and discovers that he now has superhuman speed - making him what the series describes as a “meta-human”. Allen soon discovers that he was not the only one changed from the explosion and there are other meta-humans out there. With the help of his friends, he vows to protect Central City from the criminal meta-humans, thus taking on the identity of The Flash.

To me, The Flash is much more than just another show about a superhero. I believe that the series is unique and different from anything the world has ever seen before. "The Flash" takes its audience on an adventure that is filled with twists, turns, and even some valuable life lessons.

1. Family is everything.

When he was 11 years old, Barry witnessed his mother’s murder. Barry’s father was wrongfully convicted of the crime and has spent the last 14 years in prison. Determined to prove his father’s innocence, Barry spends much of his time investigating the crime to show that his mother’s death was by a supernatural force. Barry’s commitment to protecting the people he cares about is admirable and something that I am sure everyone can relate to.

2. You do not have to be blood to be family.

Barry is taken in and raised by his best friend Iris’ family after the events surrounding his mother’s death. Iris and her father, Joe, treat Barry like a member of the family. As a result of becoming The Flash, Barry also develops close friendships with scientists, Cisco Ramon and Dr. Caitlin Snow, who help him protect Central City from the criminal meta-humans. These relationships show us that family is not limited to those who we are blood-related with. At the end of the day, family are the people who are there for you no matter what the situation.

3. Believe in yourself and never give up.

Throughout the series, there have been times when Barry has taken on criminals who have been just as strong as him, if not stronger. Although there were points when he felt like quitting, Barry never let anyone have the upper hand. He always comes back stronger and ends up being victorious. Whether it is trying to protect the people you care about or fighting crime, The Flash teaches us to always believe in ourselves and to never give up. It is amazing the things that a person can accomplish when they believe in themselves.

4. Run after the things that are worth chasing.

Everyone has something in their life that they believe is worth chasing. In Barry’s case, it is about chasing after a girl, a villain or the truth about his mother’s death. While we may not all be able to run as fast as Barry Allen, we should all chase after the things that we believe are worth fighting for. One of the greatest lessons that The Flash teaches us is that it is important to find something in life that you are passionate about and to work hard at anything you do.

There is always a deeper meaning to something if you take the time to notice it. To me, The Flash is a series that is much more than just a guy who can run fast and fight crime. It is a show about family, friends, and loyalty. I am excited to see where The Flash takes us next.