We've gone to bat before on why "The Flash" isn't just one of the best superhero shows on TV, it's also one of the best shows, period. But it isn't just the crazy twists or epic action... It's the heart of the show, and last night's (March 24) episode "Rogue Time" proved that with one key scene towards the end of the hour.

After a complication involving time travel way too convoluted to explain here, Barry (Grant Gustin) is confronting his arch-enemy Leonard Snart (Wentworth Miller) and his team of villains. Snart has threatened Barry's friends, is about to pull off a big heist -- and worst of all, now knows Barry's secret identity.

So does Barry do what "heroes" on other shows might do? Does he kill Snart, threaten him, or bury him deep under the earth? No: Barry appeals to his better nature.

Realizing they're at a détente -- Barry can always stop Snart, but Snart will never stop trying to steal things -- Barry says one simple phrase: "If you're as good as you say, don't kill people."

That's it. That's how he beats the bad guy, by recognizing that he's very, very good at being a criminal. By respecting him. And understanding that he can't change his villainous ways, but he can change how Snart goes about them.

Barry has a code, and now he's created a code for his bad guys, too. And in return for this sign of respect, Snart agrees not to reveal The Flash's secret identity.

For those who read the comics, you're well aware of the unique relationship between The Flash and his Rogues Gallery. Unlike Batman, who throws his bad guys into jail only to watch them escape, or Superman who finds his own opposites constantly threatening the world, The Flash and The Rogues have an agreement.

Don't cross that line. Don't kill. Be a better brand of criminal not by upping the destruction, but by setting an example that separates The Rogues from the maniacs like Reverse Flash (who kills someone right after the above scene, as a stark contrast).

That's not just what's so refreshing about this new dynamic, but how The Flash -- the hero, and the show -- approach their villains. Time and again, Barry has had to resort to fisticuffs; but only as a LAST resort. His first, second, and third options are always to try and talk things out.

That's how this show wears its heart on its sleeve. By showing us a better brand of hero and criminal, it also shows us, the audience, how to be better.

And isn't that the point of superheroes? After years of being told through movies and TV shows that their superheroes inspire merely by causing less destruction than the bad guys, finally we have one that actually does inspire.

Keep it up, "The Flash."