<P> Harrison Wells is an original character created for the series while Eobard Thawne is based on the DC Comics character of the same name . </P> <P> Joseph "Joe" West (portrayed by Jesse L. Martin) is a police detective, father of Iris and Wally West, and legal guardian to Barry Allen following Nora Allen's death and Henry Allen's incarceration . </P> <P> In season one, he is one of the few who knows Barry's secret; he reluctantly becomes Barry's partner against metahuman criminals by offering him support in crime fighting . Joe also gives Barry advice on his feelings for Iris . He assists Barry's attempts to prove Henry innocent and secretly investigates Wells, suspicious of his intentions . Joe and the team ultimately discover Wells' true identity . </P> <P> Season two, Joe is head of the metahuman task - force, only joined by Cisco and Patty Spivot . He relies on Cisco's inventions to deal with the super criminals and becomes a father figure to them both . Joe also struggles with his relationship with his estranged wife, Francine, who, unbeknownst to Joe, gave birth to their son Wally after she left the family . He is initially distraught after learning of Wally's existence and finally meets him at Christmas . At first, Joe is not sure of how to be a father to Wally, but after Zoom kidnaps Wally, they become close . Joe is proud of Wally's aptitude in mechanical engineering and his need to help people . After Wally is exposed to the dark matter, Joe suspects that his son will become a metahuman . </P>

Who plays joe's girlfriend on the flash