This is one of many reasons why season 1 was the best and why Thawne is one of my favorite villains. especially season 1 version.

When Thawne reveals in this deleted scene that he carries Wells’ thoughts, memories, and emotions, including his deep love for Tess, it’s a moment that’s both fascinating and oddly poignant. The fact that Thawne sheds a tear for someone he never even met adds an unexpected layer of complexity to his character. It’s a powerful and almost tragic moment, especially when you consider the context of Season 1 Thawne. For 15 years, he’s lived as a father figure to Barry, Cisco, and Caitlin, building bonds with them, and yet his intense hatred of Barry by that point feels almost petty in comparison. He realizes that His hatred for him was stupid.

What really makes this moment compelling is that it highlights the human side of Thawne, buried beneath his villainous exterior. As he experiences Wells’ memories and emotions, he’s reminded of the people in the future who genuinely care for him, making him realize he’s not the monster he’s become. This emotional conflict—wanting to return to a time and place where he wasn’t consumed by hatred—speaks volumes about Thawne’s internal struggle. After all these years of playing the villain, perhaps he’s just tired and longs for the simpler, happier life he left behind.

(And then, that little head-shake when Thawne dismisses Joe’s promise was perfect—it’s clear he doesn’t truly fear Joe, but it’s a moment of playful tension. I can definitely picture Thawne pretending to fear Joe, as if he’s playing his own game, trying to stay one step ahead even when things are slipping through his fingers.)

Season 1 episode 23 deleted scene with Eobard and Joe