Tonight, Vanessa Williams makes her debut appearance on CW’s hit superhero drama series "The Flash," as Iris West’s mother, long believed to be dead.

Iris is played by Candice Patton, whose father, and thus, Vanessa Williams’ would-be husband on the show, is played by Jesse L. Martin (aka Joe West).

Fans of the series will know that the whereabouts of Iris’ mother haven’t really been addressed on the show yet, although it’s only been 1 season. In fact, she’s barely referenced, if at all, as I recall. I think I just assumed that she wasn’t alive.

Clearly, she is, as Iris, and the audience will witness tonight, at 8pm on the CW. 

We continue to learn more about the West family, as another member, Iris’ cousin Wally West, played by Keiynan Lonsdale, also is a member of the cast.

Williams and Lonsdale join the previously-cast Tony Todd, although in voice only, playing villain Zoom. 

"The Flash" just got a little *blacker*!

Watch a preview of tonight’s episode, titled "Family of Rogues" below: