Board Thread:The Flash episode discussions/@comment-9346948-20150429010150/@comment-12.34.246.78-20150501144358

If Thawn made these events happen sooner than they were supposed to happen - how could he have known that the bolt of lightning would strike Barry in his building. Yes, we saw he's been watching Barry's every move for 15 years, but to guide a specific power-giving bolt of lightning to hit someone is a long shot. If he has this ability then why not just say "F - Barry" and gain the necessary speed force by replacing him as the person struck?