The Flash season 8 episode 2 recap: Armageddon, Part 2

This article contains SPOILERS for The Flash season 8 episode 2

When the titular hero is mentally challenged, his team must work nonstop to save the speedster in this week’s episode of The Flash season 8.

Check out our recap of last week’s episode here!

This second part of this Armageddon event picks up right where the initial one left off. Despero explains that The Flash will enter madness, causing the destruction of so much and the titular event. Despero warns the speedster that in the next 24 hours, his brain will begin to crack, and it will be the beginning of the end for The Flash. After a call with Alex Danvers of National City and Supergirl fame, Team Flash learns that Despero is stronger than a Kryptonian, and his brain is unmatched compared to anything Caitlin has studied before. Frost and Chester break off, and the former ice villain asks Chester to build a weapon to put down Despero.

The Flash season 8 episode 2: Barry’s mind is challenged

The next morning, Barry and Iris are preparing for this important day, with Barry understandably worried about his actions. His partner reassures him that they have been through worse and always found each other, no matter the universe or timeline. This adorable moment is interrupted by a case for Barry about a security guard who lost his mind. But when he arrives, Kramer informs him that the forensic scientist is under investigation for federal crimes regarding being an accomplice to a meta criminal and makes him turn in his badge. This makes Allen panic, while Despero stays close in his mind. After a talk with Cecile, a common denominator is the allusions to Joe West not being around, albeit we do not know why the show’s patriarch is not nearby.

When Barry phases into the security guards’ hospital room, he sees the guard sit up, mumbling some nonsense. Barry receives a call from Caitlin at STAR Labs, and before Barry can make any requests, the good doctor informs the fastest man alive that their home base is being shut down by the authorities on the basis of a major radiation leak going on. Team Flash scrambles to make sure the cops do not find their superhero business. After some hard drive wiping and some visual tricks, everything is protected as Team Flash leaves STAR Labs — possibly for the last time.

The Flash season 8 episode 2: A mind-controlling meta shows herself

Team Flash finds a meta named Zotar that manipulated the security guard, so Flash goes to confront her. As he arrives, and right before he can cuff this meta, Barry loses control of his body and mind. He comes to within Caitlin’s apartment, staring her down along with Allegra and Chester. It turns out Barry ran around the home and tried to lightning blast Chester. The situation calms down, and Team Flash regroups in order to bring down Zortar and prevent Barry from losing his mind. During his search, Flash reunites with Despero and asks why Despero cares about Earth so much since it’s not his homeworld. Despero explains that he adopted Earth after losing his own planet.

Chester and Allegra go to Chester’s garage lab, where Allegra finds the weapon he is building for Frost. Allega asks why he, a pacifist, is building a weapon. She is not judging Chester but rather reminding him why he is good at what he does. This heartfelt interaction is cut short when Chester receives a notification about Zotar. The meta is trying to steal priceless art when Flash arrives, and the villain uses telekinesis to lift the speedster into the air and physically torture him. Barry builds up lightning on a microscopic level and releases a lightning blast, cuffing Zotar.

The Flash season 8 episode 2: Despero follows through

Back at Chester’s garage, the team is relieved that Zotar is taken down and Barry’s mind is safe now. Barry suggests they go to Joe and Cecile’s house for a big dinner when Chester, Caitlin, and Allegra are all looking at him, confused. They tell Barry that Joe died six months ago, and Barry runs to his house to find Iris and Cecile telling him the same thing. Iris turns on the news to find out The Flash tormented Central City after Zotar was unable to use her powers. Despero makes his presence felt and tries to take down The Flash. Chester arrives with a tool to protect Barry rather than a weapon. Barry is able to escape, and Team Flash is left trying to find a way to stop Despero and save their friend.

Barry runs to the hall where he and his fellow league of superheroes try to maintain justice. As he is calming down, Barry is approached by Jefferson Pierce, also known as Black Lightning. This hero from Freeland looks to be set up to give Barry the necessary help at the start of the third part of Armageddon.

Will Black Lightning be able to help and save Barry Allen? What is actually going on inside The Flash’s mind? Stay tuned into Show Snob so you never miss a thing!

Watch The Flash Season 8 with new episodes every Tuesday at 8 pm EST and catch up at CWTV.com or on The CW app