The Flash has finally given me a reason to watch. Recent seasons have been pretty bad to me so it's nice to finally care about the future of a season. It's off to a pretty good start and hopefully they've finally put more care into the show as we can see in this episode.
23 Reviews
Wait is this Flash?
villadsrasmussen-4258424 November 2021
This episode was filled with twists and turns, and I couldn't love it more.
The whole episode started of wired and confusing. There were somethings that didn't make sense and felt rushed, but the ending shows perfectly sense of it all!
It's almost too hard not to spoil it, because its hard to explain. But you know what I am talking about, when you see it. Everything that you see in this episode can feel wired, but it's only because that a CERTAIN person, feels a CERTAIN way. We are as confused as this person, and we figure it a bit out at the end. If that is was the Flash writers attended us to feel this way, then probs for them.
The style of last scenes was seemed so much off of what Flash normally does, but it works to show, that this isn't just a Flash Episode, it's an speciel semi-crossover event.
Only thing I really didn't like, was the cheesiness as usual, but that plays such a small factor when the episode was this good! This event will surely one of the best things on Flash, I am certain!
The whole episode started of wired and confusing. There were somethings that didn't make sense and felt rushed, but the ending shows perfectly sense of it all!
It's almost too hard not to spoil it, because its hard to explain. But you know what I am talking about, when you see it. Everything that you see in this episode can feel wired, but it's only because that a CERTAIN person, feels a CERTAIN way. We are as confused as this person, and we figure it a bit out at the end. If that is was the Flash writers attended us to feel this way, then probs for them.
The style of last scenes was seemed so much off of what Flash normally does, but it works to show, that this isn't just a Flash Episode, it's an speciel semi-crossover event.
Only thing I really didn't like, was the cheesiness as usual, but that plays such a small factor when the episode was this good! This event will surely one of the best things on Flash, I am certain!
Say "Level Up" ONE MORE TIME 🙄
pamiza131 December 2021
I'm still in the middle of this episode but I had to make a comment about the cheesy word choices. We get it, he's moving to the next step yada yada yada...but enough with using the phrase "leveling up"!!! Its used in every other scene.
Ok rant over. Other than that, decent episode so far.
**edit** I'm loving the build-up and that the Flash is finally the focal point of this show again.
Ok rant over. Other than that, decent episode so far.
**edit** I'm loving the build-up and that the Flash is finally the focal point of this show again.
10/10 and i'm not even exaggerating
theyokester24 November 2021
Holy moly. Let me first start of saying that this episode was absolutely fantastic! This episode alone was not only miles better than all of season 7, but might even be one of the better Flash episodes in the entire show. The visual effects were much improved, and the story and character development prove to be at a strong point during this crossover. And OMG!!! The ending had me completely blown away! If you haven't watched it yet please do, I almost promise you will enjoy it just as much as I did. Keep up the great work CW.
Oh flash I missed you !!!!!!
prirocky24 November 2021
WHAT JUST HAPPEND IN THIS EPISODE!!
carlc-5689026 November 2021
So this episode was One of The best episode in a while. There was so many twists in this episode. And The last 10-15 minutes of The episode was just awesome. Barry uses more of his speed boost and his new abilities. Over all i Think this episode was awesome
10/10.
Mind Boggling
RahulM00724 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Part 2 of the Armageddon crossover event is mind bending. It quickly subverted my expectations, and completely left me in utter shock and disbelief. It was difficult to grasp what was an illusion and what was reality.
It was nice seeing the Hall of Justice again. Surely, Team Flash will move their base of operations to the hall of justice. The closure of Star Labs may just be temporary, but it felt real and the end of a chapter.
Allegra and Chester's heart to heart talk was touching and felt necessary. Chester's backstory on how he became a pacifist made me emotional. It is always nice seeing both characters interacting with each other. Allegra and Chester playing Dungeons and Dragons together in their spare time is a fun little tidbit of the episode.
The scene where Xotar uses her telekinetic abilities to trap Barry, which in turn leads him to generate lightning, was awesome and put a huge grin on my face. In fact, the entire episode gave me a rush of endorphins and serotonin. The way Barry was able to free himself without any help is indicative of how far he has come, and how much he has levelled up.
I still feel that Despero is withholding information from Barry. He isn't a villain in the traditional sense. All he wants is to live safe and sound on earth without any harm. This episode had a bunch of twists and turns, and I have a feeling that a bigger twist is awaiting us in the coming episodes.
What tragic event has befallen Joe West? I think there will be flashbacks in the back half of season 8, which reveals how exactly Joe died. My theory is that either someone erased Barry's memory, or gave Team Flash the illusion that Joe died. Has someone ingrained memories of Joe West inside the members of Team Flash? Barry's mind is playing tricks on him. Joe could have been kidnapped or being held against his will. Is Eobard Thawne aka the Reverse Flash responsible for Barry's mind unravelling?
To conclude, the Flash delivers one of its most mind bending, chill inducing and suspenseful episodes in a while. I was at the edge of my seat the entire time. This episode solidified my excitement levels for the remaining parts of the crossover event. Although it might be too early to say this, but I really think that the Armageddon crossover event lives up to the hype (thus far).
*Alex Danvers' appearance albeit in hybrid format was surprising. I did not expect her to appear in part 2. I'm so happy that Chyler Leigh can make an appearance on the Flash.
*Black Lightning's appearance at the Hall of Justice gave me literal chills.
*I presume that the events of the crossover will drive Barry to create Gideon. And how exactly is Barry going to receive his iconic gold boots?
Final verdict: 10/10.
It was nice seeing the Hall of Justice again. Surely, Team Flash will move their base of operations to the hall of justice. The closure of Star Labs may just be temporary, but it felt real and the end of a chapter.
Allegra and Chester's heart to heart talk was touching and felt necessary. Chester's backstory on how he became a pacifist made me emotional. It is always nice seeing both characters interacting with each other. Allegra and Chester playing Dungeons and Dragons together in their spare time is a fun little tidbit of the episode.
The scene where Xotar uses her telekinetic abilities to trap Barry, which in turn leads him to generate lightning, was awesome and put a huge grin on my face. In fact, the entire episode gave me a rush of endorphins and serotonin. The way Barry was able to free himself without any help is indicative of how far he has come, and how much he has levelled up.
I still feel that Despero is withholding information from Barry. He isn't a villain in the traditional sense. All he wants is to live safe and sound on earth without any harm. This episode had a bunch of twists and turns, and I have a feeling that a bigger twist is awaiting us in the coming episodes.
What tragic event has befallen Joe West? I think there will be flashbacks in the back half of season 8, which reveals how exactly Joe died. My theory is that either someone erased Barry's memory, or gave Team Flash the illusion that Joe died. Has someone ingrained memories of Joe West inside the members of Team Flash? Barry's mind is playing tricks on him. Joe could have been kidnapped or being held against his will. Is Eobard Thawne aka the Reverse Flash responsible for Barry's mind unravelling?
To conclude, the Flash delivers one of its most mind bending, chill inducing and suspenseful episodes in a while. I was at the edge of my seat the entire time. This episode solidified my excitement levels for the remaining parts of the crossover event. Although it might be too early to say this, but I really think that the Armageddon crossover event lives up to the hype (thus far).
*Alex Danvers' appearance albeit in hybrid format was surprising. I did not expect her to appear in part 2. I'm so happy that Chyler Leigh can make an appearance on the Flash.
*Black Lightning's appearance at the Hall of Justice gave me literal chills.
*I presume that the events of the crossover will drive Barry to create Gideon. And how exactly is Barry going to receive his iconic gold boots?
Final verdict: 10/10.
Oh, not again.
pauli_gomez24 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The episode was interesting and visually good, and you can feel Barry's emotional pain, but I am tired of everyone telling Barry "we trust you" just to stop trusting him the next minute. Yes, for them, he is going crazy but at least don't look at him like if he is guilty, with an accusatory tone. If he truly is crazy, he needs help not blaming. He is not doing this on purpose!
I really hope all this is some sort of illusion and Joe is actually alive. And this Gideon too.
Meanwhile, I can't believe Barry is making the same mistakes: He dismisses the threat to his mind, he decided to confront the psychic meta without even try to find a way to protect himself, and before that, when his civilian identity is in trouble he decides to go see the affected guard as Barry, not as Flash. Why? I am relieved he at least accepted to give his badge and walk away the bank scene.
Also, why is no one investigating why the thing is STAR labs had been corroded for a long time? That is not normal.
I really hope all this is some sort of illusion and Joe is actually alive. And this Gideon too.
Meanwhile, I can't believe Barry is making the same mistakes: He dismisses the threat to his mind, he decided to confront the psychic meta without even try to find a way to protect himself, and before that, when his civilian identity is in trouble he decides to go see the affected guard as Barry, not as Flash. Why? I am relieved he at least accepted to give his badge and walk away the bank scene.
Also, why is no one investigating why the thing is STAR labs had been corroded for a long time? That is not normal.
Such An Amazing Episode! (No Spoilers)
arlinamollyjanes24 November 2021
What? That was it??
terrylarosa25 November 2021
Ton of reviewers gave this a 10. LOL. While it was much better than ep 1 and not cartoonish ( unlike practically the entire season 7 ) it was hardly one of the best episodes. Still there is at least hope that the season might be ok. As usual though the villain was hokey and overacted by the actress. Despero seems reminiscent of the Monitor but has potential. We shall see. As long as they get away from the Saturday Morning cartoonishness that has been plaguing the show for years, they're heading in the right direction.
Did they just learn the phrase "level up"?
khaupt-2111715 June 2023
The writing just seems so.. "I just got out of college but still wish I was a cool gamer"; so they try to be trendy with references to narrative journalism, filk music and trying to insert "leveling up" as much as possible.
Please have an independent thought.
The premise of the plot is also full of holes when, in the last season, the flash's 22 and 19yo kids visited from further ahead in the time line than the alien who tells the flash he ends the world in 10 years.
I hope this isn't the direction the series is trying to go. It seems like the writers went to too many cons and are only trying to appeal to that group. They need more experience and perspective.
Please have an independent thought.
The premise of the plot is also full of holes when, in the last season, the flash's 22 and 19yo kids visited from further ahead in the time line than the alien who tells the flash he ends the world in 10 years.
I hope this isn't the direction the series is trying to go. It seems like the writers went to too many cons and are only trying to appeal to that group. They need more experience and perspective.
Another Great Episode? 😧
TheReaper67524 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Really? The CW gave us 2 good episodes back-to-back? I'll enjoy it as long as I can i guess. Now onto the review-
I really enjoyed this episode, it gave me OG Flash vibes with the Camera work and OG angles when Barry was running throughout the city, and I have to say I love how they're making him more of a leader and prominent character this season. My biggest pet peeves of season 7 was that they focused on all characters besides Barry, and I despise seasons of shows where they do that (flash season 7, supergirl season 6).
The Despero storyline was so climatic, intriguing, and overall entertaining as hell. We got to see Barry's take on "going insane" in his own perspective, as he sees meaningful stuff in his life get taken away like Star Labs, Gideon, AND JOE?! I have to say, I wasn't cause they'd ever kill him off since he's basically a staple of this show... but they actually did and I loved Barry & Cecile's reactions. The only person's reaction I didn't like was Iris, who was unfazed when Barry brought up her dead father... I know it's been 6 months but still, it doesn't make sense how she can remain so calm about the death of the only parent who raised her for and loved her for over 20+ years. Another issue was that the episode had weird camera angles when it was a group shot (excluding Barry running), as it moved so much and seemed like a documentary rather than a tv show. Despero is threatening and ominous, however I think that Thawne will be behind Barry "going insane" and he's manipulating both Despero and Barry for his own agenda. If that's the case then this season will be one of the most throughout/planned season in a while. Iris, Chester, and Allegra were given a few minutes instead of the whole episode, and it worked fine as they weren't intruding the story. All in all, this was a pretty amazing episode that I enjoyed a lot. Of course I had a few "iffs" about it and don't like some aspects, but the good overrides the bad by a lot. I hope Joe is still alive and that it's just Despero tricking Barry's mind...I think a 9/10 is a perfect rating for this episode, I can't wait for the other episodes of Armageddon.
The Despero storyline was so climatic, intriguing, and overall entertaining as hell. We got to see Barry's take on "going insane" in his own perspective, as he sees meaningful stuff in his life get taken away like Star Labs, Gideon, AND JOE?! I have to say, I wasn't cause they'd ever kill him off since he's basically a staple of this show... but they actually did and I loved Barry & Cecile's reactions. The only person's reaction I didn't like was Iris, who was unfazed when Barry brought up her dead father... I know it's been 6 months but still, it doesn't make sense how she can remain so calm about the death of the only parent who raised her for and loved her for over 20+ years. Another issue was that the episode had weird camera angles when it was a group shot (excluding Barry running), as it moved so much and seemed like a documentary rather than a tv show. Despero is threatening and ominous, however I think that Thawne will be behind Barry "going insane" and he's manipulating both Despero and Barry for his own agenda. If that's the case then this season will be one of the most throughout/planned season in a while. Iris, Chester, and Allegra were given a few minutes instead of the whole episode, and it worked fine as they weren't intruding the story. All in all, this was a pretty amazing episode that I enjoyed a lot. Of course I had a few "iffs" about it and don't like some aspects, but the good overrides the bad by a lot. I hope Joe is still alive and that it's just Despero tricking Barry's mind...I think a 9/10 is a perfect rating for this episode, I can't wait for the other episodes of Armageddon.
The rating for this episodes pisses me off
chancelormayfield28 November 2021
I'm sorry but this really bothers me to the point where i have to make a review about it. Why in the world is this only rated an 8.2?? People really stay instantly voting 1/10 or 4/10 simply because of their hatred for the show. This episode was the best episode of the flash we have had in a long time, and it's rating is being degraded simply because of people who are full of hatred. Don't get me wrong, i've despised this show for the past 2 seasons, but i've also given each episode fair ratings. This should be at least an 8.8/10. Y'all are so stupid.
Impressed
prometheus1987024 November 2021
The 2nd part begins from where the 1st part ended. Barry is again quite op in this episode. Things start to go bad for both Barry and The Flash as unfortunate events strikes team flash. Note that I'm separating his personal and superhero life. And Barry discovers a shocking news which drives him a bit crazy at the end. There is a brief fight with a quite powerful meta, which is pretty cool and yet again shows how flash is using his powers in the most powerful way since the beginning of this season. There were nice twists and turns through out the episode giving it an eerie atmosphere which I found lacking in the previous couple of seasons.
This episode lived up to it's hype in my opinion. Now this episode showed signs of how the flash was back in 2014 and 2015.
So far a good start, I hope the writers continue this and improve and write episodes with more enthusiasm. My ratings: 9.5/10. Iris's behavior was a bit wierd considering the "shocking news". I hope they address that issue and have a reason to explain it.
This episode lived up to it's hype in my opinion. Now this episode showed signs of how the flash was back in 2014 and 2015.
So far a good start, I hope the writers continue this and improve and write episodes with more enthusiasm. My ratings: 9.5/10. Iris's behavior was a bit wierd considering the "shocking news". I hope they address that issue and have a reason to explain it.
Good episode! (For once)
lewisp-3555624 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Season 8 is off to a great start. Probably my favourite episode since Season 5, doesn't say a lot about S6 & S7 but this episode was great.
Storyline and acting was great by all. Had me on the edge of my seat. Barry is actually taking more responsibility and Grant Gustin is doing a great job.
Hopefully not the last time we see Star Labs and they better not have killed Joe off. I'm feeling hopeful that he will come back as the acting is not conving that its the last time we see him.
Injustice is coming!!! Next episode will be great
9.1/10 for me.
Storyline and acting was great by all. Had me on the edge of my seat. Barry is actually taking more responsibility and Grant Gustin is doing a great job.
Hopefully not the last time we see Star Labs and they better not have killed Joe off. I'm feeling hopeful that he will come back as the acting is not conving that its the last time we see him.
Injustice is coming!!! Next episode will be great
9.1/10 for me.
Looks Like the Writers Have Leveled Up
Anonnamus11 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The Flash is back! I'm not sure if this was actually a great episode or if it's just a masterpiece compared to the travesty that season 7 was. I hope Despero proves to be a great villain, especially since he's not your typical bad guy with a nefarious plan, he genuinely seems like he is only trying to save the world.
I'm still not crazy about the new dynamic as I was a diehard fan of original Team Flash, but Chester and Allegra didn't annoy me at all this episode. It was sad to see what looked like the end of an era with the supposed demolition of Star Labs and the loss of his job, but the entire reason behind it seemed so rushed and lazy I wouldn't be surprised if it was part of Barry's "descent into madness."
I love Grant Gustin and honestly cannot picture anyone else playing The Flash, but his character has come to frustrate me so much for the last couple of seasons. His inability to ever think he's wrong and his refusal to do absolutely anything that isn't his idea just makes me want to punch him in the kidney. He takes playing the martyr entirely too far, to the point of alienating the audience, not to mention his teammates. He obviously knew that the meta would be the reason his mind is broken in the first place, so what does he do? He rushes in just as cocky as always and instead of taking her by surprise and immediately cuffing her, he stops to introduce himself first. I'm honestly surprised he didn't ask her permission to arrest her. He knew how dangerous she was, why take the time to stop and brag about how you're going to take her down? He's done this numerous times in the past, and he just looks like an idiot. I wish the writers would stop making him look dumb, he's obviously not.
This episode really takes off at the end, however. The "surprise" that Joe died 6 months ago (obvious to the audience since the beginning of the show) completely shocked Barry and irritated the rest of Team Flash that he didn't remember. Instead of getting angry he could have forgotten that, maybe they should be wondering how to help him? Also, when is Barry going to learn to actually stop and try to explain to anyone what is happening to him instead of just constantly saying "I don't remember" or "it wasn't me" and running off and summoning Black Lightning? I can see where Bart gets his impulsiveness. I also loved seeing Alex again, seeing characters from other DC shows always makes me happy.
All in all this was a fabulous episode and it seems like so long ago I have been excited about anything pertaining to The Flash. I could do with about 16 or 17 fewer "level ups" but I can deal with it if that means we continue to get decent episodes. The loss of Cisco and Wells, arguably the two best characters Team Flash has had really hurt the quality of the show so this was a wonderful surprise.
I'm still not crazy about the new dynamic as I was a diehard fan of original Team Flash, but Chester and Allegra didn't annoy me at all this episode. It was sad to see what looked like the end of an era with the supposed demolition of Star Labs and the loss of his job, but the entire reason behind it seemed so rushed and lazy I wouldn't be surprised if it was part of Barry's "descent into madness."
I love Grant Gustin and honestly cannot picture anyone else playing The Flash, but his character has come to frustrate me so much for the last couple of seasons. His inability to ever think he's wrong and his refusal to do absolutely anything that isn't his idea just makes me want to punch him in the kidney. He takes playing the martyr entirely too far, to the point of alienating the audience, not to mention his teammates. He obviously knew that the meta would be the reason his mind is broken in the first place, so what does he do? He rushes in just as cocky as always and instead of taking her by surprise and immediately cuffing her, he stops to introduce himself first. I'm honestly surprised he didn't ask her permission to arrest her. He knew how dangerous she was, why take the time to stop and brag about how you're going to take her down? He's done this numerous times in the past, and he just looks like an idiot. I wish the writers would stop making him look dumb, he's obviously not.
This episode really takes off at the end, however. The "surprise" that Joe died 6 months ago (obvious to the audience since the beginning of the show) completely shocked Barry and irritated the rest of Team Flash that he didn't remember. Instead of getting angry he could have forgotten that, maybe they should be wondering how to help him? Also, when is Barry going to learn to actually stop and try to explain to anyone what is happening to him instead of just constantly saying "I don't remember" or "it wasn't me" and running off and summoning Black Lightning? I can see where Bart gets his impulsiveness. I also loved seeing Alex again, seeing characters from other DC shows always makes me happy.
All in all this was a fabulous episode and it seems like so long ago I have been excited about anything pertaining to The Flash. I could do with about 16 or 17 fewer "level ups" but I can deal with it if that means we continue to get decent episodes. The loss of Cisco and Wells, arguably the two best characters Team Flash has had really hurt the quality of the show so this was a wonderful surprise.
That's More Like It
demigodshmurda26 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
There's the usual Flash I expect. Can't say I missed it. Though I admit, this season's been refreshingly trope-free, that doesn't fix the series' underlying problem. The underlying problem is the writing.
And for those of you keeping track, I'm currently 0 / 2 on Bingo. Maybe I need to make some changes to my bingo board...
So, I've seen some reviews claiming that this is the best episode of tv ever made, and that this is the best episode of the show ever made, and those reviews all have one thing in common. Well, actually two things. The first is that they were all written before the episode even aired, which is the only way to make your review public on IMDB the day the episode airs when it comes to this show. The second is that they make those claims about how great the episode is, and then say nothing in particular about the episode. I understand that we have an option on whether to include spoilers in our reviews or not, but if you're not going to include spoilers can you at least not make your reviews so long-winded so the actual reviews can get some attention? I'm not saying I'm the best at this, but there are many reviews on this episode specifically that rubbed me the wrong way with just how absurd the claims are.
For starters, this episode features Team Flash getting thrown out of STAR Labs. Why? There wasn't a narrative reason for it, and they kill Gideon in a hilariously mean-spirited fashion, and it's done away with within the episode's first 5-10 minutes! It's almost as if the writer of this episode binged season 1 and realized that it was too well written for a show on the CW, and couldn't stop themselves from crapping all over it as much as possible! The only reason for Team Flash getting kicked out of STAR Labs is for a half-baked story about Chester being a pacifist, when that's been contradicted over and over throughout the last two seasons. Not only did Chester use the speaker systems in STAR Labs to hurt Godspeed's clones during season 7's "Enemy at the Gates", but the first time we met this character during season 6's premiere "Into the Void" he was LITERALLY BUILDING A BLACK HOLE! Correct me if I'm wrong, but the definition of pacifist is "a person who chooses to do no harm". So why has Chester CHOSEN to hurt people basically the entire time we've know him? It makes absolutely no sense for him to be a pacifist given his actions across the whole time we've known him, so this development was somewhere between pointless and annoying, and I'll let you know when I decide which.
Then there's the writers killing Joe off screen just so Barry can go insane, and this almost feels more mean-spirited than them killing Gideon! Joe is quite possibly the most caring, passionate, respectable, lovable character left on this show. And not only was he killed OFF-SCREEN, but he was FRIDGED! For those of you that don't know, Fridging is defined as "the act of killing off a side character to hurt or motivate the main character". That is what the writers have reduced Joe to. At least during season 7 he was given a storyline of some kind, but now he's just killed off-screen for no reason. If Joe had to die, fine. But at least give him an impactful death scene to kickstart Armageddon. And yeah, I know Jesse L. Martin is still listed as a main cast member, but do we really think that means that Joe is gonna appear in the modern day again? Is it safe for me to assume this is Jesse L. Martin's last season, or should I wait until the end of Armageddon to make that claim?
Next let's talk about Despero, who I said was one of the best parts of the previous episode. Here though, the character feels kinda like a watered down version of who he was in the last episode. During the previous episode he was shown to be adept at reading Barry's mind, able to track him despite Barry using a Speed Mirage to confuse him. Now though, he's unable to tell what the cause of Barry going insane is, and he's gone back on his agreement to give Barry a week to prove that he's wrong. Why the sudden change of heart? Never explained!
We do get to learn Despero's backstory in this episode, about how he trusted someone on his homeworld and was backstabbed, but exiled to Earth instead of being killed. So he made Earth his new home, only for the Flash to destroy it. And do you know what that sounds like to me? If you guessed "A classic CW exposition dump", then I'm so sorry, you've watched as much of the garbage this network churns out as I have. Imagine us learning about Despero's backstory through a flashback at the beginning of the episode. Wouldn't that make his motivation so much more interesting? But the CW didn't give them any of that Superman and Lois money to get that good CGI done, so we're stuck with a boring exposition scene. The show does too much telling, and not enough showing with Despero, and it turns him from a character I was pretty interested in learning more about, to feeling unsatisfied after having gotten what I wished for.
Also, I don't know if anyone else caught this, Despero slams Barry to the ground at the beginning of this episode and then says, and I'm quoting him word-for-word here, "Thanks to this experiment, I now know the force required to kill you when the time comes." Despero says this at the top of the episode. So then why didn't he KILL BARRY WHEN HE HAD THE CHANCE! If Despero can't tell why Barry's going insane, and he sensed that Armageddon was beginning, why didn't he KILL BARRY LIKE HE SAID HE COULD! So I guess we're gonna pretend that scene at the top of the episode never happened? The writers sure don't remember.
And speaking of Barry losing his mind, that looks to be the way that Armageddon is going. Now, admittedly, this could be a good direction for the show to go in. After all, with "Armageddon, Part 1" having set up Barry as an idealistic superhero that's basically unstoppable and has access to all his powers simultaneously, and the CW slowly neutering him over the past seven seasons to the point that we're no longer sure what percent soyboy he is, him going crazy isn't just the only logical way for him to destroy the world, but it's also the most interesting one. Turning the Flash into the show's main villain could actually work really well if it's given enough time in the oven. However, with Armageddon being only five episodes long, it looks like we're not gonna get that. And that's one of the reasons that this episode's ending feels wrong.
This episode toys with the audience's disbelief a lot, where we see Barry attacking his friends (actually we only hear about that one because the show doesn't have the budget to show that), attacking city hall (supposedly, but there isn't a city hall in that clip that's supposed to be Barry attacking city hall), and talking about Joe as if he were still alive. Now these are Barry's friends, so you'd think they'd have his back, or maybe Caitlin would check his brain to see if he was under another psychic meta's effects again. But that's not what happens here. Instead, every single member of Team Flash, including his own wife, immediately takes Barry to task for not knowing that Joe's dead. Don't you think they might try to figure out what's going on with Barry and why he might not remember Joe being dead for the past SIX MONTHS?? That's a lot of time that Barry's mind is unaccounted for. But no, they all just turn on him because "Barry is the bad guy now". And it's funny to me how these last two episodes completely contradict each other's views on Barry Allen as a character, almost as if this episode's writer was so mad at the previous episode for trying to make the Flash, the show's title character, a real hero that we all know he can be. These last two episodes are completely night and day differences with Barry, I swear.
So, considering all the inconsistencies in the plot and characters, the fact that scenes that happen at the beginning of the episode randomly get retconned out of existence, and the return to treating both Barry and the audience like garbage, this episode was, in my humble opinion, "not very good". And you know what? It's my own fault for getting drawn back in, isn't it? Sure, this season's a lot less trope-y than last season was, but the writing quality is just as bad if not worse!
4 / 10
It gets a 4 for having one okay transition scene of Barry running at Zotar, then flashing into the loft, and for the team thinking to contact Alex Danvers for help figuring out what kind of alien Despero is. I always think it's really cool to have in-universe connections like that. Makes your connected universe feel a lot more real.
And for those of you keeping track, I'm currently 0 / 2 on Bingo. Maybe I need to make some changes to my bingo board...
So, I've seen some reviews claiming that this is the best episode of tv ever made, and that this is the best episode of the show ever made, and those reviews all have one thing in common. Well, actually two things. The first is that they were all written before the episode even aired, which is the only way to make your review public on IMDB the day the episode airs when it comes to this show. The second is that they make those claims about how great the episode is, and then say nothing in particular about the episode. I understand that we have an option on whether to include spoilers in our reviews or not, but if you're not going to include spoilers can you at least not make your reviews so long-winded so the actual reviews can get some attention? I'm not saying I'm the best at this, but there are many reviews on this episode specifically that rubbed me the wrong way with just how absurd the claims are.
For starters, this episode features Team Flash getting thrown out of STAR Labs. Why? There wasn't a narrative reason for it, and they kill Gideon in a hilariously mean-spirited fashion, and it's done away with within the episode's first 5-10 minutes! It's almost as if the writer of this episode binged season 1 and realized that it was too well written for a show on the CW, and couldn't stop themselves from crapping all over it as much as possible! The only reason for Team Flash getting kicked out of STAR Labs is for a half-baked story about Chester being a pacifist, when that's been contradicted over and over throughout the last two seasons. Not only did Chester use the speaker systems in STAR Labs to hurt Godspeed's clones during season 7's "Enemy at the Gates", but the first time we met this character during season 6's premiere "Into the Void" he was LITERALLY BUILDING A BLACK HOLE! Correct me if I'm wrong, but the definition of pacifist is "a person who chooses to do no harm". So why has Chester CHOSEN to hurt people basically the entire time we've know him? It makes absolutely no sense for him to be a pacifist given his actions across the whole time we've known him, so this development was somewhere between pointless and annoying, and I'll let you know when I decide which.
Then there's the writers killing Joe off screen just so Barry can go insane, and this almost feels more mean-spirited than them killing Gideon! Joe is quite possibly the most caring, passionate, respectable, lovable character left on this show. And not only was he killed OFF-SCREEN, but he was FRIDGED! For those of you that don't know, Fridging is defined as "the act of killing off a side character to hurt or motivate the main character". That is what the writers have reduced Joe to. At least during season 7 he was given a storyline of some kind, but now he's just killed off-screen for no reason. If Joe had to die, fine. But at least give him an impactful death scene to kickstart Armageddon. And yeah, I know Jesse L. Martin is still listed as a main cast member, but do we really think that means that Joe is gonna appear in the modern day again? Is it safe for me to assume this is Jesse L. Martin's last season, or should I wait until the end of Armageddon to make that claim?
Next let's talk about Despero, who I said was one of the best parts of the previous episode. Here though, the character feels kinda like a watered down version of who he was in the last episode. During the previous episode he was shown to be adept at reading Barry's mind, able to track him despite Barry using a Speed Mirage to confuse him. Now though, he's unable to tell what the cause of Barry going insane is, and he's gone back on his agreement to give Barry a week to prove that he's wrong. Why the sudden change of heart? Never explained!
We do get to learn Despero's backstory in this episode, about how he trusted someone on his homeworld and was backstabbed, but exiled to Earth instead of being killed. So he made Earth his new home, only for the Flash to destroy it. And do you know what that sounds like to me? If you guessed "A classic CW exposition dump", then I'm so sorry, you've watched as much of the garbage this network churns out as I have. Imagine us learning about Despero's backstory through a flashback at the beginning of the episode. Wouldn't that make his motivation so much more interesting? But the CW didn't give them any of that Superman and Lois money to get that good CGI done, so we're stuck with a boring exposition scene. The show does too much telling, and not enough showing with Despero, and it turns him from a character I was pretty interested in learning more about, to feeling unsatisfied after having gotten what I wished for.
Also, I don't know if anyone else caught this, Despero slams Barry to the ground at the beginning of this episode and then says, and I'm quoting him word-for-word here, "Thanks to this experiment, I now know the force required to kill you when the time comes." Despero says this at the top of the episode. So then why didn't he KILL BARRY WHEN HE HAD THE CHANCE! If Despero can't tell why Barry's going insane, and he sensed that Armageddon was beginning, why didn't he KILL BARRY LIKE HE SAID HE COULD! So I guess we're gonna pretend that scene at the top of the episode never happened? The writers sure don't remember.
And speaking of Barry losing his mind, that looks to be the way that Armageddon is going. Now, admittedly, this could be a good direction for the show to go in. After all, with "Armageddon, Part 1" having set up Barry as an idealistic superhero that's basically unstoppable and has access to all his powers simultaneously, and the CW slowly neutering him over the past seven seasons to the point that we're no longer sure what percent soyboy he is, him going crazy isn't just the only logical way for him to destroy the world, but it's also the most interesting one. Turning the Flash into the show's main villain could actually work really well if it's given enough time in the oven. However, with Armageddon being only five episodes long, it looks like we're not gonna get that. And that's one of the reasons that this episode's ending feels wrong.
This episode toys with the audience's disbelief a lot, where we see Barry attacking his friends (actually we only hear about that one because the show doesn't have the budget to show that), attacking city hall (supposedly, but there isn't a city hall in that clip that's supposed to be Barry attacking city hall), and talking about Joe as if he were still alive. Now these are Barry's friends, so you'd think they'd have his back, or maybe Caitlin would check his brain to see if he was under another psychic meta's effects again. But that's not what happens here. Instead, every single member of Team Flash, including his own wife, immediately takes Barry to task for not knowing that Joe's dead. Don't you think they might try to figure out what's going on with Barry and why he might not remember Joe being dead for the past SIX MONTHS?? That's a lot of time that Barry's mind is unaccounted for. But no, they all just turn on him because "Barry is the bad guy now". And it's funny to me how these last two episodes completely contradict each other's views on Barry Allen as a character, almost as if this episode's writer was so mad at the previous episode for trying to make the Flash, the show's title character, a real hero that we all know he can be. These last two episodes are completely night and day differences with Barry, I swear.
So, considering all the inconsistencies in the plot and characters, the fact that scenes that happen at the beginning of the episode randomly get retconned out of existence, and the return to treating both Barry and the audience like garbage, this episode was, in my humble opinion, "not very good". And you know what? It's my own fault for getting drawn back in, isn't it? Sure, this season's a lot less trope-y than last season was, but the writing quality is just as bad if not worse!
4 / 10
It gets a 4 for having one okay transition scene of Barry running at Zotar, then flashing into the loft, and for the team thinking to contact Alex Danvers for help figuring out what kind of alien Despero is. I always think it's really cool to have in-universe connections like that. Makes your connected universe feel a lot more real.
Chaos.
wetmars9 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Team Flash expresses their worries about Barry's future, but then the discussion moves on to Caitlin discovering that Despero has the same strength as a Kryptonian. Chester and Frost plan on stopping Despero like something hitting him hard. Barry gets a text from the CDPD on something. Barry quickly arrives and is informed that some guy lost his mind starting to fire his weapon and that it took four people to take him down, but the bad news is that Barry has to give his badge away since he did a "federal crime" giving his badge away.
Barry informs Cecil about the news until she senses that they're not alone but in reality. It is Despero who manifested himself to appear in Barry's mind taunting him. Barry then arrives at the same person's room in some mental hospital who had a violent mental breakdown. Barry is informed by Caitlin and the authorities are investigating Star Labs for public safety and large amounts of radiation. Big yikes. The authorities inform the Team that it's getting demolished. Barry informs the others to quickly evacuate as they can, and goes back to the secret hidden room asking the A. I. to activate whatever it's called.
The A. I. warns that information from Star Labs has to be erased so that the authorities don't find out that his secret identity is the Flash. Dang... The Team departs in an elevator, arrives at Barry's apartment to discuss the outcomes. Barry arrives at Iris' place discussing the worries of his future. Barry arrives at someplace to meet a new meta in town with questionable fashion whose name is Xotar. He runs, teleports to his apartment, and aimed at "hurting his team".
All is good when Caitlin checks on him with her tablet. Barry tells about what has happened that resulted in this. The Flash runs away to near a bridge confronting Despero about his motives. Despero answers that he once had a home, but his planet Kalanor was overrun by evil. He was forced to see the people he loved suffer and die under the first of a despot. Then he was chosen to lead a band of rebels, attempting a coup resulting in both sides suffering heavy losses, but he was triumphant. However, when the time came to cut the head off the snake. He chose to spare the oppressor's life, but his mercy was misguided because it allowed "that madman to rise again and rain down horrors a thousand times worse." He was then spared because "he" knew for him, the only fate worse than death would be losing his homeworld, so "he" banished him on Earth. (not ignoring that he witnessed the future of Flash's Armgaddeon, so no worries.) Despero disappears when he stops talking about what happened to his homeworld. Meanwhile, Chester and Allegra are working together to construct a weapon to hurt Despero. (sorta.)
Oh crap, Xotar strikes again controlling the mind of Police Officers and citizens until the Flash rushes them away. The Flash is levitated by Xotar being tortured until he generates extreme amounts of lightning striking hitting Xotar to the ground, handcuffing her. Wait- Joe is not alive...? So yes, Barry has a meltdown running everywhere to find Joe in Iris' house only finding out a memorial for him.
This soundtrack is freaking the hell out of me! Iris turns on the news that shows the Flash attacking Central City, but there were gladly no deaths, BUT multiple injuries. Despero appears once again taunting Barry until Cecil interferes warning him to get out of her house, but she falls asleep thanks to Despero. Chester comes to save the day using his machine to reflect Despero's ray against him. Barry returns to the City Hall, so does Black Lightning!
Thoughts?
Holy s... I am not sure how to properly word this, but I will try. The tensions are really high, a lot of clever shocking twists, a good plot, the pacing is not bad (besides the rushing in the first act), great screentime of Despero showing how menacing he is with an interesting backstory that is more explained in detail, and very entertaining. As much I have been behind. I'm keeping my expectations low whether Joe died or not.
It was better than Part 1, yes. The idea of Team Flash losing Star Labs is fairly interesting as it was present for 8 seasons now, and needed a more creative way to deal with it. I do appreciate that the writers weren't heading for a cartoony way this time so that I don't have to cringe every time like almost every part in Season 6. I am not here for that, but to watch and be entertained. The soundtrack is especially great. (oh man, so unsettling!)
The buildup is also great that leaves you wondering what is going to happen next. Allegra wasn't annoying which I do appreciate, but with interesting interactions with the team, especially with Chester as their dynamic is slowly growing.
"Injustice."
9/10.
Barry informs Cecil about the news until she senses that they're not alone but in reality. It is Despero who manifested himself to appear in Barry's mind taunting him. Barry then arrives at the same person's room in some mental hospital who had a violent mental breakdown. Barry is informed by Caitlin and the authorities are investigating Star Labs for public safety and large amounts of radiation. Big yikes. The authorities inform the Team that it's getting demolished. Barry informs the others to quickly evacuate as they can, and goes back to the secret hidden room asking the A. I. to activate whatever it's called.
The A. I. warns that information from Star Labs has to be erased so that the authorities don't find out that his secret identity is the Flash. Dang... The Team departs in an elevator, arrives at Barry's apartment to discuss the outcomes. Barry arrives at Iris' place discussing the worries of his future. Barry arrives at someplace to meet a new meta in town with questionable fashion whose name is Xotar. He runs, teleports to his apartment, and aimed at "hurting his team".
All is good when Caitlin checks on him with her tablet. Barry tells about what has happened that resulted in this. The Flash runs away to near a bridge confronting Despero about his motives. Despero answers that he once had a home, but his planet Kalanor was overrun by evil. He was forced to see the people he loved suffer and die under the first of a despot. Then he was chosen to lead a band of rebels, attempting a coup resulting in both sides suffering heavy losses, but he was triumphant. However, when the time came to cut the head off the snake. He chose to spare the oppressor's life, but his mercy was misguided because it allowed "that madman to rise again and rain down horrors a thousand times worse." He was then spared because "he" knew for him, the only fate worse than death would be losing his homeworld, so "he" banished him on Earth. (not ignoring that he witnessed the future of Flash's Armgaddeon, so no worries.) Despero disappears when he stops talking about what happened to his homeworld. Meanwhile, Chester and Allegra are working together to construct a weapon to hurt Despero. (sorta.)
Oh crap, Xotar strikes again controlling the mind of Police Officers and citizens until the Flash rushes them away. The Flash is levitated by Xotar being tortured until he generates extreme amounts of lightning striking hitting Xotar to the ground, handcuffing her. Wait- Joe is not alive...? So yes, Barry has a meltdown running everywhere to find Joe in Iris' house only finding out a memorial for him.
This soundtrack is freaking the hell out of me! Iris turns on the news that shows the Flash attacking Central City, but there were gladly no deaths, BUT multiple injuries. Despero appears once again taunting Barry until Cecil interferes warning him to get out of her house, but she falls asleep thanks to Despero. Chester comes to save the day using his machine to reflect Despero's ray against him. Barry returns to the City Hall, so does Black Lightning!
Thoughts?
Holy s... I am not sure how to properly word this, but I will try. The tensions are really high, a lot of clever shocking twists, a good plot, the pacing is not bad (besides the rushing in the first act), great screentime of Despero showing how menacing he is with an interesting backstory that is more explained in detail, and very entertaining. As much I have been behind. I'm keeping my expectations low whether Joe died or not.
It was better than Part 1, yes. The idea of Team Flash losing Star Labs is fairly interesting as it was present for 8 seasons now, and needed a more creative way to deal with it. I do appreciate that the writers weren't heading for a cartoony way this time so that I don't have to cringe every time like almost every part in Season 6. I am not here for that, but to watch and be entertained. The soundtrack is especially great. (oh man, so unsettling!)
The buildup is also great that leaves you wondering what is going to happen next. Allegra wasn't annoying which I do appreciate, but with interesting interactions with the team, especially with Chester as their dynamic is slowly growing.
"Injustice."
9/10.
One of the Greatest Episodes of Television of ALL Time
THEARROWFLASH24 November 2021
I cannot believe what I just witnessed in the last hour. I legitimately cannot believe that I watched what I just watched. I'm not going to say anything other than the fact that The Flash is one of the Greatest Shows of ALL Time and this episode proves EXACTLY why. It is one of the Greatest Episodes in Television History. And certainly one of the Greatest Episodes of The Flash of ALL Time. My jaw is still on the ground I cannot believe what I just witnessed. All I can say now is that if you haven't watched it, you're missing out on one of the Greatest Pieces of Entertainment to ever exist. And if you did watch it, watch it again. Because true ART like THIS, true PERFECTION like THIS. It's a once in a lifetime event. I am beyond hyped. This is the Greatest Birthday Gifts I've ever received and I cannot wait for the next episode of The Flash. And even after writing all of this, I am still in awe. Thank you. Genuinely. Thank you to every single beautiful person who worked on this incredible show. Thank yo & see you next week!
Ranking/Reviewing every Flash episode: Armageddon Part 2
lbramson21 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Here it is! My favorite episode of the whole show! I could rant about this episode all day because everything about it is amazing! From start to finish, I was on the edge of my seat! Whether it's crying over Gideon, being shocked by the insane last 5 minutes, cheering when Barry unlocks his full power, or being confused the whole time as to what the heck is going on, this episode rocks and rolls! It keeps up everything that made Episode 1 great and just did so much more to blow it out of the water. While I'm not a fan of how the next episode resolves this mystery, I can't deny that this is my favorite episode! A must watch for everyone, even if you aren't a fan of the show.
Garbage and full of clownery
banerjee-3641726 November 2021
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