‘The Flash’ Recap ‘The Last Temptation of Barry Allen, Pt. 1’
The Flash Recap ‘The Last Temptation of Barry Allen, Pt. 1’
The Flash delivered a doozy of an episode last night as Barry faces the alluring call of Ramsey. Last week’s episode ended with Ralph being attacked by the villain. We see the outcome of that battle with Ramsey successfully infecting Ralph. Once the team gets Ralph back to S.T.A.R. Labs, it looks like they are going to lose him. The only solution would be to give Ralph some of Barry’s blood. His speed healing could save him. They do so, and Ralph is able to fight off the infection. Unfortunately, a small amount of Ramsey’s infection works its way through the IV and into Barry.
As the infection runs its course, Barry finds himself stuck inside his mind. He is visited by the Speed Force, who appears as his mother, and is told of what is happening. Barry tries to resist, but Ramsey’s words are poison. He is shown what life would be like if Barry were to give in and accept Ramsey’s infection. Barry would survive the Crisis. He could hold his daughter in his arms. Barry would be able to bring people back to life. He could be a hero like no other. As the infection and Speed Force fight for dominance, Barry starts to lose his way.
Barry has dedicated his whole life to the Speed Force, which wasn’t a fate he chose. He has been manipulated time and time again into being a hero and carrying the burden of the world. Barry has always chosen the Speed Force over his happiness and he’s tired of it. In the real world, Cisco and Frost realize what is happening and work to save Barry. Unfortunately, they can’t get his fever to drop. Frost has a panic attack while trying to figure out their next move, so Cisco is forced to act. He injects Barry with Velocity X. It kick-starts Barry’s reason and he tries to fight back against Ramsey. Barry then ends up in a literal tug of war for his soul as the Speed Force and infection via for control.
In the end, Barry loses to Ramsey. Caitlin and Cisco don’t realize it at first, but once Iris shows up, she instantly knows that the man before them is not Barry. He attacks the three, then speeds off to Ramsey. There is very little time left before the Crisis, and Flash has become a monster.
This episode was packed with so much emotion. Grant Gustin delivered such a powerful performance as he struggled with his decision to be happy or die. All of our CW heroes have given up so much as they’ve fought for the greater good. It’s only natural that Barry would be tired of it by now. Seeing the graves of those he lost because he was the Flash really cemented his resentment for his powers. Ramsey’s hold on Barry is strong, but if there’s anyone who can get him back, it’s Team Flash.
Next week’s episode is entitled ‘The Last Temptation of Barry Allen, Pt. 2.’
Covering superheroes, anything dark, horror, and more! Lead writer for Fan Fest
