The Flash season 4, episode 11 recap: The Elongated Knight Rises
By Paul Zuniga
With the Flash in jail, Ralph Dibny has stepped up as the new hero of Central City. The latest episode of The Flash shows him rising to the occasion, but will he be enough?
On the latest episode of The Flash, Ralph Dibny (Hartley Sawyer) took the spotlight in Central City while the Flash remains incarcerated. Because Barry Allen is imprisoned, Central City is without its main hero. Nevertheless, Ralph Dibny has proved he can be what Central City needs, and last night’s episode being evidence of this.
Here’s what went down in episode 11 “The Elongated Knight Rises.”
In the beginning sequence of “The Elongated Knight Rises”, Ralph came face to face with a bomber holding several hostages captive. While the situation called for the Flash’s expertise in getting them out alive, Ralph did wonders on the scene. He was able to get all the hostages out safe and disabled a pack of C4 explosives, rectifying the situation.
When Ralph finishes taking care of the hostage situation, he’s interviewed by reporters. There, he’s asked for his name but can’t think of one. Ralph misspeaks and the reporters coin him “stretchy man”, all to Ralph’s dislike.
In the other corner of Central City, Barry Allen is dealing with matters of his own new world in Iron Heights. There, he winds up in a bit of trouble. Accidentally splattering dirt on another inmate’s shoes, a problem stirs. Shortly after, Barry encounters a familiar face, Axel Walker, son of Jesse James a.k.a. the Trickster. The two share a brief conversation and part ways shortly after.
The Trickster returns and he’s not alone
Later that night, Axel is taken to the infirmary in Iron Heights. It’s there that he’s broken out by his mother, Prank (Corinne Bohrer). They abscond to one of Trickster’s old hideouts, equip themselves with some nasty gadgets, and go out on the town.
Back at Iron Heights, Barry is confronted by the same group of inmates who talked to him earlier, and they want beef. Luckily Big Sir (Bill Goldberg) steps in to protect Barry. He doesn’t give Barry an explanation but has a very good reason. It’s revealed later on that Big Sir owed Henry Allen for saving his life, so saving Barry was repaying that debt.
Shortly after, the episode shifts focus back to the streets of Central City. There, the Trickster is running amok, throwing grenades in public areas. This turns out to be cause enough for Ralph Dibny to step in. When he does, everything seems to be going his way—that is until Axel sprays Ralph with a concentrated form of acid. He crumples up in pain and Cisco is forced to rescue him.
At Star Labs, the crew attempt to figure out what could be eating through Ralph’s seemingly indestructible skin. Once they understand the acid’s composition is of a new origin, this revelation puts the fear back in Ralph. Realizing that he’s not invincible, Ralph begins reconsidering his life as a superhero. Of course, it comes at the worse time.
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Ralph isn’t ready to be a hero, or is he?
On the Star Labs television feed, they pick up a message from Trickster and Prank who’ve taken two hostages who they intend to execute. The two villains then present Team Flash with an ultimatum. Either “stretchy man” turns himself over to them, or see the two civilians burned to death with acid. Terrified by this request, Ralph refuses to help anymore. So, he turns to the one other person who can help: Barry Allen.
At Iron Heights, Ralph sneaks in and speaks with Barry. He attempts to convince Barry into a prison break but Barry’s not cooperating. He refuses to sneak out because it’s what he has to do, and then reminds Ralph that being a hero is what he does. Barry then gives Ralph a rousing speech that convinces him to step up to the occasion, which works.
Before Ralph gets another chance at taking Trickster down, the rest of Team Flash steps in for him.Cisco, HR, and Caitlyn make a valiant effort in taking these villains down but get “tricked.” It’s then that Ralph has to rescue them.
Arriving in his new super suit, Ralph makes a courageous play to save a captive Caitlyn and Cisco. He manages to stop Trickster but Prank sets off the switch to release acid on Cisco and Caitlyn. When it looks like they’re about to be showered by the corrosive substance, Ralph risks his life to save them. Fortunately, HR’s ingenuity with a stabilizing agent neutralizes the acid and Ralph is spared a horrific death.
Ralph gives himself the codename, Elongated Man
Once the scene is cleaned up and reporters are allowed on the scene, they interview Ralph. He gives them the typical response and then seemingly coins himself the Elongated Man. The nickname doesn’t sit well with Cisco but everyone comes to terms with it.
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In the episode’s final moments, Cisco and Ralph take a trip to Jitters for a cup of coffee. There, they find themselves in the presence of a new metahuman. She offers to pay for their coffee but doesn’t say much more. The episode ends with the mysterious young metahuman, played by Jessica Parker Kennedy, scribbling frantically in a journal. Though her scribbles are of great intrigue, seeing as how they’re alien in nature. The episode cuts to black shortly after.
The Flash airs Tuesdays on The CW. Season 4, Episode 12 “Honey, I Shrunk Team Flash” airs on January 30, 2018. Check out the promo above.