The Flash recap: Emotions run high as metahumans plague city

On the latest episode of The Flash, Nora reveals the truth behind why she traveled back in time to everyone. At the same time, Team Flash deals with some personal problems of their own.

In The Flash Season 5, Episode 2, Barry and the rest of Team Flash focus on changing the future again. They’ve altered the course of history several times before, this occasion should be no different. Everyone approves and supports the plan to alter the future.

After their meeting concludes, a few members of Team Flash find themselves out of sorts. Cisco is still reeling from his breakup with Gypsy. He hadn’t spoken much but he’s apparently been deeply affected by the loss. Caitlyn and Ralph learn of their friend’s troubles then attempt to help him get over the loss. Cecile similarly has to deal with a loss of her own, her powers.

Cecile reveals to Joe that losing her abilities has weakened her connection to their daughter. She doesn’t want this change to continue but there’s nothing she can do. Because of that, Cecile feels helpless to make the situation any better.

Meanwhile, a new metahuman is running around Central City, conducting some major arms deals. Vanessa Jansen takes it upon herself to monopolize the underground trade in Central City and she does so by force. Luckily, the Flash steps up to stop her scheming.

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Once Team Flash tracks down a lead on Jansen, both Nora and Barry go to confront the new meta. Using the situation as training for Nora, Barry takes the time to sort out a plan. But, the overly eager Nora rushes on to the scene. When she does, Jansen traps Nora inside one of her molecule cubes. Barry then has to rescue Nora as Jansen escapes.

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When they return to Star Labs, Barry gives Nora a different type of training lesson. Rather than giving her an example she can’t hope to reach herself, Barry shows Nora that he failed hundreds of times before becoming such an amazing hero. And it was those setbacks that made Barry a better hero. He relays that message to Nora in the hope she’ll take her losses in pride as they’ll help her grow.

In the Cortex room, Cisco manages to track Jansen down again. Barry and Nora hear the news the speed off to fight Jansen once again. This time, however, they’re prepared for anything Jansen can throw at them.

By the time Barry and Nora locate Jansen, she’s surrounded by a rival arms-dealer who’s set up an ambush. They open fire on Jansen but she uses her abilities to protect herself. Barry makes quick work of the mercenaries and then approaches Jansen to place the cuff on her but she traps Barry in a cube. Nora then has to work by herself to bring Jansen down.

During their one-on-one, Nora experiences a bit of difficulty dodging Jansen’s attacks. She manages to avoid all the projectiles long enough for Jansen to weaken. Once she fatigued, Nora easily cuffs the murderous meta, ending her reign of terror.

With Jansen cuffed, the day appeared to end on a positive note. But as they rejoiced in their victory, Jansen was stabbed from behind. The culprit of the attack: Cicada (Chris Klein).

The Flash‘s newest villain finally makes his presence known in “Blocked”, attacking Team Flash after their victory over Jansen. Cicada uses his lightning bolt shaped knife to temporarily remove Barry, Ralph, and Cisco’s powers, leaving them helpless. Cicada then dismantles the group with minimal effort.

He comes close to killing Barry but Nora stops in. She yells to her father and Nora’s cry strikes a chord with Cicada. He stops in his tracks and absconds from there.

Back at Star Labs, Team Flash discuss their latest setback and conduct a bit of a roundtable. Iris reveals to the team that the sounds captured on the dashcams resemble cicadas. When Nora hears Iris make this comparison, the look on her face suggests Nora knows who Cicada is. The episode concludes without Nora touching on the subject, but she obviously has something important to tell the team in next week’s episode.

The Flash airs Tuesdays on The CW.