Ep 9. Running to Stand Still

In The Flash season 2 episode 9, titled Running to Stand Still, it's Christmas time in Central City and the holiday spirit is in full swing. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when Captain Cold (Wentworth Miller) and his partner in crime, Heat Wave (Dominic Purcell), return to wreak havoc.

The episode begins with Barry (Grant Gustin) and Iris (Candice Patton) decorating the Christmas tree while discussing their feelings about the holiday season. Meanwhile, Captain Cold and Heat Wave team up with a new villain, the Trickster (Mark Hamill), to rob a toy store in order to steal a powerful bomb. The trio's motives become clear when they broadcast a message to The Flash and the citizens of Central City: they plan to blow up the entire city.

Barry and the team, including Dr. Wells (Tom Cavanagh), Jay Garrick (Teddy Sears), and Caitlin (Danielle Panabaker), work together to stop the villains before they can carry out their plan. Along the way, they discover that the Trickster has a personal connection to one member of the team, which complicates things and puts them in even greater danger.

As they race against the clock to stop the villains, Barry must also deal with his own personal struggles. He is still grieving over the loss of his father, who was murdered by the season's primary antagonist, Zoom. This grief is compounded by the fact that he is unable to find a way to defeat Zoom or regain his speed to match the villain's. This puts a strain on Barry's relationships with Iris, who is struggling with her own feelings for him, and Patty (Shantel VanSanten), a new detective at the police department who has caught his eye.

Running to Stand Still is a high stakes episode that intertwines action and emotion seamlessly. The comedic relief provided by Mark Hamill's Trickster is balanced by the serious threat posed by Captain Cold and Heat Wave, making for a thrilling and emotional ride. The episode also explores the themes of family, grief, and the struggles of being a hero.

As the episode comes to a close, the team is able to save the day and stop the villains from carrying out their plan. However, Barry is left with a new sense of purpose as he realizes that he must face his grief and stand up to Zoom in order to protect his loved ones and his city.

Overall, Running to Stand Still is an excellent episode that delivers heart, humor, and action in equal measure. It's a must-watch for fans of The Flash and a great introduction to the series for newcomers.