When Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man premiered, things couldn't have looked better for the wall-crawler. He gained superpowers, made new friends, stopped a few crimes, and was at the top of the world. However, fast-forward a few episodes and Peter has reached a breaking point. He was almost killed by The Scorpion, his suit is destroyed, and Otto Octavius is still on the loose selling weapons to anyone who can pay for them. To make matters worse, Peter and Nico Minoru haven't talked anymore after she discovered his secret life as a superhero. It's been a big emotional rollercoaster, and it just got more intense thanks to the events of the latest episode.
*** This article contains SPOILERS from Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man episode 8. ***
Spider-Man deals with his first defeat
Episode 8 kicks things off as most superhero tales do: With a heavily bruised protagonist waking up on a hospital bed. After Spidey was nearly killed by The Scorpion back in episode 7, Norman had to take him to Oscorp's Medical Wing where his wounds can be treated. Once Peter awakes, he's shocked to learn his superhero suit is gone. Fortunately, Norman tells him that no one has seen his face throughout the course of the whole night. Peter quickly tries to stand up and swing into action once again since both The Scorpion and Otto Octavius are still on the loose. However, Norman tells him it's better to rest. Besides, the Spider-Man suit was destroyed in the fight, which means no more heroism for a while.
At long last, Peter feels the burden of being a superhero. He claims that if the Scorpion hurts more people, it will be all on his shoulders. After all, Spidey attempted to stop the supervillain but failed to do so, and now the latter is running rampant in the city. Hearing these words, Norman Osborn reveals that he's heavily disappointed in Peter for not pushing his abilities to the limit. Norman believes the wall-crawler could've stopped the whole situation if he hadn't held back when it mattered the most. So instead of trusting Spider-Man to "keep the city safe", Norman steps out of the room and makes a call that will finally put Otto Octavius out of the picture.
While Peter is supposed to rest at Oscorp's Medical Wing for a while, he sneakily makes his way out of the facilities and goes back home. However, Aunt May quickly notices his nephew is injured and asks what is going on. Peter pretends that he fell from a skateboard at Harry Osborn's house and tells May not to worry. But after she pushes a bit further, Peter finally reveals he's feeling like a complete letdown. Nico Minoru won't talk to him, Norman Osborn is disappointed about his "internship" performance, and there are many other people he has to do right by even if he isn't sure he'll be able to. May tells him that being scared is not a weakness. After all, she herself was scared after the death of Ben. However, she claims that as long as Peter has someone to talk to — someone he can trust — they will be fine.
Meanwhile, at a different part of the city, a group of armed SWAT officials finally arrive at Otto Octavius' hideout and initiate his arrest for violating the Sokovia Accords by selling Gamma-powered weapons. And how did the Government suddenly know Otto's whereabouts? Well, it was all thanks to a little tip from Norman Osborn who has decided to "move on" from the wall-crawler to do all the dirty work. While it seems like a very dire situation for Otto at first, he simply smiles and activates a set of four mechanical arms hanging in the ceiling that incapacitate every SWAT official.
Otto grabs a bag of money and makes his way out of the hideout. Much to his surprise, there were even more officials waiting at the front entrance, with General Thaddeus Ross behind them. But in case that wasn't enough, the cavalry arrives in the form of a suit of armor. Iron Man flies into the scene, aims a repulsor at Otto's head, and nods at Ross. It's worth remembering the Sokovia Accords are in full effect by this point, which means Tony Stark has no option but to answer to the United States Government, which is why he made an appearance at the hideout in the first place.
A hero is born
Back at Peter's apartment, he's trying to call Nico Minoru to apologize for hiding his secret identity from her. Just as Peter is leaving a voicemail, Pearl Pangan calls and reminds him they have to work on a school project together. The wall-crawler then races through the streets of New York and gets to Pear's house. However, before they are able to start any work, they're interrupted by an unexpected visitor: Lonnie Lincoln. You know, the ex-football superstar who joined a gang in exchange for setting his little brother free from it.
Pearl tries to persuade Lonnie that he can finally escape from his current life, especially considering how many members of the Tenth Street Gang ran away after The Scorpion attack. However, he refuses and claims the gang needs him. Besides, they "put bodies on the line" to defend him against Mac Gargan. Lonnie wants to aid the gang in their battle against the supervillain, yet Pear isn't on board with that idea (and understandably so). As a result, the two break up. Lonnie starts walking away when suddenly Peter steps in as well and begs him to leave the group. However, that isn't enough to persuade "Tombstone" to return back to his normal life.
So what is the Tenth Street Gang up to? (or what remains of it, anyway). Well, without a hideout, they decided to reunite in an alleyway and meet a "contact" who has more information on The Scorpion and his tech enhancements. And who's this mysterious person? Well, none other than The Chameleon, who made his debut back in episode 4.
The gangster is wearing his iconic white mask, claiming it's the perfect way not to bring more attention to his true identity. Then, he reveals everything that's been going on: Otto Octavius used to sell weapons to small-time criminals from a secret laboratory where some gear might've been left behind. Then, the Chameleon gives them directions to Otto's hideout so that the gang can get tech enhancements to themselves and level the battleground.
Back at Oscorp Industries, Peter and Norman discuss once again what it must take to "be a hero". The latter firmly believes that the superpowered teenager shouldn't hold his punches back. Only that way he could earn the respect of every criminal in town. Then, he proceeds to say the iconic Spider-Man phrase but with one big twist: "With great power, comes great respect". Peter isn't so sure this is the way to go, but Norman leaves the office as he has other matters to attend to. Fortunately, not everything is grim, as Harry later reveals that he's been working on a special little project that could aid Peter.
With the Spider-Man suit was destroyed, Harry created a new one using Peter's designs as a template. Of course, the red and blue color palette had to be there, inspired by Captain America's outfit. For a brief second, we see the reflection of this new suit in Peter's glasses moments before the episode ends, and it looks breathtaking. Talk about a cliffhanger.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man airs new episodes on Disney Plus on Wednesdays.