“Initiate Self-Destruct” is episode twelve of season two of Batwoman.
Black Mask is pontificating about masks to Enigma and a bandaged and burned figure before removing his, revealing it’s Roman Sionis. He has another mask, one taken from his daughter’s grave, who he says is about to be reborn. The injured person speaks and says she’s Kate Kane. Enigma will complete the therapy, leaving Kate with only the memories of Circe Sionis. She can’t do anything about the voice, though; Kate’s larynx was damaged during her kidnapping and torture. With Enigma’s work done and the mask on, Kate, now Circe, asks Sionis, her father, why she is wearing a mask. A terrible fire broke out at Arkham during her escape.
Alice is in bed with Ocean, the two having had their memories of each other restored in the previous episode, “Arrive Alive”. She’s sneaking out when the False Faces arrive and take Ocean.
Sophie is trying to confirm that Ryan is definitely Batwoman when she sees Agent Tavaroff and asks if it’s true he has Batwoman’s DNA. And has placed it at the head of the queue. Sophie then goes to see Kane; she thinks going after Batwoman is a waste of time when they should be going after Black Mask. Kane points out, validly, that Batwoman disrupted their attempt to do so. And goes off on one when Sophie mentions Kate.
Ryan, Luke and Mary are in the Batcave watching the video of Angelique. Luke can trace Black Mask’s camera feed to where it came from. Ryan is heading out when an alert indicates the Batsignal has been triggered. By Sophie, who tells Ryan about the DNA found. Which shouldn’t be a problem. Unless Batwoman is in the system. It will be ready in a matter of hours. Ryan says she’d better spend the time wisely, getting Angelique back. As for the DNA, Sophie should try and fix that.
Because of the DNA search, Luke and Mary want Ryan to come home. To preserve the legacy of the bat. Luke thinks Black Mask won’t kill Angelique as he wants her to cook for him. That may no longer be entirely valid. Ryan suggests they speak to Sophie and deal with it. She’s going to deal with Angelique. However, at the address, she finds dead False Face members. And a live one, being tortured by Alice.
Alice explains she’s looking for Ocean. She knows where both Angelique and Ocean are, now. In a more fortified place. Alice needs backup. Or, more precisely, a bulletproof shield to hide behind. She knows the location. As did the man she questioned, she says after stabbing him. Partners?
In the Batmobile, Alice is messing with the buttons. Does she want the ejector seat used on her? Does it exist? Does Alice want to find out? Well, kinda. Then she finds the self-destruct.
Sophie is checking up on the DNA sequencing, but she can’t do anything. Luke and Mary are not happy about working with Alice when Sophie contacts Luke and says she can’t destroy the sample.
Ocean and Angelique are making a video of the Snake Bite manufacturing process. Or they will be shot. The Batmobile turns up outside and Ryan can see a single guard. She wants Alice to draw him out. Alice does; it turns out the Batmobile still has a horn. This also draws out more guards.
Mary goes to see Sophie, with a present from a friend. From Luke; it will wipe the DNA when it’s uploaded. Mary makes a very poor job of denying she’s Team Batwoman. The computer the drive needs plugging into is Commander Kane’s, and he’s been in his office for hours. That’s why Mary is there.
Sophie does know Ryan is Batwoman, but is not coming out and saying it. Kane’s behaviour is getting erratic, due to Snake Bite. And Kate Kane – now Circe Sionis – is making her first mark.