Review by Logan The end of the television series is often paradoxically the most depressing and exciting part of the season. Yes, the season is coming to an end, but the end is epic, thrilling, and gives a huge payout for staying with the show. Continue Reading
Review by Logan
The last episode of Arrow unleashed a new and bold story for Oliver. Or, should I say, for Al Sah-Him. Oliver Queen is dead, our hero has been saying, and he’s been replaced by the heir to the throne of the demon, the successor for Ra’s al Ghul. As I pointed out in my review of last week’s episode, this was not only a good thing for the show because it was unexpected, but it opened up a whole new era of moral discussions and worldview explorations. It was reminiscent of Harvey Dent’s “You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain,” and it prompted us to look with introspection at what it would take for us to change and go down that dark path, which surely could never be justified.
With this week’s episode, however, we take a step back.
Review by Logan
“You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
Review by Logan
I’ve been complaining a lot this season about Arrow being predictable. I guess this episode is an example of why you should be careful what you wish for.
Review by Logan
When Arrow debuted nearly two and a half years ago, they took the nerd world by storm. It was relatively easy, really. There weren’t any other good comic-based TV shows, so it was easily the best comic show on TV. But things are different now. Sure, Gotham still isn’t any good, but with The Flash and most recently Daredevil providing top-notch entertainment, Arrow isn’t the best comic show on TV anymore. It has to fight for its ratings.
Review by Logan
Comic book series and shows operate on a certain unspoken rule of immunity. No matter how strong the villain, no matter how antagonistic the police, it’s always understood that the hero will be okay. He might get beaten and bruised and left for dead, but he won’t actually die. The police might believe lies about him, and might chase after him, but he won’t get caught. No matter what happens, he’ll be right back out on the street next issue. And because of this unspoken rule, it’s the stories that rebel in this regard that go down as the best and most creative stories. The Death of Superman. Spider-Man No More. Batman: Knightfall. In like manner, it’s when Arrow breaks this rule, or at least flirts with it, that the show breaks out of its mid-season slump and delivers a truly impactful episode.
Review by Logan
If you’ve come to expect Arrow to move the plot visibly forward with each episode, then Suicidal Tendencies might disappoint you. But there’s another reason that the episode ought to impress you, and it’s not an immediately obvious one.
Review by Logan
Have you ever sat next to one of your friends while they played over again a level that they’d just failed at? (spoilers ahead)
Review by Logan
After the past few weeks of Arrow, you might expect this episode to push forward the impending attack of Ra’s al Ghul, the prospect of Oliver training with Merlyn, and the continued evolution of Ray Palmer into The Atom. You would be wrong.
Review by Logan
If ever Oliver’s team has been in a tight spot, it’s now.
Brick has succeeded in blackmailing the cops out of the Glades, and maintains total control. That leaves Arsenal and Canary to do all of the police work, which no matter how hard they try, is impossible. Brick just has too many men. And with Oliver still recovering, and the rest of the team thinking he’s dead, things don’t look too good.
