The Flash Season One: Who is Harrions Wells?

Which is the real one?

Joe and Cisco head to Starling City to continue their investigation on Wells and enlist the help of Quentin and Laurel while there. Meanwhile back in Central City Barry tries to stop Meta Human Hannibal Bates AKA Everyman (Martin Novotny) who has the power to transform into anyone he touches.

I just love these crossover episodes, don't you? I mean we should all know at this point but I find it still great to have these little reminders that the Arrow and Flash show is still connected when characters from each of them crossover; all in all I enjoyed the guest appearances of Quentin and Laurel. Firstly Quentin was a lot better in this than when he was on Arrow lately because he wasn't acting like a completely jerk and I liked how he got along with Joe; them talking about their jobs and their daughters, I really hope this affects Quentin and he realizes that he has went too far these past few episodes. Then of course there was Cisco's interaction with Laurel and that photograph of the two of them was just so funny that I laughed out loud and it was so like Cisco. Also this was the debut of the choker that would give Laurel the ability of the Canary Cry from the comics and I am looking forward to seeing this in action. In the comics the Canary Cry is Black Canary's power but having it in the form of technology in the show is the next best thing. What was the most important thing to take from the Starling scenes was that Team Flash has found the body of the real Wells and that is a real game changer because Eobard Thawne cannot hide now, so I'm expecting some big showdowns the next few episodes. This also led Barry, Cisco and Caitlin into the Gideon room in the final scene of the episode (such a cliff hanger to leave off!) and since they have access to the Gideon computer and the newspaper I wonder if they read up on information about the future? but from what other time travel fiction has taught me reading about your future is supposed to be a bad thing.

I want one!

As for the other plot in this episode the Meta Human Everyman was a really enjoyable villain and handled well. First off I thought I'd say that shape shifting powers has also been a favourite of mine (X Men for example) so since the early episode of Flash I have been waiting for a Meta Human with those powers. It was really entertaining seeing Barry and Eddie trying to track down Everyman and quite funny when Everyman assumed the role of Barry and when they fought each other at the airport. This subplot also gave Eddie some great material too and without Joe he was more involved this time and for a second I really thought he would go to jail! I am also just glad the argument with Iris is finally resolved even if he hasn't told her the complete truth. You know I have read a lot of comments and they are saying that Eddie will probably become a villain or the new Reverse Flash (because he is a Thawne after all) but it is really going to take something big to make him one because right now he is such a close friend of Barry. Besides Eddie, Caitlin had some great moments of dealing with Wells and heck who could blame her because Eobard is such a great actor as a good guy! Plus I really liked the scene where Everyman transformed into a kidnapped girl in Caitlin's and Iris's car; such a good plan lol. Not much else to say expect that I really liked the nod to Green Lantern with Barry running through Coast City, will we see the Green Lantern in the future?

Everything is about to change now

Overall I really didn't have any problems with this episode because it was great I guess the only nit picking thing I can point out is that like the Bug Eyed Bandit the Everyman subplot was just there to drag out the investigation on Wells but again it is still entertaining filler that I really don't mind. However with the ending it looks like the investigation is truly over and things are going to be really different on the show now.

Overall: 9/10

Highlights: Barry and Eddie team up against Everyman
                   Joe and Cisco's moments with Quentin and Laurel
                   Caitlin on whether is could trust Wells or not
                   That ending!!

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;





http://screencapped.net/

Arrow Season Three: Canaries

Damn she got her ass kicked

Oliver is now back however he is thrown with the changes to Team Arrow is his absence which creates conflict in the group. He even tells Laurel to stop being Black Canary however she ignores him when Vertigo returns but unfortunately gets affected by his drug. Meanwhile Chase surprises Thea and in Flashbacks Oliver and Maseo try to escape from A.R.G.U.S

Things certainly aren't the same for Oliver in his return to Starling with the main change being Laurel is determined to carry on the mantle of Black Canary. This was mainly a Laurel focused episode and a really good one at that with the involvement of Vertigo and how she confronted Sara who was an awesome character so I'm glad they brought her back in some form. I liked the fights she had with Sara and I think her taunting of Laurel was stuff the audience where already thinking off; that she was just a copy of Sara. I liked that Laurel has now faced her demons and that with the help of Felicity she has realized that she has to be her own version of Black Canary and not a copy of Sara. Quentin was also a huge factor for Laurel this episode and I thought it was about time he learned the truth and it was a damn powerful scene when he broke down with Laurel, makes me wonder what he will do now. Vertigo was also a part of Laurel's development and even though I really like this one, because he does seem a lot darker than Count Vertigo, I wished he had more scenes since he was only a means to an end for Laurel.

"Don't judge me harshly by the beating, drugs, killings and torture. I'm actually a nice guy"

As for the rest of the episode I liked that Thea handled the confession of Oliver well and that she didn't turn into a whiny brat (like she would in season 1 and 2) but that only lasted for a few minutes until she turned on Malcolm. I get why she is a bit angry but after everything she has been through with him I hated how quickly she turned against him, I just hated her damn attitude in this episode. Another thing I didn't like in her subplot was the lacklustre way the Chase character ended; he put up a decent fight but after he has kind of been hyped up for a while he is just out of it now, it feels like they have wasted a lot of time with his character. As for Team Arrow I liked the way they stood up to Oliver and arguing that they can do things on their own now because it isn't just about Oliver anymore. Roy I think has really grown as a vigilante because he was the one leading the arguments against Oliver and makes me think how he could get episodes just dedicated to him sometime. Finally the Flashbacks are a let down again (like all the Hong Kong ones mostly have been) and that is mainly because of Waller. I really like her character in the comics (old and new 52 Suicide Squad) but she just really damn bugs me in this, everything from her actress, appearance and personality and I think they haven't done her comic book version justice. They only thing good about the Flashbacks was that I like the friendship between Oliver and Maseo and them being in Starling City now should be interesting.

Do you sleep with all your victims Chase?

Overall I would have liked this episode better if it completely focused on Laurel and Vertigo instead of wasting are time with a whiny Thea. I just hope her character improves after some training on the island because so far she hasn't done anything and keeps losing in fights anyway.

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: Laurel vs. Vertigo and her hallucinations
                   Team Arrow standing up to Oliver
                   Quentin and Thea's reactions to the confessions

Let - Downs: Thea
                      Chase was a wasted character
                      Flashbacks and Waller

EXTRA

Now I have kept up with the news of Arrow and I have heard that Thea will soon get her own costume (saw a picture of her getting fitted for a mask) and there are rumours that to make room for her a member of Team Arrow has to die and Arsenal might be the one. I hope this really doesn't happen because Arsenal is one of my favourite comic characters and I really like Roy on the show. If they have to get rid of him though I hope it is only temporary and as I have said before he loses his arm and maybe everyone will think he is dead but instead he is kidnapped, gets his robotic arm from either A.R.G.U.S or H.I.V.E and is forced to be an agent of H.I.V.E or a member of the Suicide Squad. Let me know what you think of that.

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/        

Arrow Season Three: Midnight City

She should use her sonic weapons more

When Brick kidnaps the city's Aldermen and threatens to kill them all Arsenal, Diggle and the new Black Canary try to stop him despite the former two wanting Laurel to stop. Ray decides to help the police with this problem and Malcolm tells Thea that they have to leave the city because of the League.

Another solid episode from Arrow this week and I have to first say that I am really enjoying this three episode arc without Oliver. Don't get me wrong Stephen Amell was born to play Oliver Queen and is one of my favourite TV protagonists but like I said last review I like that we get this time to focus more on the secondary characters, namely Laurel. Those who have read my previous reviews know I don't like her; she was useless in season one and an annoying weak character in season two but she has gotten a lot better and stronger this season and I am really liking her as Black Canary. I think this is largely do to the fact that she isn't going to be as good as Sara for a while and they do a good job of portraying that; for example she landed badly on the truck, took a beating a few times and chose to run from Brick when she realized she couldn't win. She still has a lot to learn to be a proper vigilante and I am glad she is aware of that as well with the moment where she thought of quitting and the fact she teams up with Team Arrow because she knows she needs the help. Laurel also got some great material when not fighting and that is the way she is handling Sara's death with Quentin; I still think this will end badly but Laurel did have two heart - wrenching scenes when she used Sara's voice to fool Quentin. All in all if I did a top ten Arrow characters Laurel with probably be in it now because she has become a great character.

"I good sure use my bow and arrows right now"

As for other highlights Brick continues to be a great villain and I like how that even though he isn't the final villain of season three he isn't just some one off villain either. They have created a really strong story arc for him and he has become a real threat to the city and probably still would have even if Oliver was still there. Vinnie Jones continues to kill it in the role and he had some cool scenes with Ray where they both threatened each other which makes me think they might have some future showdown. Roy was also great this episode because it feels like he has matured with Oliver gone and has taken some of the leadership responsibilities such as confronting Malcolm and leading the attacks on Brick. I liked that Felicity is over her giving up phase because I would have hated that to continue for ages and has I mentioned above Ray is just always awesome when he is on screen. Plus we had some awesome action sequences this episode such as the attacks on Brick (that helicopter jump by Black Canary was some epic stunt work) and in the night club in the Flashbacks.

Maybe future ATOM vs. Brick?

Now for what wasn't as good was first I am glad that, that I liked how that annoying DJ is in the League because now he is relevant and Maseo and Tatsu had some great moments together in the present. I think it is obvious that their son is dead and you can see how much that has changed Maseo in the present and why he is so committed to the League. Now the stuff in the present between them was good but again I am not really enjoying the Hong Kong Flashbacks; the action is good but I just don't care much for the overall story. While I did like China White before I just don't care much for her now because I think they wasted the opportunity to expand her character because now she is just in the Flashbacks for the sake of having a recurring villain there (it could have easily been anyone else or a new character). Plus unlike other one off villains like Vertigo and Clock King she isn't as interesting as she used to be because she's just so stiff, bland and un - unique. Then there is Malcolm and Thea and while it looks like they will get more involved soon whenever they get a scene now I just feel like they aren't doing anything.

"So it's you and me now, Dig didn't work out"

Overall Laurel has really surprised me with how much they have improved her character and this three episode arc without Oliver has been amazing so far.

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: Laurel is off to a good start as Black Canary
                   Roy, Brick and Ray
                   Some awesome action scenes
                   Maseo and Tatsu moments in the present

Let - Downs: China White and the Flashbacks
                      Malcolm and Thea  

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/                

Arrow Season Three: Left Behind

"I'm taking over now!"

Team Arrow has to deal with the aftermath of Oliver's death at the hands of Ra's Al Ghul after Malcolm seems to confirm it. Diggle and Roy continue to protect the city in the wake of a new crime lord named Danny "Brick" Brickwell (Vinnie Jones) however Felicity is distraught and refuses to accept Oliver is dead. Meanwhile Ray tests out part of his new ATOM suit and Laurel takes up the mantle of Black Canary.

Like with The Flash I have been so looking forward to the return of Arrow (why do us in the UK have to wait so long!) and just like with The Flash it did not disappoint. This episode largely deals with how Team Arrow are taking Oliver's death and it is actually really great that we get to have more of a focus on them, especially Roy and Diggle, after such Oliver heavy episodes recently. Roy and Diggle proved that they can work really well as a team and we even got to see Diggle wear the Arrow costume once again. They had some great action scenes together such as the beginning with the truck and in the warehouse where they try to save the evidence and Diggle had a great moment when he said he failed Oliver as a bodyguard. However Felicity I admit was a bit of a let down, this is because despite her strong emotional reaction to Oliver's death I just felt she went a bit over board. In such scenes like when she let Brick escape, when she kept telling Roy to stop with the suit or when she quit Team Arrow. I know her and Oliver have gotten really close but I just felt she would have been stronger than this if something happened to Oliver, like she would want to continue his legacy of saving the city.

I admit, Laurel is growing on me now

We also have two strong debuts with the first being Vinnie Jones who was the most perfect choice to play Brick! I have seen him in a lot of films and he always has a lot of charisma and dominating presence and he uses that has this powerful mob boss. Brick is a Meta - Human in the comics (with super hard skin) and even though Arrow does have powers in it now I don't think they will go that route, however I am glad they didn't just abandon it because of how Brick goes right in to the fights and isn't even scared of guns. So in all it might have been one episode so far but I think Vinnie Jones can be one of the most popular characters in the show and I hope he is around for ages. The next debut is Laurel as Black Canary and I think the ending was a really great introduction for her; the way she took out those two thugs. Her costume is a lot better than Sara's in my opinion such as the wig and outfit and this could really change her character for the better after being so weak the last two seasons. I do hope though that she isn't a complete badass straight away and that they show that she is still a rookie; she hasn't had the training Sara has had.

"It's you and me now Dig"

As for everything else Ray continues to be a great character and I enjoyed his testing the ATOM suit and his tense scene with Felicity regarding his wife. Malcolm, though still plays an important role, was just really random this episode with the way he kept popping up everyone now and again; I just hope he and Thea become more relevant to the show again soon. The Flashbacks are getting more better because I really enjoyed Oliver's and Maseo's break in of the lab to steal ALPHA and we got to see Maseo and Tatsu in the present. This is a negative in the show however because I think Oliver was brought back to life too soon, they should have left us hanging for a few more episodes instead of the one right after the fight. I am disappointed Oliver wasn't brought back by the Lazarus Pit but Tatsu AKA Katana does have the ability to bring people back to life in the comics so that's alright and I still really believe Ra's has a Lazarus Pit. 

"Nice shot Maseo, I'm sure I was supposed to bounce off!"

Overall this was a much needed episode because it gave characters like Roy and Diggle more time to shine and Vinnie Jones simply stole the episode.

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: Strong Diggle, Roy and Ray moments
                   Vinnie Jones and Brick and Laurel and Black Canary
                   Great action from Present and Flashbacks

Let - Downs: Oliver brought back too soon
                      Felicity might have been too much a cry baby
                      Malcolm and Thea need to be more relevant and not so random

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/  

Arrow Season Three: Sara

Such a badass!!!!

The episode begins with Team Arrow discovering Sara is dead and Laurel wanting to help track down her killer however Oliver refuses to let her, in a Flashback Oliver is ordered to kill Tommy who has arrived in Hong Kong because of his attempted email last episode. Arrow investigates the murder scene and then gets information from Quentin that another archer is in town while in the Arrowcave Roy and Felicity deals with Sara's death and Roy tells her about the night Thea left. Ray has successfully became CEO of Queen Consolidated and offers Felicity a job meanwhile after going over possible archer suspects (Oliver actually knows ten in the world) Arrow goes to a crime scene and saves one of the victims, Diggle then confirms the archer is Simon Lacroix AKA Komodo (Matt Ward). Arrow and Komodo fight with their bows and on bikes but Komodo gets the upper hand and escapes. Laurel then attempts to find out more by harshly questioning Kelso (the man Arrow saved) and learns that it all involved the construction of a new pipeline however Kelso is soon killed by Komodo, In a Flashback Oliver and Maseo kidnap Tommy.

"No one trashes my bike!"

Later Laurel struggles of telling Quentin what happened when she meets him and Roy tells Oliver about the reason Thea left Starling. Ray then holds a charity event at Queen Consolidated where Komodo attacks because his next target is there however Arrow and Red Arrow arrive to fight him and pin him to the wall. Laurel then arrives to shot Komodo however he says he was at Bludhaven at the time of the murder which Oliver then later confirms. Laurel then decides not to tell Quentin the truth (believing the news would kill him) and she and Team Arrow bury Sara secretly. Laurel thinks it is unfair no one will ever know what Sara did and that her killer is still free however Diggle tells her he will name his daughter Sara and Oliver says they will keep looking. In a Flashback Oliver poses as the kidnapper and convinces Tommy he is still dead by saying he hacked Oliver's emails to get money but Tommy is then saved by Maseo who poses as a cop. Oliver then says he wants Thea back in the wake of losing Sara and Felicity accepts the job for Ray. The episode ends in the country of Corto Maltese where it is revealed Thea is training to fight by Malcolm.

This moment was done so well

A great follow up to the ending of last episode and quite the emotional one as well but that is expected with the death of a major character. Everyone had their own way of dealing it and it was all acted really well from the characters like Oliver, Felicity and Laurel in particular. I liked the argument that Felicity and Oliver had over his lack of emotion and then Oliver's realization that he "doesn't want to die down here". The scene in the cemetery was so well done with Laurel tearing up again and saying how the heroic things Sara has done will never be known. She also had a great moment with her father when deciding whether or not to tell him what happened (though I think her decision to tell him will be bad in the long run), however I hated it when she pulled the trigger on Komodo despite the gun being empty because it annoyed me how easily she did it and how she ignored Oliver that Komodo is not the one. Speaking of Komodo he was an badass new villain and such an awesome archer! That bike fight he had with Arrow was epic because the stunt work was just great; I like that we have another new archer and I hope he appears in more episodes and we learn more about him.

Always great to see Tommy

As for everything else Ray continues to be the strongest addition to season three so far and he is such a damn nice guy! You can't help but like the scenes he is in and he has a lot of light hearted humour that compliments Felicity's humour in the scenes they are in. As for the Flashbacks they where a lot better this time because we got a chance to see good old Tommy again and the plan of kidnapped him was so smart that I really enjoyed watching it. It showed how much Oliver has come from being just a playboy in his old life and it showed how much Tommy really cared for his best friend; going all the way to Hong Kong just on a little tip. Lastly I didn't like the reveal of Thea at the end because even though it is good to see Malcolm I didn't like that Thea is that good of a fighter in that short of time, it was just too fast. Even if I did like it I think it is way too soon for her to be in the season again, I think it might have been more effective if they left her out for a while; let to audience get used to her being gone then surprise us with her return. It was just like the return of Sara last episode; if you are just bringing them back straight away then what was the point of them leaving at the end of last season?

"I will save this city!"

Overall a great episode with an awesome knew villain and a great send off for Sara.

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: Komodo and the awesome fight scenes with Arrow
                   Ray Palmer continues to be great
                   Tommy and the Flashbacks
                   A great emotional episode

Let - Downs: Thea being that good of a fighter and bringing her back too soon.

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/        

Arrow Season Two: Birds of Prey

I hope this is the last time we ever see you

The episode begins with Arrow and Black Canary watching over Quentin busting a drug dealer; he is shot so Black Canary throws the dealer out of the window which Quentin reprimands her for. At the Arrowcave Felicity has been tracking Helena who has been killing numerous mobsters for her father's location, in a Flashback Slade is torturing Oliver but then finds out the boat's engines aren't working. Laurel then gets a call from her old boss because he wants her to prosecute Frank meanwhile Arrow, Diggle and Roy track Helena's car but it is a decoy and Roy almost kills the man who shot him in the hand. In a Flashback Slade contacts Sara over the radio and wants the mechanic who is with her for Oliver and in the present The Huntress takes over the court house and says she will execute hostages if her father isn't returned; Oliver having got him out earlier. Oliver is almost found out as Arrow when Quentin uses the phone but is able to come up with an excuse, Black Canary shows up and saves Laurel by defeating several of Huntress's men and they hold up in a room.

"Calm down Speedy.....or Red Arrow or Arsenal, whichever you prefer" 

Roy then breaks up with Thea because of his increased worry about Mirakuru, in a Flashback Slade threatens to kill Oliver but the mechanic refuses to go back. In the present Huntress and Black Canary fight however Huntress gets the upper hand but Arrow stops her from killing Black Canary but then Huntress takes Laurel hostage. Huntress then escapes with Laurel by dressing as a cop and then meets with Arrow and Black Canary to trade for her father; the police show up, Quentin saves Arrow from being shot, Laurel talks Black Canary out of killing Huntress and Frank is killed in the confusion much to Huntress's shock. Helena, in police custody and allowed to see Oliver, admits that he was right all along and that her father's death didn't change anything, in a Flashback Slade inks the same tattoo Shado had on Oliver's back and Sara says they will make the exchange. The episode ends with Laurel getting her job back by blackmailing the district attorney for her being used by them all along and Thea, still upset over Roy, is offered a lift by Slade.

Really wished she just killed her then there is no possibility she could come back

I really hoped never to see The Huntress ever again because as I have mentioned in my reviews in the episodes in season one she is in; they have completely ruined her character and she isn't any better now. She is just so much of a one - note character and when I first saw this episode I couldn't believe that she is still after her father, I mean can't they think of anything else for her to do!? As before Jessica De Gouw was a terrible choice for Huntress; she is not believable as her, she is really unlikable and her acting is just pathetic. I like the Huntress in the comics because she is similar to Arrow in how she works as a vigilante but I hate her in this. Taking hostages, going on a murder spree and just all the other stuff she has done has ruined her character and even after all that she admits she was wrong in the end. I hope this version of Huntress never appears again and that Arrow finds a new female protégé and gives her The Huntress costume and says something like "Maybe you can redeem this name and do good by it" now that would be awesome!

Oliver sure managed to talk his way out of this one

Laurel was really good in this episode because she is beginning to be more like how she was in season one, which I actually liked better. I liked the moment she had with Black Canary when her resolve was weakening for a drink but I wonder why she can't easily tell that it's Sara? Also she was cool at the end with how she blackmailed the district attorney to get her job back. Quentin continues to be a great character as well and him saving Arrow just proves how much he sides with him now but I wonder if there will be repercussions for him attacking another officer next episode? Sara was also great because besides having some great fight scenes with Huntress and her men, she was more of a main focus than Arrow and that always good because she is a badass. Finally the Flashbacks where not really that exciting and I wouldn't have minded if this was an episode that didn't have them, like the previous Huntress episode in season one.

"Wish I can fly like a canary right now!"

Overall this was a decent episode but I just really hate The Huntress and Diggle and Felicity could have had more screen time instead of having using some for Flashbacks. Plus I do know that "Birds of Prey" is the name for a DC heroine group that consists of Black Canary, The Huntress and others so that was another reason this episode disappointed me; we didn't get a cool team up like that because The Huntress isn't going to work with any team.

SCORE: 5/10

Highlights: Strong moments from the Lance Family
                   Great fighting scenes

Let - Downs: Huntress (I freaking hate her!)
                      Flashbacks
                      Not enough Diggle and Felicity

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/              

Arrow Season Two: League of Assassins

"The League is here b***hes!"

The episode begins with a Flashback of Oliver and Sara on the Queen's Gambit sinking while in the present Sara is staying with Oliver. Moira is then given a plea agreement for life in prison and Laurel is one of the lawyers against her because of her boss, much to Oliver's shock. In a Flashback Sara is a drift but stops the Amazo in the distance, in the present Oliver and Sara are attacked by a League of Assassins member, Al - Owal, but manage to hold him off. Oliver then takes Sara to the Arrowcave where she explains that she has left the League, in a Flashback Sara is put in a cage by the Amazo pirates. Arrow and Black Canary track the League members down to an old factory and fight them to a stalemate however Al - Owal threatens Sara's family, in a Flashback Sara meets someone named Dr Anthony Ivo.

"These guys are weird"

Felicity then vaguely warns Quentin of the League however he does not take her seriously which forces Sara to reveal that she is alive to him. In a Flashback Ivo asks Sara for help in his experiments and in the present Oliver makes sure Laurel is safe but sees a dagger in her wall but he removes it discreetly. Quentin and Sara's happy reunion is cut short at the clock tower by the arrival of Al - Owal and two others however they fight them off, along with Arrow who arrives, and Sara kills Al - Owal. Realizing her family will be in danger Sara decides to leave Starling City much to Quentin's dismay and Moira decides to fight the death penalty with the support of Oliver and Thea. The episode ends with Oliver admitting to Diggle he wasn't always on the island and we get the same Flashback as last episode where Oliver is thrown at Sara's feet.

Awwwwwww

What an awesome episode because we finally have the League of Assassins involving themselves more in the series. I know that this is only the fifth episode in but it has so far proved to be better than season one because of the inclusion of better villains like Bronze Tiger, Brother Blood and The Dollmaker and now the League of Assassins. We had some awesome fight scenes from them, I mean who doesn't like seeing ninjas fighting each, and their outfits are awesome because I already liked the Dark Archer costume. Sara had the spotlight once again and again I am glad because she is definitely one of the best characters now on Arrow and even if she left I doubt she will be gone for long. Her Flashbacks where also interesting as well though it is a shame they skipped the year she spent with Ivo before seeing Oliver again, even a small montage will do.

"Only losers use the front door!"

Quentin was great in this episode as well, in fact he has been great this season, and I really liked that emotional goodbye he had with Sara at the end. Also despite not being a ninja he still kicked some ass against those League members and it seems he is going to have to live with a big secret for a while now as well. However once again the real weak point of this episode was Laurel because I am really just not liking her, she may have stayed off the drink and drugs this episode but I hated her damn attitude with Oliver and Quentin. However it seems the writers want to make us hate her even more by being against Moira in her trial, even if it was because of her boss she still shouldn't be against her friend's mom and she doesn't even seem bothered.

"You better not catch this!"

Overall this was a great episode for the League of Assassins and I want to see more of them but I also want to see more of Diggle who hasn't had a large role lately.

SCORE: 9/10

Highlights: Arrow and Black Canary still kick ass together!
                   Quentin was great in this episode
                   League of Assassins

Let - Downs: Laurel once again

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net           

Arrow Season Two: Crucible

Now that is a creepy mask!

The episode begins with Felicity covering for Oliver who is busy as Arrow stopping an arms shipment to the Glades, when he does arrive at the party he agrees to work with Sebastian and sponsor a "Guns for Cash" event in the wake of a mob boss called The Mayor taking over the Glades. Laurel is also there and seen abusing drink (*shaking head*) and is later watched by Black Canary who is then tied up by Arrow (Felicity having told him earlier that she is following Laurel). Black Canary escapes but not before Arrow realizes it was Sara Lance (Caity Lotz), Laurel's supposedly deceased sister. Oliver tells Diggle and Felicity that he knew she didn't die on the Queen's Gambit but saw her die a year later, Sara is then talks to Sin about seeing her dad and sister. Laurel then abuses drink in front of her boss and is pulled over for drink driving (*shaking head again*) which prompts Quentin to warn her about addiction however she doesn't listen. Sara then visits Oliver to ask him not to tell her family she is alive and then Quentin shows up (Sara hides) and asks Oliver for help with Laurel, in a flashback Oliver is shot by the pirates but is helped by another prisoner Anatoly Knyazev (David Nykl).

Bet you thought it couldn't get worse than Fyers

Oliver tries to talk to Laurel about her recent troubles but again she does not listen and we have a Flashback and Oliver is questioned about the skeletons. The Mayor attacks the "Guns for Cash" event where Sin is injured and Oliver, Sebastian, Thea and Roy where all there however Felicity manages to get his location after this. Arrow and Black Canary team up to take the Mayor down but Arrow has to talk her out of killing him, later Oliver and Sebastian decide to work together to help Starling City. Oliver then meets Sara at the hospital and even though she doesn't want to reveal she is alive to her family she agrees to work with him, while this is happening Quentin is at his AA meeting and Laurel is seen abusing drugs with drink (*bloody hell*). The episode ends with a Flashback and Oliver finds out Sara is alive on the Amazo and in the present the Mayor is brought before a skull - masked man named Brother Blood (revealed to be Sebastian) who injects him with a green substance but dies.

"Now this is a change from my staff"

We got quite the reveal that Sebastian is one of the antagonists of the season called Brother Blood, when I first watched this it was quite the surprise because I didn't expect it; Sebastian seemed like such a good guy! His mask was pretty damn cool if I say so myself and I like the way he uses a voice filter to make himself sound more menacing. I don't know what he injected the Mayor with but it seems like death wasn't what he was hoping for but since Sebastian is obviously a major character this season I'm sure we will find out more in time. For those who don't know Brother Blood is a minor villain in the comics some I'm glad a less known one is having the spotlight in live action.

"I got the guns now where is my cash?"

I didn't really care that much for the other antagonist, The Mayor, since he was just the villain of the week however at least we got to see Arrow and Black Canary team up (I just like team ups!). Again I was surprised to find Black Canary was Sara because apart from supposed to being dead Laurel is Black Canary in the comics (her mother also is but I doubt she will be in live action). Of course since she was already in previous episodes I thought it was someone new who would train Laurel at first but anyway I glad we got her identity now and the Flashbacks are getting better and interesting now that she will be apart from them. I can't wait to see what happens which makes Oliver thinks that she died again after the sinking of Queen's Gambit?

Shouldn't a secret meeting be at night?

As for everything else in this episodes I liked how Sebastian and Oliver want to work together to help Starling City (of course at the end it is revealed they both have duel identities lol) and Roy, Thea and Sin got some good scenes together. However what really ruined this for me was the direction that Laurel is going in now and that is being a drink and drug abuser; hated this decision the second I saw it because we had to go through this with Thea in season one and now again? I know she has recently been through a lot but why did it have to be drink and drugs? Are they trying to make build sympathy for her because honestly I don't feel that to anyone who does drink and drugs and it just makes her out to be an incredibly weak character. Plus her stupid attitude with her father and Oliver doesn't help because if she keeps ignoring them (Did she admit to Quentin last episode she got Tommy killed for being too stubborn?) it is going to take her ages to get over this; after seeing her not do much in season one and now seeing what the writers are doing with her she is unworthy of ever being Black Canary.

"Now this is a change from my bow"

Overall we had some great reveals in this but it is the weakest episode so far largely thanks to that b***h Laurel.

SCORE: 6/10

Highlights: Arrow and Black Canary team up
                   Sara Lance back and the Flashbacks
                   Sebastian as Brother Blood

Let - Downs: Laurel really ruined this
                      Didn't care for the Mayor

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/

Arrow Season Two: Broken Dolls

"I did slice off skin but the mess went everywhere"

The episode begins with Arrow being saved by Black Canary from the police, this angers Oliver at the Arrowcave who doesn't like the thought of another vigilante in Starling City. Meanwhile Quentin arrives on the scene of a murdered young woman killed by the serial killer Barton Mathis AKA The Dollmaker who must have escaped during the earthquake however Quentin is warned to stay off the case (being the one who arrested The Dollmaker last time). Another victim is kidnapped so Quentin then asks Arrow for help and while he sets Felicity to find a connection between the victims he asks Roy to find out more about Black Canary. Arrow questions The Dollmaker's old lawyer which leads him and Quentin to an old address of The Dollmaker but find it empty however Quentin does get a call from The Dollmaker who taunts Quentin while killing his victim. Arrow and Quentin team up again to steal evidence and find out the victims all have the same skin cream as a connection, in a Flashback Slade and Oliver finds the pirate's boat and see it firing at their base where Shado is.

Since this was such a great team up I kind of wish Quentin became a part of Team Arrow

Felicity volunteers to lure The Dollmaker with Arrow and Quentin tailing her however he gets away and Quentin is arrested for interfering. Later during a trial the district attorney wishes for Moira to receive the death penalty for her actions, in a Flashback Oliver is knocked out by explosions when he and Slade arrive to help Shado. Roy finds a girl named Sin (Bex Taylor-Klaus) while finding Black Canary; he is knocked out and brought before her but told not keep looking for her, meanwhile Quentin and Laurel are kidnapped by The Dollmaker. Arrow arrives to save Quentin and Laurel and The Dollmaker is killed by Black Canary, Laurel then admits to only hating Arrow because she blames herself for Tommy and Quentin later thanks Arrow. The episode ends with Black Canary killing an agent of Ra's Al Ghul when she refuses to go back to the League of Assassins and in a Flashback Oliver wakes up on the boat Amazo.

The Super Special Epic Entrance Pose!

Now this was the kind of team up I wanted to see between Quentin and Arrow, I enjoyed this team up unlike the one in season one. They worked really well together, along with Felicity who I always enjoy seeing taking a break from a computer screen, and Quentin is realizing now that Arrow is necessary for Starling City. The had some great moments; from raiding The Dollmaker's hideout to tailing Felicity, it was really suspenseful. Speaking of The Dollmaker he was a great villain because he was pretty damn dark like the way he kills his victims and displays them and he was creepy in the way he acts and talks. Sure he wasn't a fighter like Bronze Tiger in the previous episode but is was a match for Arrow and Quentin in his own way, it is just a damn shame that he had to be killed off.

"Sentence; Death. Next one please"

We also got some more great scenes with Black Canary and it was worth watching this episode for the mention of Ra's Al Ghul and the League of Assassins alone. This is because Ra's Al Ghul is one of the most iconic DC villains and if he appears in Arrow than that would be awesome, plus again having the League of Assassins is another right move for Arrow in terms of being more like a comic book adaptation. Black Canary obviously must have been part of the League and also must have an interest in Arrow if she saved him. Hopefully we will see more of her soon because I am really liking her so far. Also did anyone notice the League member was dressed similar to Malcolm's Dark Archer costume? Malcolm did mention to Tommy he meet with people who changed his life while away and after seeing this I was certain it was the League, it would also explain his level of fighting skill.

League of Assassins!!!

As for the rest of the episode I enjoyed seeing Roy trying to find Black Canary but I didn't expect it to be finished in one episode. Laurel was okay in this, this time because I am just really glad the writers have abandoned her Anti - Arrow campaign (of course the worst is yet to come). Moira also found herself in quite the predicament and I wonder how they are going to get out of that one and lastly while it looks like the Flashbacks are going to get better with Oliver kidnapped they have still started off rather weak this season.

What a really elaborate way to pose a victim 

Overall this was a step up from the previous two episodes for it's much darker and sinister tone thanks to The Dollmaker.

SCORE: 9/10

Highlights: The Dollmaker
                   Quentin and Arrow team up
                   Black Canary and the League of Assassins

Let - Downs: Flashbacks still aren't that strong

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/       

Arrow Season Two: City of Heroes

The city needs you Oliver!

The episode begins with Diggle and Felicity going to the island to get Oliver who had returned following the destruction of the Glades five months ago because he feels he failed the city however they convince him to return saying it still needs Oliver Queen. In a Flashback Oliver and Shado continue to train and in the present Oliver has returned to find the Glades in ruins. Thea has taken over the Verdant and Roy is her bartender however he frequently goes out to protect the city with the absence of The Hood. Later at an events held by the Mayor, which Laurel attends, it is attacked by a masked group of four men calling themselves "The Hoods" who killed the Mayor and several other; Quentin arrives but his boss reminds him he was demoted for his previous contact with The Hood. Oliver arrives to see Laurel who tells him she regrets cheating on Tommy and blames The Hood for his death. Meanwhile The Hoods are angry that the news care more about the return of Oliver than their actions. At Queen Consolidated Oliver meets with  Isabel Rochev (Summer Glau) who wants to buy the company but Oliver of course wants it himself. The Hoods then attack and Oliver gets Isabel and Felicity out but the latter is angry that he didn't even fight back but Oliver says he still feels too much regret for Tommy's death.

"We are the ultimate Hood fanboys!"

Oliver then later visits his mother in prison who believes she deserves to be there because of The Undertaking meanwhile The Hoods kidnap Thea. Oliver realizes he must be The Hood once again and Felicity takes him to the Arrowcave; showing him the improves and giving him a new bow, we then have a Flashback and the group are attacked by another group. Oliver tracks down The Hoods and takes them all alive to Quentin (now a regular beat cop) and says this is his new way to stop crime, even swearing on Tommy's grave to be a better person. Thea then reconciles with Moira (having been angry with her since The Undertaking) and Oliver successfully buys enough Queen Consolidated stock to be partners with Isabel with the help of Walter. In a Flashback the group kill all the men and wonder where they came from as we see a ship in the distance, in the present Roy tries to prevent a mugging but a blond, female vigilante (Black Canary) wearing all black beats him to it. The episode ends with Oliver wanting to be more than a vigilante and needs a new name for The Hood as he looks at one of his arrows.

It's about time!

This was a real strong start to the new season and if I am honest this is an even better season premiere than the one for the first season. When I first watched this episode I really liked that they are addressing some of the problems the first season had already such as Oliver's lack of a proper hero name and that he used to kill. I don't know about anyone else but I don't like heroes who kill and it looks like Oliver isn't going to do that anymore and wants to be a real hero. Following on from that while crossing off names from the list was interesting I'm glad that Oliver says he wants to do more and really save the city. Plus I liked how Oliver exiled himself to the island because he failed the city in the previous season; it was a surprising twist and that Diggle and Felicity had to go and convince him to come back.

"I'm the new character, pleased to meet you"

What I also liked was how much things have changed in the past five months such as the destruction of the Glades and I am glad that area looks like it will still play a large part and not being ignored. Thea also runs the Verdant now which is good because it gives her character something good to do and I liked how Roy is taking a one man stand against crime in the Glades. I also thought to myself that I am going to like Quentin a lot better this season because he is now a regular beat cop and seems to actually support the vigilante. Isabel seems like she will be an interesting character though when I first saw her I could just tell by the way she acted she will be some kind of antagonist to Oliver however at this point I thought just rival in business. Then there is Moira who, like the Glades, they haven't just ignored and she is suffering from the consequences of last season. Lastly there is the awesome reveal of Black Canary who I was so looking forward to because she is a major Arrow character, like her costume because she wore a domino mask though it did look a bit simple.

"Now this makes my job easy"

As for what I didn't like I will start off with The Hoods and that is because they are just the obvious villain of the week that we will never see or hear from again. Season one suffered a lot from this and even though I know they have to have some of these kind of villains every now and again it didn't help that The Hoods felt underdeveloped. Then there is Laurel who the writers seem to want to have a bad start to the season. I hate that she blames The Hood for what has happened and wants to track him down because after helping him so much this came completely out of no where and felt really forced. The second I heard her say that to Oliver I just knew this is going to create some unnecessary problems for Oliver that frankly the show could do without just like in season one.

Bet that was fun

Overall this is a great to start to the new season and there was a lot to mention but I think I went over all the important points.

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: Already addressing issues and flaws from season one
                   I like the changes to the city and characters in the five month gap

let - Downs: The Hoods
                     Laurel once again

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;





http://screencapped.net