Arrow Season Four: Brotherhood

As Team Arrow continues to battle HIVE Diggle makes a shocking discovery and Thea's bloodlust returns.

Wow just wow! After the episode last week that I considered to be the worst of Season Four they now gave us one that is probably the best of the season. You already know of course that this was Diggle focused ep but what I liked about it from the start is that this showed he has completely gotten over what Oliver did in Season Three and he has got this new character arc for him. Even with the events of last season Diggle has always been the rock of the team but this one showed his real vulnerable side probably for the first time in the show as he deals with the return of his brother as a HIVE Ghost. I mean Diggle had some truly emotional moments where he was fighting back tears with what his brother has become and deciding in the end to choose his new family of Team Arrow rather than Andy who did some horrible things e.g. the cool moment where he saved his "green brother". Since Andy is captured this will probably be something Diggle has to deal with for a while but I wonder what they are going to do with him now? Continuing on with this subplot we also learn more about HIVE and the fact that the Ghost are all under the influence of a drug which makes them follow orders and breaks down their DNA. It might be the drug in the Flashbacks so I'll guess we'll wait for that conformation but I wonder if Team Arrow will focus their effects on destroying the supply after the crossover episodes? As for Damien he had some really awesome and threatening scenes such as the one his one with Quentin about Laurel and when he met Oliver during his campaign speech. Then of course there was the ending where Oliver chose to confront Damien in the light rather than infiltrate HIVE like he did with the League in Season Three and while I commend Oliver for this I wonder if it is a good idea. The look on Damien's face during the speech makes me think he really suspects Oliver is the Green Arrow now and he could either target his family or run for mayor himself, now that could be interesting to see.

As for everything else finally, finally Thea's bloodlust subplot is getting interesting because before her confrontation with Damien I didn't care but afterwards it got good. Her making Damien's powers backfire on him (probably because of the Pit) was a development I have been waiting for; finally a relevant twist to the bloodlust that doesn't feel like a waste of time. Now Thea can be useful and I am looking forward to seeing what she and Malcolm are going to come up with to exploit it. Then there was Ray's subplot which was really good where he had to struggle with finding his place in the world and that's not running his company. Of course this is all set up for LOT but it gave him a small little character arc and then there was him suiting up as ATOM to kick some ass at the end which is what I wanted to see! Finally the Flashbacks look like they good be getting more interesting because Oliver now has a real mission and I liked the mysterious twig magic Reiter did; makes me think we can see more magic out of him like Damien and Constantine. Before I finish I got to say that the fights scenes in this episode where some of the best ever! I heard they got the stunt coordinator James Bamford to direct and he did an awesome job, the fight scenes weren't just a butch of quick cuts they stayed on the action. For example they really showed Black Canary kicking ass in the beginning after her scream and then there was Thea's super, damn, awesome fight with Andy in the elevator, that was edge of you seat stuff.

Overall this was just a perfect episode in my opinion, maybe Oliver as Green Arrow took a backseat but it didn't suffer for it because it was supposed to be more about Diggle anyway.

SCORE: 10/10

Highlights: A strong Diggle episode
                   Great subplots for Thea and Ray
                   Damien and more info on HIVE
                   They truly epic fight scenes


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Arrow Season Four: Restoration

"I always knew gambling could be dangerous but damn!"

Laurel and Thea visit Malcolm at Nanda Parbat to try and convince him to bring back Sara with the Lazarus Pit meanwhile in Star City Oliver and Diggle team up to take on Meta - Human Jeremy Tell AKA Double Down (JR Bourne) who is working for HIVE.

I love it when they bring Meta Humans on Arrow and this time Oliver actually got to fight one because it was Ray who fought Deathbolt. This episode was a really strong OTA (Original Team Arrow) episode which is good because I do miss when it was just the first three and it was thanks to Double Down who while being a straightforward villain was an awesome one. Double Down had such an cool power and his fight scenes showcasing it where so great like his first one with Oliver to a tie, his raid on Palmer Technologies and his final one with Oliver and Diggle; I really hope he appears in future episodes of Arrow or the Flash. It was also thanks to Double Down that Oliver and Diggle where finally able to mend their relationship which I am glad for because I want them to be civil with each other again like Diggle trusting Oliver with his two year mission or Oliver taking a playing card for Diggle. Plus I am glad we got to touch on Diggle's mission for vengeance against HIVE again since I expect to see quite a lot of it because to me this is supposed to be Diggle's season to really stand out and let the main storyline be about him. Felicity also had a strong subplot this episode, holding her own against Double Down though I admit a lot less gracefully lol. I like the team work between her and Curtis and I love we got to see the T - Spheres which makes me hopefully we will see Mr Terrific soon. Finally Damien really, and I mean really, stood out in this subplot and continues to impress me everything has the main villain. The way he used Double Down's own playing card to kill Fayad was so damn brutal and I agree with Double Down that Damien is terrifying and I do not want to get on the wrong side of him!

Really great line but Curtis here lol

As for everything else it is always good to see Malcolm again because he is just my favourite Arrow character and while I like Sara being back I didn't like the subplot overall. For starters I didn't like Laurel's attitude in this whole episode; when the Malcolm and Nyssa both agree not to bring Sara back then you should take that to heart! I also agree with Nyssa in that Laurel is doing this for the wrong reasons, it feels more selfish than anything else and I think it would have been better if Sara was brought back for better reasons than just Laurel wanting to. Thea also didn't fare too well because I have so far had mixed reactions about her condition and this episode didn't do a better job of making it better, she is kind of like a vampire now lol. As for Nyssa she just continues to annoy me in everything she does like destroying the Lazarus Pit, going on a rant about Sara, threatening to kill Malcolm; I just feel like she spoils everything in the end. I hope in the future Laurel or Malcolm kills her because I am just hating her now and I tell you this if Nyssa does kill Malcolm (like she threatens to) I will never forgive the show for that. Since Malcolm is a villain I know he could end up dead in a future season and I just think he defiantly deserves a better death than by Nyssa who has never had a good storyline and constantly whines all of the time. Finally the Flashbacks are decent and I want to know more of the Baron's plans but they are nothing to exciting so far, just have to give it more time.

You know in the LOT trailer Sara was naked coming out of the Pit, I feel cheated now

Overall the plot with Double Down was way better than the one in Nanda Parbat though I am glad Sara is back now.

SCORE 7/10

Highlights: Double Down
                   Strong Oliver, Diggle and Felicity storylines
                   Damien continues to be awesome
                   Return of Malcolm

Let - Downs: Laurel and Thea continue to be the weak links this season
                      Nyssa just spoils everything in the end   

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





http://screencapped.net/      

Arrow Season Three: This Is Your Sword

"Going to be hard wearing green again after all this awesome black"

Oliver now finishes his training to become the next Ra's Al Ghul meanwhile Malcolm makes an offer to Team Arrow and Thea goes to see Roy.

I knew it, I knew that Oliver wasn't turned to the dark side and had his own plan to bring down the League though I did kind of see it coming. It is really cool that Oliver (working with Malcolm!) came up with this big secretive plan, so secretive that they couldn't tell Team Arrow however I wish they didn't reveal it so early. The reason for this is because all of the drama and tension that was built up last episode with Oliver being a villain is gone now because we know it was fake so soon. In my opinion it might have been better to leave the reveal until the end of this episode or the beginning of the finale where it is revealed Oliver managed to cure Team Arrow without their knowledge, obviously they are not going to be killed off just like that. However at the very least Diggle did not just forgive and forget Oliver and is still holding a lot of anger towards him for the events of last episode and I am glad he is. Diggle again had some great material to work with; feeling betrayed by his best friend by the way he punched that criminal or ignored Oliver's explanation, it is going to take some time to rebuild their trust and I will say again Diggle needs a costume! (He could have used one during the chase). Before I move on I want to mention the action sequence in the desert with Team Arrow because that was freaking awesome and probably the biggest fight they have done all season. It was just so cool with Malcolm kicking ass, Laurel showing off her improved skills, Katana slashing away and Felicity having that funny moment with her tablet though it was the only time I liked her this episode. Then of course there was ATOM having an aerial dog fight with that plane and the effects in Arrow just keep getting better and better.

As for everything else I am glad we got to see Katana in full costume and action now however I just feel kind of let down because she has barely been given any character development, we have mostly just seen her as a mother in the Flashbacks. Still the final fight between her and Maseo was done so well; the sword fight was epic and Maseo's death was really sad and I liked how Katana sung to him which mirrored the death of their son. Shame to see Maseo go but I feel that his death was handled perfectly and that his story is complete. As for the Flashbacks they where good but it is a shame we don't get to see General Shrieve as much as we should be he does seem like a good villain with the way he captured Oliver, Maseo and Tatsu. Then there was Thea's visit to Roy and that was alright; mostly just there as a break from the main plot but it gave those two a proper goodbye and Roy has now passed the torch to Thea. As for Nyssa it was kind of funny how she tired to kill Oliver but I kind of think she will be let in on Team Arrow's plan and fight her father with them in the finale. Finally as I mentioned above I didn't like Felicity that much in this which is something I have said lots of times before but I shall explain it now. CW hasn't done a good job with it's women characters in the Arrow/Flash universe; Thea is a whiny brat who gets so much time invested in her yet does not do anything, Laurel was made unlikable with her drinking and drugs (though I admit they have made her way better that I actually really like her now), Iris is supposed to be this reporter but doesn't feel like one, Caitlin just feels like she's just there sometimes for the sake of it and now Felicity is plain annoying. I know they probably wanted to give her character something more to work with than just the light hearted computer expert but this pairing with Oliver has been such a downer for her and she feels that her opinion has to matter for everything.

Overall a great set up for the finale with one of the best action sequences I have seen so far.

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: Team Arrow vs. the League
                   Diggle dealing with his anger towards Oliver
                   Maseo vs. Katana

Let - Downs: Oliver revealed to not be evil was too soon
                      Flashbacks remind me that General Shrieve could have been more of a major character


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: Nanda Parbat

So freaking awesome!!

When Malcolm is captured by the League of Assassins, Oliver considers saving him for Thea's sake. Meanwhile Felicity fears for Ray when he becomes more and more obsessed with finishing the ATOM suit.

What an awesome episode, this one aired in America just before a three week break (hope we don't have that over here) and left the audience with such an unexpected cliff hanger. First off I actually really liked Laurel, Thea and Nyssa for the way they dealt with Sara death in their own way. Laurel for example did let her emotions get the better of her and attacked Malcolm, sure that was a stupid thing to do but I think she knew that and I liked her bonding with Nyssa over Sara's laugh. Thea betrayed Malcolm to the League and told Laurel and Nyssa the truth but it was good seeing her admitting that she did feel guilty after having a great moment with Roy. Just thought I'd point out that it was cool how they went back to Roy killing the cop in season two and his guilt over it, until this episode I thought he just moved on. Finally there is Nyssa' whose feelings for Sara has probably now cost her being the Heir of the Demon and I am interested to know how this turns out however I do hope she finally moves on from Sara and hating Malcolm soon so they can add something else to her story. Malcolm was also great in this episode because of how he had to deal with everyone against him (except Oliver it seems), I liked how he never took Laurel seriously in their fight and it shows how dangerous Ra's actually is since Malcolm was afraid. There was a lot of awesome action sequences from all these characters as well; especially Diggle and Oliver's assault on the League, however I am a bit disappointed in that because the episode was a bit slow paced so we only got the last five minutes of the episode with it and after so much hype.

Just like the good old days of the beginning

Now as for Ra's offer to Oliver that was something I really didn't expect and even though I think Oliver will turn him down he will definitely be considering it next episode, he can't just turn it down straight away. You know I have read some people complaining that Arrow is being too much like Batman because of this Ra's story adaptation but since the writers have confirmed there will be no Batman in this I praise them for weaving it in the Arrow story so well and they do put their own original elements in it as well. Also I am positive now a Lazarus Pit exists because of I don't think that was just any pool Ra's was in at the beginning and how he said he met a magician all way back in the 1850!! You know I am really liking Matt Nable as Ra's al Ghul because the guy is just so imposing whenever he is on screen, you can really feel that this guy is the most dangerous man in the world. I just hope that from this point on we see a lot more of Ra's and that he takes a more active role in the story but since we are over the half way point in season three I'm sure we will.

"Your father is never going to care about Sara's death so............GET OVER IT!"

As for everything else Diggle defiantly deserves some praise because after not being that active the last few episodes he was right in the thick of it now. He had some really great talking moments with Oliver such as in the club or when they where captured and I am so glad he went with Oliver to save Malcolm. When that happened I just thought "Good old Dig; the constant rock of the group who will always have Oliver's back", luckily I hear there is a Suicide Squad episode soon and that always focuses on him more. Now we also get the big reveal of Ray as ATOM and that suit looked so freaking awesome!!!! I just really love that design and it was so epic when he flew; I know people may say that it is a knock off Ironman but we haven't seen what it can do yet and for all we know it could get his shrinking powers soon (seen him and Felicity in a Flash trailer so maybe then?). I liked the moments with Ray and Felcitiy as well because I have always enjoyed the chemistry between them (I prefer them two together than her and Oliver) and they brought in some much need humour. Finally while the Flashbacks where short and not too important they where not the big focus anyway and they where entertaining enough.

"Since there is no Batman you will have to do"

Overall this was an epic episode that was only brought down by it's slow pace and the Diggle and Oliver attack on the League didn't pay off as much as I wanted it to. Plus I do hope Thea's hatred of Malcolm doesn't last for too long because even though it will be understandable that she doesn't forgive him I just want her to work him again like before.

SCORE: 9/10

Highlights: ATOM!!!!!!!!!!!
                   Laurel, Thea and Nyssa subplots
                   Malcolm and Diggle played an important role
                   Ra's al Ghul continues to be awesome

Let - Downs: Slow pace
                      Oliver and Diggle attacking the League could have been longer

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: Suicide Squad

Oh yeah the Suicide Squad!

The episode starts with Oliver having a nightmare about Shado so next morning he uses his Bravta connections for information on Slade however he insults them in the process, Diggle is then seen protecting Felicity from possible attacks and he is still in a relationship again with Lyla. Waller then meets them at their hotel and wants the two of them to go on a mission to retrieve a nerve agent from arms dealer Gholem Qadir who, it is revealed in several Flashbacks, Diggle, Lyla and Ted Gaynor saved his life in Afghanistan. Diggle and Lyla meet their backup on the mission; Task Force X AKA Suicide Squad whose members are Deadshot, Bronze Tiger and Shrapnel, meanwhile Arrow stops two criminals while Deathstroke looks on and leaves his old mask for Arrow to find. Diggle meets Qadir at an auction while the Suicide Squad backs him up and while there Diggle saves Qadir's life because Deadshot fakes assassinating him however Shrapnel is killed when he tries to escape with the bomb in his head exploding. This later angers Diggle but he is invited to a party Qadir is having for saving his life.

"Awww crap I'm screwed"

In Starling City Arrow finds Slade's hideout but only his dead Bravta contact is there meanwhile at the part Diggle, Lyla, Deadshot and Bronze Tiger infiltrate the party. Deadshot finds the nerve agent so Waller orders him to stay put while she orders a drone strike and that the rest of the team should leave however Diggle instead warns the party. Qadir then finds Lyla but is killed by Bronze Tiger and Diggle manages to convince Deadshot to leave by reminding him of his daughter Zoey. The team also manages to avoid the strike by taking out Deadshot's bomb which was a beacon for it, they get away but Waller is angry because of the failed strike. Bronze Tiger and Deadshot return to their cells and Diggle reassures Deadshot he could get out soon however Deadshot is sceptical. The episode ends with it revealing that Waller and Oliver know each other and Oliver asking for information which Waller then does by showing him footage of Deathstroke.

Bronze Tiger should have done more stabbing in this

Finally we get the Suicide Squad which I have been looking forward to ever since Waller said it to Bronze Tiger and it did not disappoint. This was also a Diggle focused episode which is always good because the guy just deserve more in this series, a costume and name to start with! It was good seeing Deadshot again because he and Diggle have an interesting work relationship now because even though Deadshot killed his brother Diggle is starting to understand and sympathise more with the sniper now. For example how he talked him out of being blown up; I think Diggle doesn't blame Deadshot anymore he blames H.I.V.E (which we still haven't seen yet) and I guess working together on missions creates a bit of a bond. Bronze Tiger is still as badass as ever and still one of my favourite villains, it was even good seeing Shrapnel again so he can get his head blown off lol. I kind of wish their mission could have been more action packed instead of infiltrating a party but I blame that on Qadir because he was a really underdeveloped villain and we don't even know how he went from terrorist in Afghanistan to rich guy throwing parties. As always Waller continues to annoyed me because I just do not like her or the casting for her; they haven't done her comic counterpart justice in my opinion. Plus I don't really like Lyla either if I am honest, I know she is Diggle's love interest but I'm just not bothered about her.

"Behind a scope is where I belong"

As for the rest of the episode I liked the moment with Diggle protecting Felicity at the beginning because it shows how much Team Arrow cares for one another, nice scene. Arrow's subplot was also really cool because I just love the way Slade is just toying with him and leading him on a wild goose chase. We also see that Oliver and Waller know each other which is probably going to be explained in more Flashbacks sooner or later and even though I hate Waller I do want to know more of this connection. Lastly I like the appearance of Ted Gaynor once again but more than that the cameo of Harley Quinn! I hope this means that we see her next time in the Suicide Squad because she is one of it's famous members in the comics and one of DC's popular characters overall. I do hope that next time the Suicide Squad is the focus that they get more members and if Diggle gets more involved then I think it would be great if he is the Arrow TV series version of Unknown Solider who is a member of the Suicide Squad in the comics. I think this could work because Unknown Solider is a character shrouded in mystery and they don't even have to use any of his comic backstory; just have Diggle dress up similar to him and give him the name.

Your famous Deathstroke!

Overall great introduction to the Suicide Squad and I hope we get at least one or two episodes focusing on them per season.

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: Suicide Squad
                   A Diggle focused ep is always good
                   Arrow's subplot

Let - Downs: Waller
                      Qadir was a poor villain


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: Keep Your Enemies Closer

You should call this episode Diggle, not Arrow

The episode begins with Felicity interrupting a meeting Oliver is having with Isabel because Roy has contacted them with information on counterfeit plates. Oliver gets there as Arrow however Roy is unable to stop himself from helping and is arrested and Diggle is abducted by an unknown group. Turns out Diggle was kidnapped by A.R.G.U.S and Amanda Waller (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) wants him to rescue Lyla who is being held in a Russian cell while tracking Deadshot meanwhile Quentin lets Roy go because of his involvement with Arrow. When Diggle announces his plan to go to Russia Oliver and Felicity decide to help as well and at the airport Isabel invites herself. In a Flashback Sara advises Oliver to give a fake name and when Ivo arrives he says he is at the island to retrieve a super - solider serum the Japanese where working on called Mirakuru and wants Oliver to help find it. In Russia Isabel is angry believing Oliver is using a company jet to be with Felicity later Oliver and Diggle meet with Oliver's old friend Knyazev for help in getting into the Gulag Lyla is in, Diggle then reveals Lyla is his ex - wife.

"Now what shall we talk about Mr Queen?"

Diggle gets himself arrested so he can be sent to the Gulag and in a Flashback it is revealed Slade and Shado are alive but Slade his badly burned. In the Gulag Diggle gets into a fight with one of the prisoners and is sent to the freezer and chained up along with Deadshot meanwhile Isabel and Oliver bond more. One of the guards releases Diggle so he can rescue Lyla however Deadshot kills him so he can be involved in the escape plan, outside Oliver, Felicity and Knyazev stand by to help out. In a Flashback Sara leads Oliver to the radio room who confirms Slade and Shado are alive however she is forced to sever the connection when Ivo arrives. Deadshot leads Diggle to Lyla and they escape when Oliver sets off explosives, Diggle reluctantly lets Deadshot go but Deadshot then says it was an organization called H.I.V.E that wanted his brother dead. Back home Diggle thanks Oliver and Felicity then starts to research H.I.V.E and in prison Moira urges Thea to get together with Roy; Thea having broken up with him earlier because the lawyer said he would hurt her mother's image. The episode ends in a Flashback and Sara has convinced Ivo to spare Oliver life as long as he leads them to the skeletons he found earlier.

Wonder if he would have done it if Deadshot didn't help him?

Finally this season we got a Diggle centred episode that we needed and it was a great and something different from what we have had so far. What I mean is that we actually got to get out of Starling City and Diggle had to go undercover himself to rescue Lyla. We also got the reunion between Diggle and Deadshot and it was great seeing those two characters confront each other again and Diggle proved more honourable than I thought in letting Deadshot go. However it seems Diggle may soon get even more of a story to work with as Deadshot mentioned the H.I.V.E organization which also exists in the comics, hopefully they will play a major role soon. I did like everything else in Russian such as a change to a snowy setting and that Knyazev from the Flashbacks is there, I'm really interested in seeing how he got off the Amazo now. However what I didn't like in the Russia moments was the forced love triangle between Isabel, Felicity and Oliver because it was kind of silly and even though I'm sure Isabel has a larger role to play she felt kind of pointless here.

Pick a fight Diggle, you need to build some cred

As for everything else I was also disappointed in Waller in this, her character and her casting. She doesn't come across as the intimidating and commanding individual she is in the comics and in fact she looks more like a secretary than anything else; I'm just not feeling that Robinson was the right choice at all with the stuff I just mentioned. I also didn't care that much for the Roy and Thea moments because it was just them basically breaking up and getting back together and they did that last season. However the Flashbacks where really great and I feel like we are making some progress finally and that is when Ivo talked about the super - solider serum. I was really glad when he said that because this is the kind of thing I wanted to in season one, if they do feature super - soldiers it will make this seem more like the comics. Plus since Slade an Shado are revealed to still be alive maybe we will get some cool rescue operation for Oliver.

"You trying to cosplay as me kid? Cause you haven't even got the colour right"

Overall I enjoyed that Diggle got the spotlight and we got some great action with him and scenes with Deadshot, however it should have focused more on them because I feel that it was a slight let down after how awesome the last episode was and now that Sara has left.

SCORE: 6/10

Highlights: Diggle and Deadshot
                   Having it set in Russia
                   Flashbacks

Let - Downs: Hated Waller
                      Isabel could have had a better role/purpose in this episode
                      Roy and Thea subplot

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 One: Home Invasion

"47 has got nothing on me!"

The episode begins with Team Arrow planning how to take down Deadshot who is back in Starling City to complete a contract, in a Flashback Slade and Shado are arguing how to use Oliver to rescue Yao Fei. In the present Laurel is representing the Moore family who are suing corrupt businessman Edward Ramus, unfortunately a hitman called Mr Blank (J. August Richards) kills the husband and wife but their child gets away. Laurel then agrees to take care of the boy until his next of kin arrive and in a Flashback Shado teaches Oliver how to use a bow. Roy later steals a police radio when trying to find out more about The Hood and Mr Blank later tries to kill Laurel, Tommy and the boy at Laurel's apartment but the three are saved by The Hood, Tommy then grudgingly suggests Laurel and the boy stay at Oliver's for now. Later Oliver decides not to help Diggle kill Deadshot at a mall and instead goes after Ramus, Diggle tires to kill Deadshot on his own but is almost killed himself. At the Arrowcave an angry Diggle quits the team after Oliver was not there for him and for always putting Laurel first even when he really shouldn't.

Diggle could really use  costume now

In a Flashback Oliver is getting better with a bow and is also getting closer to Shado meanwhile in the present Laurel is thankful to Oliver for what he has done. At the SCPD Mr Blank kills Ramus while posing as his lawyer and Thea convinces Quentin to let Roy go after he was arrested earlier for stealing the radio but then later decides to help Roy to find The Hood. Mr Blank then sneaks into Queen Manor to eliminate all of the witnesses however he is killed by Oliver in a fight and the boy is later given safely to his next of kin. The episode ends with Tommy leaving Laurel, believing he cannot compete with Oliver if she finds out he is The Hood and in a Flashback Yao Fei has brought Fyer's soldiers to the hideout seemingly betraying them.

"Flying punch attack!"

This episode was the final one before the major end - of - series events take place, so you could say this is a mix bag, good but overall not important. You could say this because the plot for it's main story is simple and generic; a hitman going after a witness that needs protecting. I did like Mr Blank because the guy was a cold badass even if he wasn't fleshed out but everything else about the story just wasn't that exciting. This is probably because knowing what is going to happen in the next three episode there was no need to put in any over the top fight, stunts or crazy villain plots. I did like that Tommy is once again distancing himself from everything to do with Oliver and that includes breaking up with Laurel thinking he can't measure up to Oliver. Tommy is just such a likable guy in the series and it is sad seeing how everything just seems to be against him right now.

Yao Fei how could you!?

Now what I found more exciting then the main story was the subplots, especially the one involving Diggle. As I thought Deadshot is going to be Diggle's main enemy throughout the series and will continue to remain thanks to Oliver. I really have to agree with Diggle that Oliver selfishly puts Laurel first before anything else, it is slightly annoying like how he is blind to his mom's involvement in The Undertaking. I don't think Diggle will be gone for long but it is Oliver who defiantly has to do the apologizing here. We also have Roy who is obsessed with finding The Hood and Thea helping him which is good because it gives Thea a better storyline and Roy is supposed to be The Hood's partner one day.

You really know how to scare the crap out of kids Quentin

Overall because of the three episode arc after this, this episode didn't really feel too significant and mostly felt like filler. However it has some good subplots and character development involving Diggle and Tommy.

SCORE: 6/10

Highlights: Mr Blank was cool though not fleshed out
                   Diggle and Deadshot subplot
                   Tommy and Roy where great

Let - Downs: Nothing was really too exciting in this
                      Oliver is getting annoying when it comes to Laurel

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 One: Trust but Verify

"This is my show now"

The episode begins with an armoured truck heist and Diggle is shocked to learn that Oliver's suspect is his former commanding officer and mentor, Ted Gaynor. In a Flashback Oliver uses his commando disguise to infiltrate Fyer's camp to rescue Yao Fie but runs in to Fyers, in the present Tommy is busy renovating the club when he gets a call from his father who apologizes for before and wants dinner with him and Laurel. The Hood then goes to confront Gaynor but is stopped when Diggle intervenes but manages to steal a flash drive, Diggle is then given a job at Gaynor's security company. Back at the Arrowcave Oliver is furious with Diggle but Diggle believes Gaynor is a good man and wants to prove it, Oliver agrees to let him; we then have a Flashback and Oliver has been found out by Fyers. Later Moira is called in to a meeting with Malcolm but demands evidence that Walter is alright, their meeting is witnessed by Thea who believes they are having an affair, elsewhere Laurel convinces Tommy to have dinner with Malcolm. Diggle has dinner with Gaynor at his sister in law's restaurant and even though he meets another former solider named Paul Knox who he never got along with still thinks Gaynor is innocent. Thea later tells her worries to Oliver who then confronts Moira about them but she denies having an affair with Malcolm and that Robert was unfaithful to her, in a Flashback Oliver is captured by Fyers.

Kind of almost sad Malcolm spoiled the moment, they where getting along so well

While Tommy, Laurel and Malcolm have dinner Malcolm tries to get Tommy to sign over a free health clinic that was run by his late mother, Tommy refuses and storms out. Oliver later gives the flash drive to Felicity who cracks it and informs him that that it has information on the robberies, Oliver disrupts one of them and seriously wounds one of the robbers. At Thea's 18th birthday party she gets a car but also a new drug called Vertigo from her friends and then angrily leaves after again thinking Moira and Malcolm are having an affair. Oliver then asks Diggle to poke around the security company where he finds blood in one of the vans and is then confronted by Gaynor and Knox who are behind the robberies; they have even kidnapped Diggle's sister in law to force him to help with the next robbery. Diggle refuses to go along with the robbery and The Hood shows up; Knox is killed and Gaynor soon as well after a fight, Diggle is arrested but soon let go. Oliver later shows lets Diggle cross Ted Gaynor's name off the list and apologies for not trusting him more. Thea then gets in to a car accident under the influence of Vertigo and winds up in hospital, she also wants nothing to do with Moira but is arrested by the police for being on drugs. The episode ends in a Flashback where it is reveal Yao Fei is working for Fyers.

A bow vs. a knife

Got a good Diggle centred episode here and it is about time because we defiantly need to learn more about his past because they don't talk about it much and they haven't expanded on his Deadshot connection yet. I really like that it raised the issue of trust because Diggle was torn between old loyalties or his new one to Oliver to help Starling City because it does show how he looks for the good in people, like Oliver and why he helps him. Also again it shows him taking a more active role in helping the city than just supporting Oliver; in this he went undercover and even fought Gaynor. It might not be as cool as seeing him act as The Hood but it sure is a start, Diggle is one of the best characters in the show and I want to see even more of him and Felicity. Felicity too is an interesting character and as smart as she is she is defiantly going to figure out that Oliver is The Hood soon; I mean everyone comes to her with all of their problems and it is interesting how many BS stories Oliver can come up with lol.



"Is that real food!!"

Other stuff that was great was again the moments we have between Tommy and his father; the two have such a complicated relationship and I want to know why they don't get along that much, it is also confirmed that Tommy's mother is dead and maybe that has something to do with it. Malcolm obviously developed more of a bleak outlook on life after that and how Tommy gave us more background on him. I'm guessing in those two years he was gone he must have became an expert fighter and archer and I hope we get a Flashback for it, plus the scene with Tommy talking and you see Malcolm next to his costume was really cool. I also liked the Flashback this episode with Oliver sneaking into the enemy camp to rescue Yao Fei; he already thinks he is Big Boss! It was a surprise to learn that Yao Fei is working for Fyers but I'm sure that after everything that has happened he is being threatened in some way and that he will end up helping Oliver. Also I guess this shows how much Oliver has changed since being on the island since he is willing to risk going in to an enemy camp to rescue someone he barely knows, like the time he didn't give up Yao Fei's name under torture.

"I love being on TV"

Now for the thing that has let the episode down; Thea, I really cannot stand the stupid things she continues to do. I mean why did she get so upset about her mom maybe having an affair with Malcolm? she barely had any proof and now she doesn't want anything to do with Moira again. Also how can she be so stupid to drive under drugs influences? I don't know if their trying to make us sympathise with her or make a tragic subplot because I can't, she is just a whiny, annoying, stuck - up bitch (she annoys me that much it's uncensored!). However at the very least we got the mention of Vertigo and it has me more worried than anything else. In the comics the Arrow has a villain called Count Vertigo who has the power called the Vertigo Effect to disrupt his enemies' balance which is useful in combat (can even work to disrupt equipment). This has me worried because if they are kind of introducing his power as a drug than just like most things in this show Count Vertigo will be turned in to someone realistic and grounded.

"You should have joined us Diggle, unlike the Arrow we would have paid you"

Overall I like this episode because it focused more on Diggle and the Flashbacks continue to be some of the strongest moments in the series.

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: Diggle focused episode with a good showdown at the end
                   Great Flashback
          Tommy and Malcolm continue to have on of the more interesting character relationships        

Let - Downs: Thea continues to annoy
                      Worries for Count Vertigo if he gets introduced

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 One: Damaged



"I'm going to make your life a living hell boy"

The episode starts off with the hooded man teaching Oliver how to use a bow and arrow and of course it isn't easy. Oliver is then sent to retrieve the rabbit the hooded man shot but is soon captured in a wooden cage by several commandos wearing all black. Back in the present Oliver is brought to the police station and is interrogated by Quentin who believes he is The Hood after seeing the footage of him. Walter and Moira arrive shortly in to the interrogation demanding that Oliver needs a lawyer however Oliver wants Laurel to defend him. At the bail hearing Oliver is put under house arrest while wearing a GPS tracking device, he thanks Laurel for what she has done but Laurel says she knows he cannot be The Hood.

"At least I can make this mug shot look good"

Oliver is then fitted for his GPS tracking device and says to Tommy that they should hold a prison - themed party at his manor. Meanwhile Quentin is angry at Laurel for siding with Oliver but Laurel insists that he is innocent and that he shouldn't be blamed for Sara's death or for Quentin getting divorced shortly after. Diggle wonders how Oliver will get out of this but Oliver says this was all part of his plan; to get caught on camera since he needs all suspicion of him being The Hood gone. He then tells Diggle to follow a German arms dealer in Starling City named Leo Mueller with his tracking equipment. Later Walter is talking with head of security for Queen's Consolidated and wants him to move the remains of the Queen's Gambit.

Finding it fun working for the Arrow yet Diggle?

Oliver later refuses to accept the insanity plea but agrees to take a polygraph test however Laurel does not believe that is the best option. In a Flashback Oliver is brought before a man named Edward Fyers (Sebastian Dunn) who is the leader of the commandos that are on the island. He wants to know where Yao Fei (the hooded man) is and Oliver says he doesn't know, Fyers isn't convinced by this and brings in a man wearing a black and yellow mask (Jeffrey Robinson). In the present Thea is worried about the situation but Oliver says there is nothing to worry about meanwhile Moria meets with Malcolm who says the charges are false but Malcolm believes that Oliver is hiding something.

I probably would have told them everything.........what? It's freaking Deathstroke!

During the polygraph test Oliver manages to lie through it successfully but thinks back to when he was cut by the man in the mask. He vaguely mentions that he was tortured to Quentin and Laurel and admits that he killed Sara by bringing her on the Queen's Gambit before ending the test. That night Oliver throws his party, Quentin is there as well, and tells Diggle he needs him to be The Hood so stop Mueller while he has the perfect alibi, Diggle agrees to do it. Laurel comes to the party and apologises to Oliver and they even kiss but she soon leaves. In a Flashback Yao Fei has arrived to save Oliver and fights the man in the mask but leaves shortly with Oliver.

 

He really knows how to throw a party

In the present Diggle has successfully stopped Mueller's arms deal as The Hood and Walter finds out that the head of security was killed and accuses Moira of lying to him. Later at the party a waiter pulls a gun on Oliver but Quentin manages to kill the waiter, Moira snaps at Quentin for endangering her son since he is accusing him to be The Hood (even though she suspects the killer was sent by Malcolm). Quentin frees Oliver of the GPS and drops all charges because of the waiter killer and the fact that Diggle posed as The Hood to stop an arms deal, giving Oliver an alibi. Moira later tells Malcolm to never harm her family again and even finds out that he killed the head of security because Walter is finding out too much.

 

"Let Oliver stay on house arrest; I can do this myself"

In a Flashback Yao Fei takes Oliver back to the cave but leaves soon after giving him a pouch. Laurel confronts Oliver that he managed to lie on polygraph test but Oliver manages to still divert suspicion from himself. Walter is then seen leaving the manor, saying he is taking a long business trip and doesn't know how long he will be gone. The episode ends with Diggle asking Oliver if he knows how his plan will affect his friends and family, Oliver says that it hurts worse than anything before tracking down and stopping Mueller.

 

The answer's never in a bottom of a bottle Quentin

This was probably the best episode of Arrow so far; for me it had the best fight scenes, flashback and present day moments out of the five episodes. Firstly there was Oliver's predicament on convincing everyone that he isn't The Hood and it was a great plan in the end, he is lucky that he has Diggle on his side now. Speaking of Diggle he kicked some major ass in this episode, I am liking his character more and more and this one proved that he can defiantly help out Oliver on the streets. Not only did he look awesome as The Hood but he had a great fight scene with those arms dealers, one of the best parts of the episode. I really hope Diggle continues to help out more with the fighting, maybe even get his own costume or even fill in from time to time for Oliver.

 

This fight was pretty damn epic!

Now as we are on the subject of great fights the one between Yao Fei and Deathstroke was truly epic, the name Deathstroke might not have been mentioned but I recognize that mask even if it is a bit different. My favourite shot in this episode was when Deathstroke caught the arrow, it had a comic - book feel to it and the fight the came after as well. See just like with Deadshot this is the type of villain I want to see in Arrow; possessing skills that make them seem superhuman with a great costume to match. The rest of the Flashback was great as well, with the inclusion of this military force led by Fyers giving Oliver another obstacle on the island. Of course I want to know exactly why they are here and why they are interested in Yao Fei and great that we also got to see how Oliver got one of his very first scars.

 

Staring contest!

The rest of the episode was great as well such as Malcolm sending a killer after Oliver, I think this proves that he is going to be at least one of the main antagonists in the present and again makes you wonder what he and Moira are involved in? Like always Quentin has a great story arc in the episode, despite how angry he is at Oliver and how much he wanted to convict him he did save his life at the end and its actually good seeing Laurel on Oliver's side for once. Also as I mentioned above I did like watching all of Oliver's plan to prove his innocent from the polygraph to throwing that party.  

 

"You can't take it off because it's taped to your leg hair, which really hurts"

Overall as I mentioned above this is the best episode of Arrow so far with great past and present day story with the inclusion of such an iconic DC villain. I don't think there was anything bad in this episode because I immensely enjoyed it however I admit maybe Deathstroke could have had a few speaking lines but maybe they want to make he seem more menacing or mysterious right now. 

 

SCORE: 10/10

 

Highlights: Deathstroke/Flashbacks

                   Diggle as The Hood

                   The whole present - day storyline

 

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 One: An Innocent Man

"I'll join if I get a costume"

The episode begins where the last one left off with Diggle waking up and finding out that Oliver is The Hood. Oliver asks him to join him in his fight to help Starling City but he refuses, believing Oliver to just be a murderer and walks off. Oliver then meets Laurel at his manor who gives him a lecture which causes him to have a Flashback to him back at the cave and the hooded man sees him looking at pictures in his wallet. In the present Oliver and Thea manage to bond again but while watching the news Oliver discovers a connection between Peter Declan, a death row inmate, and Jason Brodeur, one of the men on his list, in the morning Oliver is shocked to find out Diggle has quit. Oliver is then seen making new arrows in his hideout while investigating that Declan is accused of killing his wife.

"I like to think of this as my art"

At night Oliver, as The Hood, visits Laurel and convinces her that Declan was set up and Brodeur is the guilty one; Laurel then visits Iron Heights in the morning and believes Declan is innocent. Meanwhile Quentin tries to convince Laurel to drop the Declan case while Walter becomes suspicious of Moira and thinks she knows more of the Queen's Gambit. Oliver later visits Diggle at his sister - in - law's restaurant to convince him it join him and manages to get to Diggle by saying that Deadshot was the one who killed his brother. Later Laurel then contacts The Hood and says that she needs more evidence and Oliver manages to get more by threatening Declan's former supervisor on why Declan was framed meanwhile Walter enlists the help of Felicity to find out more about the Queen's Gambit. We then have a Flashback to when the hooded man tells Oliver he must kill an animal for food and back in the present The Hood tells Laurel that Declan is definitely innocent.

"Everyone else hogs the screen time, I say we take some"

Laurel then tries to get Declan released but still doesn't have enough information and is even stopped by Brodeur and Quentin, she tells The Hood about this. Oliver then visits Brodeur and finds out of a plan to kill Declan and Laurel during a "prison breakout" which is happening now. Oliver manages to save them both as a masked prison guard but has to be stopped from killing someone by Laurel, we then have a Flashback where Oliver does manage to kill an animal. Later Walter finds the remains of the Queen's Gambit with Felicity's help and Quentin sees security footage of Oliver retrieving The Hood costume the night he fought Deadshot. The episode ends with Moira meeting a man named Malcolm (John Barrowman) and Diggle agreeing to work for Oliver again and help him but Oliver is soon arrested by Quentin for being The Hood.

Oliver's backup costume

Seems like Oliver's identity may be revealed to the public soon and after only 4 episodes lol. I admit that ending was quite a surprise because I just didn't expect it and I wonder how Oliver is going to get out of this one. It is possible that he has some plans for his new ally Diggle because if he is in a holding cell next episode than having someone on the outside could help. Speaking of Diggle I am really glad that he has come round to accepting Oliver as The Hood and I hope this means that if Oliver manages to convince everyone is isn't The Hood that he will help take out the bad guys. Also it was interesting hearing that Deadshot killed Diggle's brother and that is another reason why Deadshot has to be alive; there just has to be a confrontation between these characters.

"Don't you touch my fries!"

As for the rest of the episode I liked that Felicity is back (everyone just seems to give her their IT problems) because you just can't help but like her and I'm glad she is helping Walter because it gives these two character's their own subplot. I wonder how Moira will react when she finds out about this and I wonder what part Malcolm plays in all of this. I think Thea was a lot better in this episode because she was more of the helpful little sister in this and was there more for Oliver when he needed her. Also the Flashbacks was really good because I like how Oliver could barely bring himself to kill an animal for food yet had to be stopped from killing someone in the present. This kind of shows that Oliver is used to the killing by now and the experiences on the island has dulled of impact of taking a human life.

How is he going to get out of this one

Lastly while I think that the whole "prison breakout" scene was awesome and The Hood kicked some serious ass, after including Deadshot in the last episode I was disappointed that we didn't get to see another comic villain. I guess I shouldn't expect to see a comic villain in every episode and it probably is better that way because we just can't have one every time. This does lower the excitement slightly however because unlike Deadshot I don't think these corrupt businessmen on his list pose much of a problem for Oliver at all.

Lucky he is a skilled negotiator too 

Overall this was a good episode; the excitement has died down from the aftermath of Deadshot but I am glad we learned more about Diggle and Oliver is sure going to be in trouble next episode.

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: Diggle and Deadshot connection/ Diggle joining Oliver
                   The prison breakout
                   Walter and Felicity now have a larger part

Let - Downs: Villain or his plan in this was not as threatening as Deadshot