The Flash Season Two: Legends Of Today

Vandal Savage (Casper Crump) and Hawkman (Falk Hentschel) both set their sights on Kendra for their own purposes so Team Flash asks Team Arrow for help meanwhile Wells develops a serum that could improve Barry's speed.

I have been so looking forward to these crossover episodes, especially since we have had a week break from Arrow and Flash and so far it did not disappoint. You know what is the best part of a crossover? watching the interactions between Team Flash and Team Arrow when they have to work together. Like the rivalry between Felicity and Cisco, the reactions of Diggle has he tries to wrap his head around the Meta Humans in Central City and easily Barry and Oliver rely on each other which makes you think their shows have always been combined. It is nice to see that the cast of both of these shows feels so comfortable around each other that these crossovers don't feel forced at all. Now on to the events and we have got three new additions to the cast; Kendra (who is now properly Hawkgirl) Hawkman and Vandal Savage and this was a awesome episode for the debut of all three. First off Casper Crump as Savage was just really, really good; he brought a lot of threatening charisma to the character and I enjoyed watching his attacks on Team Flash and Arrow. Again they are doing a really good job of introducing magic now, first with Damien and now with Savage who now brings immortally which is a real step up. I also liked that his story tied in so closely with Hawkgirl and Hawkman's plot and that there is another praise; I was really impressed with the Hawkgirl/Hawkman subplot because it felt like it was ripped right out of the comics, they just followed it so closely! Hawkgirl was the bigger standout because we got to see her realising her true self and gaining her wings and we really got to see struggling with that in every scene. Hawkman kind of felt shoved in out of no where for the plot but I am not going to mark that down because he still made a really impressive debut, Falk Hentschel did an awesome job and as I already said his plot with Hawkgirl was a standout.

As for everything else the fight scenes in this episode where truly damn awesome!! Everyone one of them where just so great like Green Arrow and Flash vs. Hawkman (them two fighting a flying enemy was great) and their fight against Savage for the staff of Horus, loved that fight because the effects where just so cool! A let down however was the fact that Malcolm was in this episode (his first crossover one!) and we didn't get to see him fight at all which was a real shame. Since this was an immortal being they where facing I thought this would be defiantly be more up the League's street but they weren't as involved as they should have been. Another let down was the plot involving Well's serum for Barry; it was nice to see they haven't forgotten about Zoom even in the crossover and it was good seeing Jay again but it really was just a distraction from the main plot. I just got annoyed because again if Patty wasn't just kept in the dark about everything her shooting Wells could have been avoided and Joe didn't even bother to tell her with this perfect opportunity again. Finally this isn't a let down I just wanted to say I enjoyed that Damien got a little role at the beginning with his HIVE forces vs. Team Arrow, and useful new trick arrow too.

Overall a great part one for the crossover over which perfectly brought the Hawkgirl/Hawkman plot from the comics to live action.

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: Team Flash and Team Arrow working together
                   Awesome fight scenes
                   debut of Savage and Hawkgirl/Hawkman plot

Let - Downs: Malcolm and the League should have played a bigger part
                      Didn't car much for the serum subplot

Again sorry that there is no images for this episode but screencapped is undergoing maintenance.        

Arrow Season Four: Beyond Redemption

How will Quentin deal with this shock?

Laurel has to deal with a feral Sara when she brings her back to Star City meanwhile rouge police officers lead by Liza Warner (Rutina Wesley) are causing trouble for both Green Arrow and Quentin.
I have praised him a lot this season but Quentin, Paul Blackthorne, defiantly deserves it because he had the spotlight in this episode. He was involved in both of the major subplots and made a big contribution to both with which is probably his best performance in a episode of far in Arrow. Him finding out that Sara was alive was so well done; his initial shock at seeing her tied up in a basement, having some shred of hope when he thought she was responsive and then horror at when he had to save Laurel from her. It made for some really powerful stuff but the real emotional scene came when he took Damien's advice and tired to kill Sara, seeing it has a kind of mercy. The way he almost pulled the trigger and then broke down when he couldn't do it, again this is Blackthorne's best performance in my opinion and scene speaks for itself. Then of course he was part of the subplot to stop Warner and this is when you can tell how hard it has been for Quentin to have the double life of being a cop and working for Damien. He almost lost his faith in the city (like Oliver) after seeing the corruption in the force but managed to claw out of the darkness with a great speech that inspired both Warner and Oliver during the fight at the end. I also of course have to mention the two scenes with him and Oliver talking in his apartment because those where also some of their best scenes together. Amell was also so good because of the way he argued against Quentin, saying that for ages he has just wanted his approval and with Quentin saying how screwed he basically is working with Damien. I am glad that he and Oliver have a better relationship now because I defiantly much prefer it when they work together then against one another.

Police gear for a costume does look really cool

As for everything else the villains where really good, corrupt cops aren't anything too special but they tired in perfectly with what Quentin is going through this episode. I really enjoyed the action scenes with them; it was some awesome fighting, their special weapons where really cool and I am glad we got to see the Canary Cry again. Warner also made for a good villain because she really held her own in a fight against Green Arrow, she was really humanised as well with the way she wasn't evil but just someone desperation wanting to leave a dying city and with the way things ended I think we might see a redemption story with her in the future. Oliver's subplot at being mayor was better then I thought especially with the reveal that they are using Sebastian Blood's old office and lair (good call back to Season Two) and that they made a kickass new lair that looked really cool! His Flashbacks are still good, not a highlight or let down they are just good so far. Then there was Felicity's subplot involving Ray's last message and while I like her scenes with Curtis and I want her to find Ray they just felt really out of place this episode and just a mild distraction from the two major plots involving Quentin. Finally Laurel continues to be a weak link this season (shame because I really liked her in Season Three) because again I just think her bringing Sara back has been for selfish reasons and it is hard to sympathise with her when Quentin does a better job of it.

"I will now run this city"

Overall a near perfect episode and Quentin's best so far and I am looking forward to next week's with the arrival of John Constantine! I usually avoid spoilers and previews but him arriving has been such a big topic for this season it was hard to avoid some, like which episode he appears in.

SCORE: 9/10

Highlights: Best Quentin episode
                   Warner and her cops where good villains
                   Oliver was also great

Let - Downs: Laurel still hasn't been that great
                      Felicity's subplot just felt too out of place

   
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/          

The Arrow Season Four: Green Arrow

New season, new threads

Oliver and Felicity have been living a quiet life after leaving Starling City however Laurel and Thea arrive to ask for Oliver's help when a former League member Damien Darhk (Neal Mcdonough) shows up with his own HIVE forces.

 

I said that in my Flash review that while it's first episode of the new season was great it didn't have much of an impact however Arrow.......just WOW, it nailed it completely! I wondered how Oliver and Felicity where going to go back to the vigilante lifestyle after we spend the first five minutes with them in suburban paradise and I was surprised that it was mainly due to Felicity who has been secretly helping Team Arrow because she was bored. I liked that they didn't waste too much time bringing them back it was just like; "The city is worse than we thought and we miss the thrill, so lets get back into it.". It was enjoyable to see them come back where we see more of Felicity back to her old positive self and Oliver himself seems a lot more open and light - hearted which is a great change from the depressive tone of Season Three so good job to Amell. As for the rest of Team Arrow Diggle was a definite standout because after three seasons of being Oliver right hand man he is the most reluctant to accept him back because of how Oliver betrayed him; the bromance isn't completely back yet but we still see them working together (plus I like his costume and I don't care what anyone else says). The weak point with Team Arrow however was with Laurel and Thea and while I do really love seeing Laurel as Black Canary and Thea impressed me with her kicking ass during the truck chase they didn't leave much of an impression and felt like they where just there. We get only a one minute snippet of Thea losing control because of the Lazarus Pit but honestly I would have preferred for them to save it until it is the focus of a whole episode and not have been shoved into this one. I'm sure these two will be better when they both get an episode dedicated more to them but there just wasn't much for them in this premiere.

 



The Force is strong with this one

As for everything else the biggest standout was the introduction of Damien Darhk who was just perfectly, and I mean perfectly, cast. He had such a creepy and intimidating presence when he was on screen like his first scene where he comes out and says he is the bad guy and he wants Star City to die. Quickly want to mention Star City and they did an awesome job of making it seem worse than ever like the abandoned buildings, empty streets, the murders of leaders and the fact people just want to leave. This is of course helped by Damien and his HIVE forces who seem unstoppable and even the grunts put up a hell of a fight; they are like a high tech version of the League. Back to Damien his fight scene on the train was so damn cool and when he used his powers to catch arrows and kill with a touch it was just WTF! This is kind of explained with Damien performing a ritual near the end and I really don't know what it means yet but this is what I wanted in Arrow; more powers either through Meta Humans or the supernatural and I can't wait for more. Finally I will talk about the two biggest twists of the episode with the first one being Quentin working with Damien which is something I did not see coming. I liked Quentin in this even before that reveal because while he still doesn't support vigilantes he doesn't go overboard, its like he's "I'll do my thing, you'll do yours" but I think I am going to really like him working for Damien because this will give his character something completely new to work with than just being the cop (though I don't think he is evil or anything). Then there is the reveal that someone will die in six months which is more than a compelling reason to keep on watching. As for who it could be Felicity might seem too obvious and since Thea already died I think it could either be Quentin, Diggle or maybe even Felicity's mom? I know I haven't mentioned the Flashbacks yet but they didn't seem worth mentioning; His back on the island but we get no information as to why, I still don't like Waller and I hated she had to come back so soon and I would have preferred seeing a few episodes where the Flashbacks focus on Oliver being a rookie vigilante chasing criminals in Coast City like we saw for a bit.

 

"It's Team Diggle now, anyone have a problem with that?"

Overall Arrow was a far more impressive first episode than Flash for the new season by delivering lots of action, character development, introducing it's impressive new villain already and giving us two big twists that just hooks us into this new season straight away.            

 

 

SCORE: 9/10

 

Highlights: Oliver and Felicity's return to Team Arrow/Diggle and Oliver conflict

                   Neal Mcdonough as Damien and his mysterious powers

                   Two really big twists/Quentin was really good in this

 

Let - Downs: Laurel and Thea where the weak points in Team Arrow

                      The Flashbacks

 

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/

Top 10 Arrow Season Three Episodes

And now before the new season here is top ten of Arrow Season Three. SPOILERS

10. The Secret Origin of Felicity Smoak

Felicity may have been a real let down in the latter half of Season Three but I am glad that in the first half we got the origin episode for her that we needed. This episode gave us a great look into her past and it was interesting seeing how different she is now. I liked all of the Flashbacks and her mom was just so funny, the only gripe about it is that the villain (Felicity's old boy friend) wasn't that great of one and his plan was unimaginative. Also I am glad they introduced us to Brother Eye because in the comics it is a dangerous and sentient AI so maybe we'll see it again.

9. Draw Back Your Bow




Introduced us to another new villain and one of the craziest so far; Cupid. She did a good job of being really obsessed with Arrow (like her creepy shrine) and quite the match for him in a fight. Plus this is the episode where we catch a glimpse of Ray working on his super cool ATOM suit. Shame that Cupid had to join the Suicide Squad after this because my complaint about them on Arrow is that they go on plain and boring missions when they should go at least fight Meta Humans, its the reason why there are no Suicide Squad episode on my top ten lists.

8. The Calm




A real strong start to the new season and what I liked the most was how it started off with more hope for Starling than season two did. It also was the debut of Roy as Arsenal for real, Ray Palmer and a new Count Vertigo; while I liked the old one I really like this one too because of his new drug and the fact that he can hold his own in a fight with his darts. This also gave us a really big WTF moment where Sara was killed off and that influenced the whole rest of the season.

7. Guilty




Glad we got an episode that focused on a side character more than the main ones; Ted Grant AKA Wildcat. Grant was really great in this season and I liked the fact that there was a vigilante before Arrow in Starling so it is a shame his actor is busy with other stuff that he can't play a larger role. I just didn't like that Roy was revealed not to have killed Sara so quickly because I think it would have been more dramatic if it was him or anyone else than Malcolm in the end. Also BOXING GLOVE ARROW!

6. The Climb




This episode had one of the best fights in Arrow and that was Oliver vs. Ra's Al Ghul on top of a mountain, it was so epic and Oliver actually died (kind of) at the end; Matt Nable was a perfect choice for Ra's and did not disappoint. However what I didn't like was the reveal that Malcolm was the one who tricked Thea into killing Sara because I just think it would have been better if it was someone else and the fact that the reason Oliver had to fight was because Nyssa just keeps going on and on about Sara.

5. Broken Arrow

The first Meta Human villain on Arrow and I think it did so good that there should definitely be more in Season Four. Deathbolt was so awesome and I liked that this episode was also more of a focus on Ray in his ATOM suit because he is one of my favourite characters. I also liked the stuff Roy had to deal with in prison however like episode before this one Quentin continues to act like a complete prick e.g. when he was in the Verdant.

4. Midnight City




You know I really hope that Vinnie Jones returns as Brick in the future because he was so damn awesome in Arrow and the main reason the three episode arc without Oliver is one of my favourite moments in the Arrow series. Not only Brick but Laurel was also great as well and this episode turned her into a great character and Black Canary; her costume was cool and I liked how they showed she wasn't perfect yet as a vigilante, like how she lost against Brick. Great episode but I hate the way how Oliver came back, it should have been by the Lazarus Pit!

3. Canaries




This episode was a perfect one for Laurel in the aftermath of the Brick arc and she decides to continue as the Black Canary. I am also glad that Count Vertigo returned because he is a great villain and was a quite the match for Laurel with his drug which gave us an awesome Canary vs. Canary fight. The best Laurel focused episode on the Arrow series but let down slightly by Oliver who keeps saying she should quit (hate it when he does that to other vigilantes like Ray) and with the Thea subplot which I didn't care for.

2. Uprising




The great conclusion to the Brick arc with the return of Oliver and ending in a massive fight which also saw the return on Sin and Wildcat. The rest of the action in the Glades was epic as well but a real highlight of this episode was the Flashbacks showing the origins of Malcolm losing his wife and how it tied to Brick, made me wish there where more and more Flashbacks. However a bit of a let down was Felicity who ruined Oliver's homecoming which is why Left Behind isn't on this list because she ruined that quite a bit by storming out on the rest of Team Arrow, breaking down because Oliver is gone when I thought she was stronger than that.

1. The Brave and the Bold




I just had to put this episode in first place because of it's perfect portrayal of Captain Boomerang, my favourite member of the Suicide Squad in the comics. He was just so epic in this and a real threat to both Arrow and the Flash and like Brick I hope he is in future episodes. Plus Team Arrow and Team Flash working together made for some real comedic moments because of how different they operate. The best episode of the season because I enjoyed every second of and I actually liked this crossover episode better than the one on Flash before it.

Worst episode

Corto Maltese

I don't like this episode because all the characters did was spend all of it trying to convince Thea to come home, failing, but then Thea decided to do come back all on her own. I didn't care much for Diggle's ARGUS mission either and there should have been way more Flashbacks with Malcolm training Thea. However Thea was a major disappointment because her leaving at the end of Season Two was this major thing but she comes back just too soon so there was no point to it. Plus while she did all this training she doesn't do anything with it all season, instead she goes back to managing a bar like she was last season.

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/

Top 10 Arrow Season Two Episodes

Now for Arrow Season Two! SPOILERS

 

10. Tremors




Starting off is an episode that had Ben Turner AKA Bronze Tiger as the main villain which I really liked because he is one of my favourite villains in the Arrow TV series, it is such a shame his character has been possibly killed off because he has been in the comics. We also had some good moments with Oliver training Roy and revealing his identity to him and it was the start of a good subplot where Moira runs for mayor.

9. League of Assassins




The episode that introduced the League when they where only hinted at in Season One and they did a very good job. We had some awesome fight scenes between the League, Oliver and Sara but I really liked the emotional moments between Sara and Quentin such as when she first approached him and when Sara had to leave in the end. Plus this is probably one of my favourite episodes with Quentin because of the moments I just mentioned and when he teamed up with Oliver and Sara to fight the League, even doing really good against trained assassins.

8. The Promise




The episode of the season when the majority of it focuses on Flashbacks and we got a really entertaining one where Slade, Oliver and Sara take over the boat. Slade was really awesome in this when he wore his old Deathstroke mask and slaughtered everyone in his path also we got some tense moments in the present with Team Arrow trying to secretly take out Slade. What does bother my a bit about this episode is that is that Slade turns against Oliver because of Shado and I always found that reason to be kind of forced .

7. Streets of Fire




The penultimate episode of the season and a really good one where Slade unleashes his army upon Starling City. This episode had a lot of good moments such as Quentin regaining his trust with the police, Malcolm returning as the Dark Archer and a real standout is when Sebastian Blood decides to betray Slade because he truly did love the city. However while I also enjoyed the parts with Sara and Laurel I have just never liked that Sara keeps thinking she is so irredeemable because that was the flimsy excuse she used to leave last time and I never believed it.  

6. Broken Dolls




The introduction of one of my favourite DC villains which is the Dollmaker and he was really good here in live action. Another great episode with Quentin (see he is much better in Season Two than in One and Three) because of his past history with the Dollmaker and that he teamed up with Team Arrow. This was also one of the darkest Arrow episodes because of the method of the Dollmaker's killings, like the part when he tried to make Laurel into his new doll. This was also a strong introduction to the Canary (not just two minutes intro last episode) but I just wish she didn't have to kill the Dollmaker.

5. Unthinkable




Now I know the finale is a bit further down the list than even I would have thought but that is because Season Two has so many great episodes not just the finale. We have here an awesome final fight between Oliver and Slade which was made so much cooler with the use of Flashbacks during it and we have the massive battle between Oliver teaming up with the League (with debut of Arsenal) against Slade's army. However I just didn't like Thea's subplot of leaving Starling because as I have mentioned in my reviews the pay off in Season Three is lacklustre after so much hype.

 

4. State vs. Queen




This episode is a standout in Season Two and I enjoyed watching every minute of it! First off this episode had the return of the first Count Vertigo and while there was some who found him too over the top I've always like him. He had a really cool plan of poisoning the city with Vertigo, he is one of the few to work out the Arrow's identity and he had a great final confrontation with him in the Queen Consolidated building. Besides that the trial was entertaining to watch with many twists and this episode had a big WTF moment with the reveal that Malcolm is still alive and the father of Thea.

3. The Scientist




Yep I just had to put in the two episode arc where we get the debut of both Mirakuru and Barry Allen. First off I complained in my reviews of Season One that the show was too grounded but this two episodes where the start of Arrow being more like a comic book, like with a serum that can make super - soldiers which is a great start. Then of course is including Barry Allen who went on to become the Flash and have a successful TV show of his own and would introduce Meta Humans to both shows. Plus Grant Gustin proved that he was just the perfect casting for the speedster!

2. Three Ghosts




The second episode of the arc to feature Barry Allen and a great follow up it was too. Arrow's fight against Cyrus (like in the last episode) is so awesome but the real standout is the visions Oliver throughout that drives him into despair except for Tommy (always great to see him) that gives him hope once again. This also had an awesome ending where Barry struck by lightning and I was so happy when I saw that because I knew then they where really going to give us fans the Flash and not just Barry Allen as a scientist.

 

1. The Man Under the Hood




My favourite episode of the season and I think it has earned it! Slade was so great as Deathstroke in this with a big WTF moment when he appeared out of nowhere in Team Arrow's hideout and then attacked the STAR labs. This also introduced us to Cisco and Caitlin so this was kind of like the first crossover even before the Flash show and the moments with Team Arrow rescuing Roy where great. Finally this is one only Season Two of episodes where I really liked Laurel because of her investigation confirming Oliver is Arrow, her scene with an injured Quentin and blackmailing her boss which I give her props for.  

Worst episode

Heir to the Demon

While I do like Nyssa as a character this episode reveals she had a past relationship with Sara which I just never liked because it always felt forced to me. Also while Laurel has just been terrible the entire season this episode was the worst for her with her fit of rage against Sara in the end or the kind of person she was in Flashbacks. I'm just really glad she became a way better character in Season Three then she was now.


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/

Top 10 Arrow Season One Episodes

Now I am onto Arrow Season One, enjoy! SPOILERS

10. The Huntress Returns



I may not really like Arrow's version of the Huntress (her story and actress where both wrong) however this episode was good because the fight scene between Huntress and Arrow was really cool and I give Helena props for the arrow catching, I mentioned in my review that was awesome for her to do. However the best part of the episode was Dinah and Quentin trying to find proof that Sara is still alive, you see before this I didn't much care for the Lance family because Quentin was acting like an ass and I wasn't too bothered about Laurel. This episode though made for some really emotional scenes for the Lance family and created a lot of sympathy for them that I enjoyed watching and it was sad when Dinah's theory was proven wrong.

9. Legacies



This episode marked the first time Oliver decided he would do more to help the city than just cross off names in his father's notebook and it was thanks to the Royal Flush Gang. They weren't too big in the comics but I really like how they where portrayed in live action. I also liked how the gang was a result of the actions of Oliver's father and that Oliver tired to first talk the head of the gang out of the criminal life.

8. Pilot



The very first Arrow episode just had to be in this list because it is the one that started the DC TV universe. This proved that TV shows based on comics can work and this first episode did a good job of establishing the world of Arrow. It had great action, fight scenes and character development but the reason this isn't a bit higher on my list is because I didn't like some characters like Thea, Laurel and Quentin.

7. Lone Gunman



I know China White was in the previous episode but Lone Gunman was the first one to introduce a DC villain that more people would actually know about. Deadshot is really awesome in the Arrow TV series and this was a great debut for him; he was a match for Oliver, he had his cool gadgets (like his wrist mounted guns) and we get fooled into thinking he is dead. Also this episode showed us how great Oliver's detective skills are and Diggle finds out he is the Hood in the end; I'm glad they didn't wait too long.

6. The Undertaking



This episode didn't have any Flashbacks on the island but made up for it with Flashbacks showing the origins of the Undertaking. You know what makes Malcolm a great villain is the fact that he believes what he is doing is right and for the greater good and this episode shows how convincing his argument is. We also get the reveal of how the Queen's Gambit went down and a great plot involving Oliver and Felicity working together to free Walter.

5. The Odyssey



This episode was the one where Felicity became a member of Team Arrow completing our beloved trio! But the real highlight was that it was mainly focused on the Flashbacks which of course was great because who didn't love the Flashbacks in Season One? We had some awesome scenes with Slade and Oliver sneaking into the airfield to find a way home and then an explosive action packed finale where we had Slade vs. Wintergreen, Deathstroke vs. Deathstroke.

4. Dead to Rights



An awesome return for Deadshot and team up with China White who hired him to assassinate Malcolm. All of the scenes involving their attack on Malcolm was great and it's funny how Oliver is protecting is greatest enemy and this is also the episode where Tommy learns of Oliver's secret. Plus I liked how Malcolm was almost forced to reveal his identity as the Dark Archer to Tommy. Thought I'd let you know now these last episodes are all going to have a focus on Malcolm because he is my favourite character and in my opinion the best archer in the Arrow TV Series.

3. Darkness on the Edge of Town



This episode made for a really entertaining heist style one where Team Arrow infiltrate Malcolm's company for information. We also get the an cool fight scene between Malcolm and Oliver (with Oliver being WTF over the arrow catching lol) with it ending in Malcolm's victory and learning Oliver's secret. We also get an intense Flashback with Fyers killing Yao Fei but what I didn't like about this episode was Oliver and Laurel going behind Tommy's back because I never liked the possibility of them two together in these early seasons and it was a bad move for Oliver to convince Tommy to make up with Laurel then take her for himself.

2. Year's End



This episode was the first one to introduce us to more archers in the present day and a great one as the Dark Archer who is revealed to be Malcolm. I liked that this was Oliver's first real loss to a villain because it does affect him for ages afterwards and it had a great twist of Walter being kidnapped because of his investigation. I liked the introduction of the Dark Archer and everything else in the episode that it overshadows Thea's stupid spoilt  - brat subplot that thankfully was a small part.

1. Sacrifice



I just had to but the finale here because this is one of my favourite finales in any TV series. What I liked about it was that even though Oliver won he also lost because of the death of Tommy (such a sad scene done so well) and the destruction of the Glades. The finale showdown between Oliver and Malcolm was brilliant and the scenes/effects showing the destruction was so damn convincing and just perfect.

Worst episode

Betrayal

This episode did have a good subplot with Diggle following Moira to find out if she is part of the Undertaking but that is it. What is a real let - down is the villain Vanch who was just generic and uninteresting, I don't need every villain of the week to be some kind of super or over the top villain but Vanch was just boring for a regular one. Plus it's not like the rescue attempt of Laurel was that unique because all Arrow and Quentin did was break into the villain's house and take out his guards, that's it.

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 Four Trailer Breakdown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q3l4fMVCO8&index=4&list=LLrIDOCXCflOJ9o7AEsIsXpg

I know I am late with this but better late than never lol. Here are just a few things in the trailer that really stood out for me.

Oliver and Felicity living happily ever after: You know I didn't actually expect them to be so "settled down" I guess is the phrase; having a proper home in a nice neighbourhood. It also showed them as really happy so something really BIG must convince Oliver to fight crime again.

Star City: We see a billboard welcoming people to Star City so we now get the proper name for the place out of the comics however it says it was for the memory of Ray Palmer. Everyone knows he is in Legends of Tomorrow so I am guessing he either faked his death so he can focus on being a vigilante or he is stuck as really small and it's up to Felicity to help him.

Diggle's new costume: I have heard a lot of bad comments about Diggle's new look (like how he is a Black Magneto) and I a sick of it! I for one think it is a cool costume that really suits Diggle; something simple and practical that can be used to fight.

The invasion of HIVE: We see Team Arrow (Diggle, Laurel and Thea) seem to struggle against some heavily armed commando looking troops which I guess must be HIVE and the reason they decide to bring back Oliver. We also see a whole bunch of cool looking action scenes with Team Arrow fighting against the HIVE forces.

John Constantine: Ever since the announcement of Constantine being in Arrow I have been looking forward to Season Four so much more. I haven't watched the Constantine show but from what I heard from fans and from Stephen Amell, Matt Ryan was a really awesome Constantine. He is going to bring a new level of powers to the Arrow and Flash universe!

Quentin still being a jerk: I liked Quentin in Season Two and first half of Season Three but when he started to hate the Arrow again I just really started to hate him. Even when he is not a cop the way treats other characters you just want to punch him in the face and it seems I will feel that way again by the shots of him knocking out Diggle and talking to Oliver. He is going to have an anti - vigilante taskforce again from what I read and as long as he doesn't go overboard like in Season Three I can get behind it but if he is just angry all the time again then I hope he gets killed off.

Malcolm and Nyssa back again: We see them have a stare down and a few shots of some fighting which makes me think they still want to kill each other. Looking forward to seeing Malcolm again but I hope Nyssa doesn't hate on Malcolm all throughout another season; I like her but it is always Sara, Sara, Sara, hating Malcolm, Sara, Sara all the time with her. They need to give her a new storyline for once and I really hope they don't have her kill Malcolm and become to new Ra's because I'll just really hate that. Besides I always think of Malcolm as the best fighter and archer in the whole series so I don't want him to lose to Nyssa.

Curtis Holt/Mr Terrific: Another character who I am looking forward to because he is a tech based vigilante who uses devices called T spheres to help him and it looks like we'll see them. Looks like a good character from what I have seen in the trailer and has some awesome and funny scenes with Felicity but I hope they don't wait too long to turn him into Mr Terrific.

Damien Darhk: Really liked the casting for this character and from what I've seen he will be an awesome villain! Unlike Malcolm, Deathstroke and Ra's, Damien looks like he isn't going to just be hiding in the shadows. For example we see him straight up announce to the cops he is the bad guy and we also see his forces attack the police station with Quentin looking to be in trouble.

Lonnie Machin/Anarky: We see a few shots of Anarky who is going to be a major villain this season and while we don't see much we see Damien talking to him which makes me think Anarky will work for him or Damien inspired him to be a villain.

Oliver was a vigilante before present day: We see some Flashbacks of Oliver and it looks like he was The Hood in Coast City before he was in Starling. I like this because it means he practised before being The Hood for real however can't say I like Amanda Waller being there because I never liked her casting.

Thea going crazy: Never saw an bad side affects of the Lazarus Pit affect Thea last season but it seems it will now with Oliver shouting and hitting at her. I wonder how long these effects will last but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Sara Lance is back: Like with Ray it was obvious because we see her in the Legends of Tomorrow trailer and while I did say once her staying dead was important (so not all characters can just come back when they want) I admit I am looking forward to seeing her. This is how Constantine gets involved because the Lazarus Pit really isn't supposed to work on someone who has been dead as long as Sara. I just hope her coming back will change Quentin for the better (unless the they keep it a secret from him) and gives Nyssa something better to do.

Felicity and Curtis fighting Double Down: Besides from being a really funny scene in the trailer what I like most is that Double Down is confirmed to be a Meta Human! I know a bit about him from the comics but in Arrow I read he can use his playing card tattoos as deadly weapons. As I said before I want more Meta Humans in Arrow because I would really like to see Oliver going up against one.

There you have it, this trailer is really making me looks forward to Season Four and I don't think I missed anything in this breakdown. 

Arrow Season Three: My Name Is Oliver Queen

"I have saved this city.........three times now"

Ra's al Ghul enacts his master plan which puts everyone's lives in danger and Oliver must decide how much he is willing to sacrifice to stop him meanwhile the rest of Team Arrow springs into action.

Another finale, another season of Arrow finished and while this season has had it's ups and downs (especially in the later half) I was satisfied with what I watched. First off while it lacked the impact and intensity of the Mirakuru army I did enjoy the bio weapons attack on Starling and the rematch between Oliver and Ra's. I liked that all of Team Arrow was united to stop the four League members from spreading the virus but I didn't like that the virus was cured completely off screen by Ray's nanotech; it didn't feel like it was that big of a threat overall. However I did like the fight on the cargo plane and the final fight between Oliver and Ra's because I really like me some sword fighting, it's one of my favourite type of action sequence. I also liked that Oliver mimicked the words Ra's spoke to him on the mountain but I don't think that Ra's is going to be dead for long because the guy is famous for constantly coming back to life. I did like that Thea (she was good for once) got to show up in Arsenal costume for the ending but damn was that brief! I just hope she gets more crime fighting time than that next season. I also liked the team up between Nyssa and Oliver because I really prefer seeing them working together than against one another and when she defending Oliver against Diggle. As for Quentin I hated his relapse into drinking again but there is hope he can support Team Arrow again when he was against the sniper taking out Oliver (liked his funny "this is May" line lol). Then of course there was the reveal that Ra's was also after Damien Darke as well and the fact that he managed to fool even Ra's makes me really look forward to seeing him in Season Four; I liked the whole hotel scene and the moment with Damien's assistant because it was a well done tease for the new villain.

As for everything else Diggle of course shined the most with again struggling to accept Oliver back into the team but at least they came to an understanding at the end. It is a bit of a shame about Oliver's departure because it is almost like an end of an era for those two but hopefully Diggle will continue the good fight and get his own costume! Then there is Malcolm who is always one step ahead and came out on top as the new Ra's, was not expecting that. Obviously he and Nyssa are going to have some friction but with the reveal of Sara alive in Legends of Tomorrow (I've seen the trailer so no need to talk about Ray because I know he is alive too) maybe they will come to a truce. He will probably also go back to being a full villain but I doubt the League will have too much of a presence for a while so the show can focus on other stuff. Then there was Felicity and while she was alright I didn't like her being in the ATOM suit too much (because it was a quick attempt to involve her in the fight which meant we couldn't see Ray in action) and then she drove off with Oliver at the end. I never wanted these two together but I bet the OliverxFelicity fans are jumping with joy now, I guess I just got to accept it. Now I don't think Oliver is retiring for good (because he is the star obviously) but maybe like the Brick Arc he will be absent for a while which I don't mind because the Brick Arc proved that the secondary characters can hold there own so hopefully we will see more developments with Thea, Laurel and Diggle. Finally there is the Flashbacks and I just didn't like them because there was just little for Oliver, Maseo and Tatsu to do and was far less dramatic than the Slade vs. Oliver fight last season. However we got a great Easter Egg for Green Lantern with Oliver boarding a ship to Coast City so I hope we see Hal Jordon next season because he has been teased on Arrow/Flash for ages.

Overall not the best finale out of the three seasons but still a fun one to watch and makes me look forward to the possibilities of Season Four. Plus I liked how they managed to fit in the Flash for the finale, that was cool!

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: Oliver vs. Ra's/Oliver and Nyssa team up
                   Team Arrow stopping the virus
                   Malcolm as the new Ra's
                   The possibilities for Season Four/Damien Darke

Let - Downs: The bio attack wasn't as threatening as the Mirakuru army
                       Flashbacks didn't do much
                       OliverxFelicity
                       ATOM didn't join in on the fight

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: 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: Al Sah - Him

So what will this new team name be?

While Oliver goes through a rigorous transformation the League target Nyssa who is in Starling City training Laurel while in Flashbacks the ALPHA/OMEGA virus has been unleashed.

Now this was one damn good episode I must admit first! I tell you it is different seeing Oliver as the villain and it is really enjoyable seeing him fighting against Team Arrow. Now knowing Oliver it is possible that his programming is all an act and that he has this grand scheme up his sleeve but I have read some comments online and some believe that he isn't and will stay with the League into Season Four. This would of course be a really interesting move and one I hope they would do it because as I just said I am liking Darth Oliver so far (Felicity said that lol). However if this is the case my only gripe with Oliver's transformation is that they have really just skimmed over his programming with the League during the opening montage because I would have wanted to find out more about it. At least we got to find out a lot more about H.I.V.E and the confirmed villain for Season Four; Damien Darhk. Since he was only a minor character in the Teen Titans comics the show has already created a more different back story for him and I liked it, I am really looking forward for Season Four now! We also got some more backstory into Ra's predecessor and that Olvier will have to destroy Starling City however I did not like that the ALPHA/OMEGA virus is now a topic in the present. Those who have read my review when the virus first appeared know that I did not want it in the present because in my opinion it would be too similar to Mirakuru from Season Two but at the very least the virus is only going to be used for a few episodes.

"Guns are so uncivilised"

As for everything else I think the friendship between Laurel and Nyssa has been great; I really liked the scene when they where having fries and milkshakes. This does a good job of humanizing Nyssa, make her more relatable than the villainous assassin who "isn't normal", plus this gives her a story arc that doesn't involve Sara for once and finally gave her a new problem to deal with. Then of course there is the reveal that she is to marry Oliver and I seriously doubt she will go along with that, unless Oliver is acting and lets her in on his plan? As for Laurel this gives her some scenes with Nyssa (such as catching the robber) that didn't involve Team Arrow for once and we got to see the Canary Cry in action and it was really well done. Diggle also was strongly involved with the story because it was his wife that was kidnapped and we got to see him struggling with whether or not he believes Oliver is truly gone; seeing him lose a bit of control with Oliver and Nyssa was something different because he is usually the rock of the team (plus he was great in a swordfight!). Finally there is Thea and surprise we actually got to see her do something and see her in costume though since it was so plain I'm guessing it will be upgraded soon. Despite my annoyance of Thea most of the time I do want to see her in action fighting against Oliver and who knows it might be worth the wait. As for the Flashbacks I did really like them because we got some great action the scenes involving the spread of the virus through the city was really well done.

"So worth the photo with that fanboy"

Overall an awesome episode ands it seems the plot with the League finally knows where it's going because lately it has been all over the place and focusing more on Roy, Quentin, ATOM etc.       

Highlights: Oliver as a villain
                   Damien Darhk and H.I.V.E explained
                   Laurel and Nyssa's friendship and strong Diggle material

Let - Downs: Did not go in depth into Oliver's programming
                      ALPHA/OMEGA virus in the present

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: The Fallen

Al Sah - Him lives

With Thea's life hanging in the balance Oliver now has no choice but to accept his role as the new Head of the Demon so he can gain access to the Lazarus Pit however the rest of Team Arrow are not going to stand by and do nothing.

It took several episodes but it looks like Ra's has finally got his way and Oliver is now a member of the League of Assassins and soon to be the new Head. Now I'm sure that Oliver and Team Arrow are going to find a way out of this but I admit I didn't expect Oliver to actually accept so it is going to be cool these next few episode seeing what he will do next. Now Oliver's reason to join the League where right ones because he wanted to save Thea and I really liked the whole ritual but her revival was so underwhelming! She only suffered a bit of memory loss and by the end of the episode she was back to normal (back to her bitchy self of insulting Malcolm), I thought Malcolm said it would change her soul? There was also that mysterious woman who performed the ritual; I don't think it is Talia but I have read some people's comments saying it is Ra's wife or Lady Shiva, however for all we know she is a one time character so we will have to wait and see. Speaking Ra's it is good to get some backstory on him, again confirm that he is hundreds of years old and him explaining the true meaning of assassin. What really bothered my however was Felicity because she is just constantly getting on my nerves now on Arrow, on The Flash she was alright. Firstly she broke up with Ray which was the only pairing that I liked, then she just wouldn't shut up about losing Oliver and then she drugged him. It is just annoying that she has to keep going on that she doesn't agree and expects everyone to side with her; she has been doing this ever since the three episode Brick Arc and has been a downer ever since. Finally the Flashbacks are getting more entertaining now with the biohazard threat and Maseo was really great as we saw him struggling with his old self and his new loyalties. At least we finally know the fate of his son but I think it was obvious he was dead but I wonder if there is more to the reason Ra's spared Maseo's life? Still at least we also go some great action scenes in the Flashbacks and Malcolm being epic with a sword in the present.

Thea better proves that she deserves this

Overall this was a good episode but it felt really, really short with the lack of any other subplots however who else thought that Oliver's League costume was really badass!! 

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: The Lazarus Pit ritual
                   Ra's backstory
                   Maseo and the Flashbacks

Let - Downs: The revived Thea was underwhelming
                       Felicity is getting on my nerves
                  
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/