Jessie Robertson reviews the ninth episode of Arrow season 4…
Before we get into what happened, it’s time for fan-theory-crafting: Can this show actually kill off one of its main characters, for real this time? Other shows do it, Game of Thrones being the main one. But, will this show be as bright and sunny without our favorite resident genius around? Characters in Arrow are always teetering on death or sometimes are actually killed and brought back. 2 characters from the show actually died, 1 was presumed dead and 1 was so close, the line was blurred. When all your main cast members have been or close to death like this, you start really blurring the lines between people always biting on “What really just happened?” or the comic book attitude “They’ll be back soon.” To me, you don’t want that second reaction. Which, I believe may be why Felicity was chosen as the target this time; she’s the fan favorite, the jokester, the beloved one by many fans on the show and people are going to care regardless of what happens….this time. The only reason I bring this up is to make sure the importance of this moment won’t be understated; and Arrow did a brilliant thing but showing that one scene in the premiere of Oliver and Barry at a gravesite and now we have Felicity in grave danger.
Damien Darhk is pissed. Damien Dahrk also is quickly in line to becoming the most effective season-long villain Arrow’s had. He has taken parts from Slade’s ruthlessness, Merlyn’s cool confidence, mixed in with his own wry humor, vicious cold stares and the fact that as his “ghosts” were shooting up Oliver and Felicity’s limo, he was putting the star on his Christmas tree with his daughter. Dahrk has something to lose in all this. That whole ending scene makes this very key and again, very brilliantly crafted; when this comes to light, how far does Oliver take it?
Let’s see…..what else happened?…..Oliver and Felicity had another tremendous moment to nearly close the show; engaged they are! (sorry, have Star Wars on the brain). It was a beautiful moment and just like their first time together, it was earned. I like how they’re always on the verge of starting monumental relationship-altering fights with each other, CW-style, but are always quelled by the end of the episode; I guess near-death experiences will do that to you. It’s great to always have wanted them to end up together; but what happens when the chase is over? Well, Arrow has shown they are a perfect match and have provided some real nice shades to Oliver’s character. Also, creepy Andy is still locked in a cage somewhere and John called him out for being a “Bitch!” I loved Diggle getting tough but we need to be rid of Andy. Unless he holds some plot key we need later, I’m just not interested in where they are going with this. Diggle’s acted his ass off though at being conflicted about it. Thea still has her boy toy around, who likes wearing scarfs, apparently. And Oliver got bit by a shark in his flashbacks.
other Notes:
– Mid-Season Finale! I won’t be here for a while but I expect Arrow to open with a heavy episode when we get back.
– Shouldn’t Mayoral Candidate Oliver Queen have been helping the Star City citizens pick up garbage instead of just stoicly looking out into the water?
– Oh yes, Merlyn does love having minions!
– The Scene with Oliver kicking butts all over town for answers was great, reminded me of him 1st season.
– Some great scenes with the women standing up to their men saying they don’t always need protected; liked the independence written in.
– Those gas chamber scenes were heavy.
– Dahrk is growing corn? Did I miss something?
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng&v=CZqbaYLPf4A
Originally published December 10, 2015. Updated April 15, 2018.
