Originally published October 15, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
Jessie Robertson reviews the second episode of Arrow season 4…
You know how when your mother made you set the table for dinner when you were a kid? Well, it’s never been as fun as it is when you’re talking about Arrow!
– So, did anyone ask Merlyn for details about Post-Pit-Aggression? We knew it was coming; it was foreshadowed last season and brought up last week and they’ve wasted no time exploring Thea’s “anger” issues , including one of the stranger scenes on Arrow in a while where her brother starts giving her drills in Arrow HQ, almost provoking her to go off the rails, which she does. I kind of wish we could get more into Thea’s head about where the anger starts, comes from, what she’s thinking; we’re not; but I would hope that’s explored at some point. There’s another idea that I’m just waiting for them to spell out in dialogue (as this show is very on the nose sometimes) how Oliver’s harsh aversion to Thea’s methods remind him too much of how he began and how far away from those days he wants to distance himself (even though we know his bodycount is high). I did, however, like the teasing we get when we see quick shots of her face, gleeful, watching a criminal set on fire in front of her. It’s a creepy image but one I’m hoping may hold some darker aspects to this scenario. Can’t say I’m super excited about her and Laurel’s girls trip to Nanda Parbat (it holds boring memories for me from last season) but a chance to banter with Merlyn is never a bad thing. Plus, now we know how Sara comes back for her new show (see ya in January!)
– Is There any salary out there that could fetch Star City a Mayor? They have stressed lately that the last 3 mayors have bit the big one quite a bit lately; Queen family friend Jessica Danforth decides to step up for the city as the Green Arrow has and help lead a new era to the ailing metropolis. It’s perfect cover for Oliver as he has ties to Danforth and her daughter to be intimately involve. As Diggle puts it, it was only 2 mins into her campaign before someone tried to off her (which he notes has to be a record). With what little material she gets, I thought she did pretty good with it. I actually thought it would be leading to an ongoing character, but no it’s just motivation for Oliver to change his ways. The way the pieces fall into place here is quite good and clever; all leading to several conversations between Oliver and Felicity as they take stock of what returning to Star City means, both finding themselves in new career paths. I have to say, Felicity taking on even more role is always welcome but there’s nothing like having her with the Arrow gang; even without Ray around, I’m wondering if she can carry the Palmer Tech scenes on her own (even though she’s got a new buddy, who we’ll get to).
– Star City looks about to face pure Anarky I know Batman fans’ ears perked up when hearing the name of Lonnie Machin, a twelve-year-old boy with anarchist beliefs and who would stop at nothing to get his word across in Gotham City. Here in Star City, he’s apparently a twenty-something crook who doesn’t play well with others and loves electrocuting and burning things. Also torturing. So far, to me, radical departure from the character’s original message; but he’s not set up to be a baddie of the week as he stands his ground against Dahrk (who can chill the water in my Darth Vader cup to ice from a look) to actually beating the Arrow in a fight; so he’s here to stay. The character can provide a lot of social commentary (as he was designed to do) in the right context and is an interesting choice to bring into the show. So far, I can’t say I’m super impressed with the direction of the character but judging from his symbol and crime scene left in his wake, he’ll be an occasional presence.
8.5/10- We continue to line up the pieces on the board, and so far ,there’s some damn interesting pieces; bonus; the season feels purposefully lighter too which is a nice change.
Other Notes:
– Lines of the week: “We have money now” Felicity is now a sugar-momma
“I’m the only around here who speaks in fragmented sentences,” Felicity laying the law down to new show recruit, Curtis Holt. For Justice Society fans, this name may ring a bell as the most recent (I believe) Mister Terrific. He’s a genius basically who wears a mask that allows him to interface with whatever technology he’s using. This character was also noted during this year’s comic con as being gay, to further diversify Arrow’s already diverse cast. I’m not sure of the actor’s name but he seems to gel well with Felicity (good luck finding someone who doesn’t!)
– Speaking of Palmer Tech woes, Felicity had to fire a bunch of people but her newfound friend showed her there’s always a way; The Palmer Tech board of fuddy-duddys want something to “astonish” them at their next board meeting: would a T-Sphere work?
– Any guesses on Felicity’s code name?
– Diggle didn’t get much screen time tonight but what little he did was important: HIVE is here to stay and I’m genuinely intrigued to get more in depth with what happened to his brother
– So, Laurel dug up her sister’s body; so that happened. Thea sort of makes the point that she wasn’t quite dead when they threw her in the pit; so besides getting a white costume, what could the effects be on someone who’s been dead for a year?
– Green Arrow as Mayor- It’s happened in print; seeing as this is only the second episode, this one’s got legs and I’m stoked to see all the political shenangians.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng&v=Hmyh_bg7NJc
