Jessie Robertson reviews the thirteenth episode of Arrow season 6…
Cayden James’ (and Michael Emerson’s) swan song proved to be a rushed conclusion to the major storyline that’s been building all season; I remarked how I didn’t think this thing would have legs till year’s end, so good job on the writers to find a suitable and timely finish to this plot; James is also the subject of our flashbacks which provide color to the relationship towards his son, but I think Emerson himself could have stolen a few scenes with a monologue providing the same information.
After Vince’s death last week, Black Canary was out for blood; unfortunately, her revenge tour coincided with James’ last stand and the imminent threat of the bomb going off; I will say, it was refreshing not to show Star City in a complete panic, AGAIN, when another terrorist threat looms over the city; it must feel like a Thursday by this time. Dinah does get a one on one with Laurel to give her a measure of satisfaction but it’s cut short by Team Arrow needing all hands on deck.
Who knews James wasn’t such a bad guy, somewhere underneath it all – there’s a bit of a father-son lesson here as William is put safe in the bunker , but seems to have a bit of his father in him and decides to get involved in the action at the final meeting. Oliver proves he is a man of his word and saves his son and gets a pat on the back from James; it’s frightening how much William is now in the know of his dad’s activities but perhaps that will make it easier for Oliver to get around and do what he’s doing.
The Laurel-Quentin storyline takes an unexpected turn as we end this week; first they saved Laurel from getting a perhaps “mortal” beatdown from Dinah; then, when Laurel takes responsibility for Cadyen’s son’s death (which he sees through easily) , Quentin essentially kidnaps her and is hellbent on proving his point that there is some good left in this person that resembles his daughter. This dynamic has been a great thread running through this season and I’m convinced now that Katie Cassidy is much stronger in this role than the often changed direction Laurel Lance previous.
So, in the end, Diaz, the least interesting villain of the whole team, ended up being the mastermind behind it all; I will say, the last scene played out between character actor Kirk Acevedo and Michael Emerson was subdued, and very good. See ya in a few weeks as season 6 continues!
Rating: 7.5/10
Jessie Robertson
