God, I love having Arrow back on my television. As soon as this episode begins, I’m reminded of what solid, entertaining television this show provides. We see Team Arrow in action, fighting a whole host of baddies who are trying to disrupt the city’s water supply. Everyone has a moment to shine and they work together really well, which is fun.
Even Felicity is doing her thing back at the base, locating the bomb and directing Oliver there to disarm it before things go boom. She takes a moment to request a code name for herself (and for Diggle) but Oliver puts her off… for now. We’re back in business, friends!
Oh hello, Mr. Terrific!
We got to meet Curtis Holt this episode, played by Echo Kellum (whom fans have been getting to know on Twitter the last several months). I don’t quite know what to expect of him going forward, but I’m looking forward to it. His scenes with Felicity were lovely and he has a fun energy. Plus it looks like he’ll be working a lot with Felicity going forward so we’re looking forward to his progression towards his comic book destiny: Mr. Terrific!
Olicity Goodness
We don’t have nearly as many adorable moments as we did last week, but what we do get is full of all the good stuff that we’ve come to expect from this adorable pairing. Oliver compliments Felicity on her chic CEO attire and sends her off for her first day of ruling the corporate world with a fern (awww) and a sack lunch that he packed for her.
Later, when Felicity is feeling discouraged by the challenges that her position is bringing into her life, worrying that she’s letting everyone down and doing a poor job at protecting Ray’s legacy, Oliver is the one to give her a pep talk. He’s viewing their time back in Star City (and how much did I love Felicity flubbing and calling it Starling before correcting herself?) as an opportunity to do something really worthwhile. He gives her the encouragement she needs to try to find another way to solve things at the struggling company. It’s great to see him do that for her for a change.
After the day (and two dozen jobs) has been saved, they meet back at their cozy little loft love-nest and share a sweet kiss. Oliver reveals that he thinks he needs to do more than just protect the city at night behind a mask, he needs to do what he can in the light of day as well. He’s going to run for mayor. I’m not surprised but I’m super psyched by the prospect. Can you say Power Couple?
Damien Darhk Has Daughter Issues
The baddie of the week, Lonnie Machin, goes a bit too far in trying to dissuade Jessica Danforth from running for mayor (at Damien’s behest). He kidnaps her daughter, Madison. Damien Darhk doesn’t approve of this method one bit, making it clear that he considers this stepping over the line. There’s a moment with Quentin where he both threatens Lance’s daughter but also makes it clear that he does not approve of the kidnapping. This causes a person to wonder: does Damien Darhk have daughter issues? There’ve been some interviews with the fabulous Neal McDonough lately that have made me wonder…
Flashback Wig No More!
In the flashbacks which are now taking place back on Lian Yu, Oliver finds a group of fairly militarized dudes who apparently are using slave labor to farm poppies… making heroine, I’m guessing? They shave his head and put him to work managing the workers in the field. I’m of two minds about the loss of the infamous flashback wig. While on the one hand, it was rather hideous, it also helped me differentiate between the flashbacks and present day. I could separate the Oliver in the flashbacks from the guy in the present because of that hair. So as he gets involved in a romance with one of the poppy field laborers (I saw some casting news, so sue me), I have a feeling seeing him look so much like present-day Oliver will throw me for a loop.
Sibling Squabbles
Thea is having a hard time, guys. The effects of the Lazarus Pit are starting to rear their head, causing her to get a little bloodthirsty and out of control when in the field. Oliver tries to help her dial it back and his coaching leads to an all out battle right there in the lair, where Laurel and Dig have to pull Thea off of a concerned Oliver before she does him some serious damage. Oliver is at a loss as to how to help her, but the whole thing gives Laurel some ideas…
Laurel makes a bad decision
This is becoming a common thread with her story arcs each season, I’m thinking. Laurel learns from Thea about the Lazarus Pit and suggests they take a little road trip to fix Thea up in Nanda Parbat. And, oh by the way, they can also resurrect her sister while they’re there!
This is a terrible idea, you guys.
The best part is after telling Dig that it’s not a good idea to keep what he knows about HIVE a secret from Oliver and Felicity, she decides not to tell Oliver about her plans to dunk Sara in the Lazarus Pit. Oy vey. Yeah, I can’t see this backfiring at all.
So what do you think? Will bringing Sara back be a good idea? Should Laurel have at least given Oliver a head’s up? What about Oliver running for mayor? Did you see it coming? Are you looking forward to his sharp suits as much as I am?
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Written by Marilyn
Marilyn is older than she acts but she likes to think it’s because she’s young at heart. Ever since she was 7 years old, she has wanted to be a writer. She attributes this to an ingrained love of good stories and wanting to share good stories with the world. While she’s waiting to sell the next Great American Novel, she writes about television. Also an avid fan of movies (all movies), and is hard pressed to pick which medium is her favorite. She also spends way too much time yelling at her kids to do their homework.
