Arrow: S1/E2

Somehow I missed in the first episode that Walter had an English accent. Did he have that in the first episode?

Something about the drama in episode 2 felt a little more over-the-top in a bad way, but I like the evolving relationship between Oliver and the tough-talking veteran bodyguard.

The scene with Oliver fighting the birds off his dad’s corpse was an important touch though. So far we’ve basically seem Oliver come back from five years on an island with incredibly advanced fighting skills; it’s good and meaningful to show those struggles because otherwise so far island time seems really awesome and I don’t think that’s useful to the framing of what Oliver went through.

I also loved the light touch of Oliver’s mom thinking Green Arrow is just going after rich people. The different interpretations of the still-new vigilante’s actions based on perspective are good depth while also a nice nod to Oliver’s politics from comics history.

Most improved character: Oliver’s sister. She’s still annoying but the backyard cemetery scene at least have some depth to her obnoxious rebellious teen persona.

Best (paraphrased) line: I don’t have this verbatim but Oliver’s quip about people thinking he got his MBA on the island was nice awareness of the absurdity.

Worst character as of this episode: Detective Dad. That guy is a joke and the weakest part of the snow.