Category: Reviews: Arrow

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.



Arrow: S1/E1

Doom DeLuise has long sung the praises of Arrow, or maybe it was Doominator (I get those two confused. They both have Doom in their name), so I’ve decided to get caught up from nothing and add to our archives in the process by blogging about each episode as I watch it. And maybe someday we’ll be caught up and reviewing them as they come out.

Right away, I’m guessing I’m about the millionth person to notice the similarities to Batman Begins, but I think that’s almost a plus; Arrow gets to build on those similarities — and the time the Batman franchise spent laying that foundation — and stake out some obvious and meaningful differences.

Oliver is a proactive hunter rather than a reactive detective and protector. As an extension of that, Oliver kills. Oliver also can’t trust the people closest to him. Oliver’s playboy persona has actually caused harm, rather than just provide distance and cover. Oliver hates tennis.

Being a network drama, there are what seem to be unavoidable cheesy elements, like the goofily over the top bad guys, after-school-special sibling relationships, the CGI island and the mean detective.

I think it can get away with that stuff because the fight scenes are also over the top, but they are fun. And so everything is just cranked up to the same level, and it works.

Also it was super cool to hear a local band’s music playing at the welcome home party.

Great cliffhanger too. The pilot sets the stage for a series very well.