"Arrow" Season One Talkback (Spoilers)

[The Penguin]

Arrow "Damaged" Talkback (Spoilers)

A thousand apologies...

"Damaged"
Wednesday, November 7, 2012 @ 8 p.m. ET/7 CT on The CW
DC COMICS' VILLAIN DEATHSTROKE APPEARS ON THE ISLAND WITH OLIVER — After Detective Lance arrests Oliver for murder, Oliver tells Moira the only lawyer he'll allow to represent him is Laurel. Laurel takes the case which puts her at odds with her father. Oliver offers to take a polygraph in front Detective Lance but things get tense when Lance asks him if anyone else was on the island with him. Oliver flashes back to when he got his first scar, courtesy of Deathstroke (guest star Jeffrey Robinson). Colin Donnell, David Ramsey and Willa Holland also star. Michael Shultz directed the episode written by Wendy Mericle & Ben Sokolowski.

CWTV.com/Arrow

 

[mikkej2k]

Nice episode. I like the cooperation between Oliver and John. I also like how the pinch of realism is thrown in by showing how family and close observers believed that Oliver could be the "Hood".

Does the logo for the Queen Corporation remind you of Quiznos?

After all these years and with all the advances in technology , do we still have to have the actor wear black eyepaint when they put on an "outfit" ? ( Deathstroke )
By the way , it doesn't just happen on the Arrow , check out Batman on a big budget movie like The Dark Knight Rises.

 

[Dragnatek]

I feel that the orange on Deathstroke's costume is too light, besides that what little we have seen of him is good so far. Can't wait to see more of him.

Oliver is making his "game plan" up as he goes, he has to. He could not know Diggle would be hired to watch him, and could not plan for that. But well letting in him in the secret works for the best. he would have had this problem with the "hoods" identity eventually and Diggle takes a little attention off him for a while. Still things seem to me moving too smoothly for Ollie so far. It seems like he's always two steps ahead of everyone else.

 

[mikkej2k]

I feel that the orange on Deathstroke's costume is too light, besides that what little we have seen of him is good so far. Can't wait to see more of him.

Oliver is making his "game plan" up as he goes, he has to. He could not know Diggle would be hired to watch him, and could not plan for that. But well letting in him in the secret works for the best. he would have had this problem with the "hoods" identity eventually and Diggle takes a little attention off him for a while. Still things seem to me moving too smoothly for Ollie so far. It seems like he's always two steps ahead of everyone else.

I agree on the too light. I'm hoping that Deathstroke's off color because it's a flashback. Also , you can see his eye on the black half of his mask.

 

[Jedigreedo]

I was really hoping that this would be the episode that turns the show around for me after what it seemed like was being set up in "An Innocent Man." It seemed like Oliver was finally developing a since of remorse for what he's done, considering he reflecting on his introduction to killing for food, and that there would finally be consequences for his murder spree. It did a turn around, but unfortunately that turn was a complete 180 from the direction set up by the previous episode. Very disappointed that not only did Oliver continue to not face consequence for even a single murder, but it continues on that he doesn't care at all about murdering innocent people. The only change that this small arc resulted in is the implication that he only kills the villainous boss at the end, rather than innocent bodyguards. At this point, he's more serial killer than superhero.

Deathstroke was cool, though. The orange was definitely too light, but probably so that it would come through clearly in the tent lighting. I feel his mask was odd looking given that they stuck with a fabric appearance rather than something like a solid mask, but they gave it pronounced facial features like you would expect with a solid mask with the features sculpted in. The two aesthetics kinda clashed, but I eventually got used to it. They could have spent some more time on the fight choreography, his movements were a little clumsy in a couple shots. But, overall, far better done than Deadshot who seemed like he belonged more in the later seasons of Smallville.

 

[suss2it]

This was a good episode. The Deathstroke vs the first Arrow guy was pretty well done and was fun to watch. Although I agree, Deathstroke's mask is too light. It was also cool to see Digg get in on some action, but I'm curious as to what eye-witnesses pointed him out. I guess the gangstas probably did, but they aren't exactly reliable.

I was really hoping that this would be the episode that turns the show around for me after what it seemed like was being set up in "An Innocent Man." It seemed like Oliver was finally developing a since of remorse for what he's done, considering he reflecting on his introduction to killing for food, and that there would finally be consequences for his murder spree. It did a turn around, but unfortunately that turn was a complete 180 from the direction set up by the previous episode. Very disappointed that not only did Oliver continue to not face consequence for even a single murder, but it continues on that he doesn't care at all about murdering innocent people. The only change that this small arc resulted in is the implication that he only kills the villainous boss at the end, rather than innocent bodyguards. At this point, he's more serial killer than superhero.

This is pretty confusing... which innocent people has he killed?

 

[Jedigreedo]

The bodyguards of the various generic evil corporate guys. These villains, for the most part, haven't been the typical villainy that deals with violence in order to achieve what they strive for, so they're not really in the need of brute thugs that do 'the dirty work.' We have no reason to assume that these bodyguards are anything more than just innocent hired security, basically what Diggle is. If things were flipped around, it would be presented as a travesty if someone learned who "The Hood" was and murdered Diggle due to being Oliver's bodyguard; it would not be presented to the audience as a justified casualty in the attempt to end the existence of a violent vigilante.

While there have been a couple bodyguards that have come across as the thuggish hitman type, the vast majority we know nothing about and have no reason to suspect that they're in on any of the corrupt doings. So, I can only see this as Oliver murdering innocent people.

 

[Dragnatek]

True there is a difference between a body guard for a corrupted business man and a hired thug for a gangster. The body guard might not know how evil his boss is and is just doing his job. That person would be pretty much innocent.

 

[suss2it]

The bodyguards of the various generic evil corporate guys. These villains, for the most part, haven't been the typical villainy that deals with violence in order to achieve what they strive for, so they're not really in the need of brute thugs that do 'the dirty work.' We have no reason to assume that these bodyguards are anything more than just innocent hired security, basically what Diggle is. If things were flipped around, it would be presented as a travesty if someone learned who "The Hood" was and murdered Diggle due to being Oliver's bodyguard; it would not be presented to the audience as a justified casualty in the attempt to end the existence of a violent vigilante.

While there have been a couple bodyguards that have come across as the thuggish hitman type, the vast majority we know nothing about and have no reason to suspect that they're in on any of the corrupt doings. So, I can only see this as Oliver murdering innocent people.

What were all those innocent bodyguards doing with machine guns then? Pretty sure that implies these guys are killers. And if anything the thuggish type seems to be the majority of the henchmen so far.

 

[rggkjg1]

this episode's starling city skyline stock footage featured the philadelphia skyline. it's pretty exciting to have a costumed superhero in my neck of the woods.

 

[Wonderwall]

What were all those innocent bodyguards doing with machine guns then? Pretty sure that implies these guys are killers. And if anything the thuggish type seems to be the majority of the henchmen so far.

Most likely those machine guns were issued to them( their clients seem to only buy high caliber stuff ) and not of their own stock pile. Still I'm not going to hold that against the show. It's got it's fair share of problems but for me that isn't one of them. The show makes it obvious that they are supposed to be just thugs. It's not the deepest of shows.

this episode's starling city skyline stock footage featured the philadelphia skyline. it's pretty exciting to have a costumed superhero in my neck of the woods.

Even if 99% of the time it's very obviously my neck of the woods of Vancouver

 

[The Penguin]

Arrow "Legacies" Talkback (Spoilers)

My great apologies, Arrow fans. The Veteran's Day holiday helped me lose track of what day it was and being behind personally, Arrow has not been a habit with me. Following the eight-day CW policy, this episode became available on Hulu Thursday.

After a week off, there is a new episode this Wednesday.

"Legacies"
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 8 p.m. ET/7 CT on The CW
THE ROYAL FLUSH GANG INVADES STARLING CITY - A gang of bank robbers, dubbed The Royal Flush Gang, hits a local bank and seriously wounds an off-duty police officer during a heist. Diggle tells Oliver he needs to deviate from his father’s list and start helping the citizens of Starling City. Meanwhile, Tommy asks Thea for relationship advice, but things get awkward when she realizes he was asking about Laurel. Moira confronts Oliver about all of his recent disappearances in the middle of family functions. John Behring directed the episode written by Moira Kirland & Marc Guggenheim.

CWTV.com/Arrow

 

[The Penguin]

Arrow "Muse of Fire" Talkback (Spoilers)

New Arrow is on right now. My apologies again about the late posting of the last talkback. Please find it below.

"Muse of Fire"
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 8 p.m. ET/7 CT on The CW
The Huntress, who is the daughter of mob boss Frank Bertinelli, arrives in Starling City. Oliver is smitten with her but soon learns she is hiding some dark secrets. Meanwhile, Tommy is blindsided by events and turns to Laurel for support. - TVGuide.com

CWTV.com/Arrow

Don't forget to check out the new monthly Arrow comic!

 

[The Penguin]

Arrow "Vendetta" Talkback (Spoilers)

"Vendetta"
Wednesday, December 5, 2012 @ 8 p.m. ET/7 CT on The CW
ARROW AND THE HUNTRESS TEAM UP — As Oliver and Helena (guest star Jessica DeGouw) grow closer, Oliver trains her to be his ally, complete with showing her how to use a crossbow. Diggle disapproves of Oliver sharing his secret with Helena as he's not sure she can be trusted, but Oliver refuses to listen to his concerns. Helena's quest for revenge proves to be too strong for Oliver to handle after she kills the head of the Triad and all hell breaks loose. Katie Cassidy, Colin Donnell, Willa Holland, Susanna Thompson and Paul Blackthorne also star. Ken Fink directed the episode written by Beth Schwartz & Andrew Kreisberg.

CWTV.com/Arrow

 

[The Penguin]

"Year's End" December 12, 2012

Based on where our interest is (my apologies one last time on the late postings) it seems best to merge Arrow into one thread. The winter finale is on right now.

"Year's End"
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 @ 8 p.m. ET/7 CT on The CW
IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME AT THE QUEEN HOUSEHOLD — Oliver discovers that after he and his father went missing, Moira and Thea stopped celebrating Christmas. Determined to make up for lost time and restore a sense of normalcy to the Queen household, Oliver decides to throw the family a Christmas party. Meanwhile, Tommy asks Laurel to spend Christmas with him but she points out that Christmas was also her sister Sara's birthday and she needs to be with her father. Tommy suggests changing things up might be the best way for everyone to heal but Laurel isn't sure her father is ready for that. Meanwhile, Diggle tells Oliver someone is murdering the people on his father's list with arrows, which sends Oliver off to face his toughest adversary yet. John Dahl directed the episode with story by Greg Berlanti & Marc Guggenheim and teleplay by Andrew Kreisberg & Marc Guggenheim.

 

[Frontier]

Oliver, you can say "Green Arrow" is a lame name, but I personally think it's ten times better than being called "The Hood." And it makes a lot more sense than just being called Arrow. I'm left to wonder whether his superhero identity will ever get a proper name by the time the first season ends.

So Tommy's dad really is the show's version of Merlyn! It certainly makes more sense than it being Tommy, and he's proven so far to be a very deadly antagonist. I can't wait for his rematch with Green Arrow!

Looks like the relationship between Detective Lance and Green Arrow is slowly improving, though whether this "partnership" was a one time thing to deal with Merlyn remains to be seen.

Poor Walter, though I'm glad they didn't outright kill him. Colin Salmon's presence on the show will be sorely missed.

All in all, a good mid-season finale for Arrow. Looking forward to it's return in January and the debut of Firefly!

 

[suss2it]

More Deathstroke was awesome, as was Merlyn, the REAL Merlyn. I really thought that Tommy would end up in that role, but once they introduced the father it became quite obvious who the villainous Merlyn would be. Dude was a complete badass and I'm definitely looking forward to their eventual rematch.

 

[The Penguin]

"Burned" January 16, 2013

Arrow is back tonight at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.

"Burned"
Wednesday, January 16, 2013 @ 8 p.m. ET/7 CT on The CW
OLIVER HANGS UP HIS HOOD — Oliver’s confidence is shaken after being beaten by the Dark Archer and he takes a break from being Arrow. However, when Laurel calls Arrow for help investigating a firefighter’s suspicious death, he reluctantly agrees but his hesitance while fighting almost costs him his life. Meanwhile, Tommy throws a benefit for the firefighters and Thea tries to lift Moira out of her depressive state. Eagle Egilsson directed the episode written by Moira Kirland & Ben Sokolowski.

 

[Frontier]

Not a half bad episode, and certainly a welcome return to Arrow.

Firefly was... okay. I appreciate that the show at least tried to maintain his comic book look with the mask in the beginning, even if they completely dropped it in the end. I'm not sure what giving Lynns a sympathetic background really added to the story, especially since it doesn't look like he'll be returning anytime soon. All things considered, he was better off as a Batman villain. At least he'd probably be alive that way. Speaking of his death, it was pretty anti-climactic, and I would've preferred a Green Arrow vs. Firefly rematch where Oliver actually brings him in instead of just watch him walk into the flames. Is it really that hard for this show to keep villains alive?

I admit, a part of me thought that, if Laurel went to the trouble of getting dressed up for the benefit, putting on a pair of fishnets wouldn't hurt.

I like the twist at the end with Detective Lance. I was actually beginning to think that he had turned over a new leaf in regards to Green Arrow, but it seems he's still just as obsessed with bringing him in and is now even willing to use his own daughter to do it. Detective Lance should count it a blessing that he lives in a realistic version of the DCU, otherwise he'd go crazy in a society where masked vigilantes are practically the norm.

I'm surprised that after all this time people are still calling Green Arrow "The hood" and "The Vigilante," you'd think the public would've coined a better name for him by now.

 

[The Penguin]

"Trust but Verify" January 23, 2013

Did you watch Arrow tonight?

"Trust but Verify"
Wednesday, January 23, 2013 @ 8 p.m. ET/7 CT on The CW
TOMMY AND MALCOM HAVE A HEART-TO-HEART TALK AND OLIVER AND DIGGLE ARE AT ODDS WITH EACH OTHER — The next person on Arrow’s (Stephen Amell) list is Diggle's (David Ramsey) commanding officer and mentor from Afghanistan, Ted Gaynor (guest star Ben Browder). Oliver suspects Ted is responsible for recent armoured truck robberies, but Diggle defends Ted and takes a job at Ted's security company to keep an eye on him. Oliver decides to make a move on Ted, which puts him at odds with Diggle. Meanwhile, Thea (Willa Holland) suspects that Moira (Susanna Thompson) is having an affair with Malcom (guest star John Barrowman). Tommy (Colin Donnell) and Laurel (Katie Cassidy) have an awkward dinner with Malcom. Nick Copus directed the episode written by Gabrielle Stanton.