Arrow Season 5 Episode 3 Review
Another solid episode from Arrow. Three episodes in a row, Arrow has delivered great action and a compelling story, albeit this episode followed the villain-of-the-week format. The development of the team and Oliver's growing mayoral plot created a nice balance for the episode.
Storylines:
This episode saw the introduction of Cody Rhodes to the Arrowverse and was filled with fan service to all wrestling fans. After Stephen Amell's rivalry with Cody Rhodes last year, his introduction into this universe seemed only fair due to Stephen's appearance in the WWE. While his character was pretty one-note, Cody's wrestling appearance provided for some great references, "Stardust dealer", and also some really cool action. This episode also saw Oliver struggle with owning his responsibility of his new team on the street and in the mayoral office. The duality of both Oliver Queen and Green Arrow seems to have invoked the same feeling which was present in season 2. Both sides are compelling but the new team members for Green Arrow seem too one-note. While this duality is appreciated, the flashbacks seem too forced. Last year, the flashbacks seemed too tangent and random, creating a sense of pointlessness to them. This season, while they are some-what compelling, the flashbacks seem too connected. Instead of growing out their own plot, the flashbacks seem more focused on connecting to what is happenning in present day. This episode did continue that theme and while it isn't annoying right now, it might get boring and repetitive in the future.
Action:
This episode continued the grittier action approach showing Oliver and his team being ruthless which was appreciated. While it was clearly not Bamford, The episode featured nice hand-to-hand combat and overall direction.
Characters and Performances:
All of the characters were on their game this episode. While the new recruits lack true character development, their appearance as a whole team in the end sets up for some good storylines in the future. Also Diggle's subplot saw the return of Deadshot which was really interesting. Diggle's arc itself has been barely compelling but the reintroduction of Deadshot kept me interested even though it turned out to be a hallucination. Also Emily Bett Rickards gave a good performance this week, conveying Felicity's guilt appropriately.
**Overall Episode Grade: 8.3/10**
Storylines:
This episode saw the introduction of Cody Rhodes to the Arrowverse and was filled with fan service to all wrestling fans. After Stephen Amell's rivalry with Cody Rhodes last year, his introduction into this universe seemed only fair due to Stephen's appearance in the WWE. While his character was pretty one-note, Cody's wrestling appearance provided for some great references, "Stardust dealer", and also some really cool action. This episode also saw Oliver struggle with owning his responsibility of his new team on the street and in the mayoral office. The duality of both Oliver Queen and Green Arrow seems to have invoked the same feeling which was present in season 2. Both sides are compelling but the new team members for Green Arrow seem too one-note. While this duality is appreciated, the flashbacks seem too forced. Last year, the flashbacks seemed too tangent and random, creating a sense of pointlessness to them. This season, while they are some-what compelling, the flashbacks seem too connected. Instead of growing out their own plot, the flashbacks seem more focused on connecting to what is happenning in present day. This episode did continue that theme and while it isn't annoying right now, it might get boring and repetitive in the future.
Action:
This episode continued the grittier action approach showing Oliver and his team being ruthless which was appreciated. While it was clearly not Bamford, The episode featured nice hand-to-hand combat and overall direction.
Characters and Performances:
All of the characters were on their game this episode. While the new recruits lack true character development, their appearance as a whole team in the end sets up for some good storylines in the future. Also Diggle's subplot saw the return of Deadshot which was really interesting. Diggle's arc itself has been barely compelling but the reintroduction of Deadshot kept me interested even though it turned out to be a hallucination. Also Emily Bett Rickards gave a good performance this week, conveying Felicity's guilt appropriately.
**Overall Episode Grade: 8.3/10**
A Look Inside
