After just talking about The Flash the other day, it only seems fair to turn right around and discuss the season premiere of The CW’s Arrow. How was the season three start of the thus far awesome show based on DC Comics’ Green Arrow? Let’s talk about the particulars!
What I liked:
- It jumps right into the epic action Arrow is known for. Makes you feel like the show never even took a break. Ah it’s good to be back in Starling City.
- Roy (Colton Haynes) gets a costume—a pretty rockin’ costume, too! It’s nice to see his sidekick role elevated to a costume-worthy status.
- OLICITY IS HAPPENING. Well, okay, Olicity is trying to happen. Let me explain for those of you who have no idea what I’m on about: Oliver Queen a.k.a. The Arrow (Stephen Amell) and his trusty tech genius gal pal Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) have had oodles of chemistry for a long time, and many fans (including this one) have been anxious for some romance. Well, something finally happened. Now it doesn’t go along perfectly—sort of a “two steps forward, one step back” thing—but it’s a start.
- The return of Black Canary (Caity Lotz)! I love this kickass lady, and seeing her unexpectedly pop up to help out Oliver and co. is pretty awesome.
- The very big shock at the end. Like, I saw it coming, but I expected it to happen much, much farther into the season. What happens is actually pretty heart-breaking, but it’s a hell of a way to get a reaction out of people and set things into motion for the rest of the season.
What I didn’t like:
- Peter Stormare as a new Count Vertigo. I don’t hate him, but he just doesn’t seem right for the part, y’know? I liked the old Count Vertigo pretty well, so maybe I’m just reluctant to accept someone else in the role…
- Ray Palmer’s (Brandon Routh) terrible speech to the Queen Consolidated board. Like, it’s supposed to wow them, but it just seemed corny to me. In fact, Ray’s presence in general is fairly annoying, and I’m looking forward to the day that changes (because he’s actually a character from the DC world, so I know there are bigger plans for him).
- Not much happens for Roy. Sure, he gets a brand new costume, but other than that he’s just…hanging out. Of all the characters on team Arrow, I feel like Roy has had the least opportunity to develop. I’m hoping that changes this season.
- We get to see Diggle (David Ramsey) gearing up for fatherhood, which seems to suit him quite adorably, but it makes me worry that he might have a diminished role this season. I really hope that’s not the case because I’ve grown quite fond of him.
- I’m getting to where I really cannot tolerate Oliver’s awful hair in his flashbacks. I’m sorry. I just can’t. I’m also sorry that I always seem to include at least one superficial bullet point on these write-ups. I can’t contain myself.
The Potential: As usual, Arrow’s potential is through the roof. There’s a reason this show is one of my favorites right now. Honestly, this may have been Arrow’s best season premiere yet, and I’m very excited to see where things go since there are already some interesting plot threads in place. Arrow is action-packed, filled with fascinating characters, and just way too much superhero fun. If this season manages to improve on the fantastic second season, then we’re in for quite a ride.
My Grade: A
Silver Screen Serenade 
Great review! I loved this premiere! The shock at the end had me dropping my jaw. Here’s to hoping Laurel becomes The established Black Canary by the end of the season!
Thanks! Yeah I was very surprised, too. Like I said, I knew it was coming, but I thought it’d be awhile…I’m not sure how I feel about Laurel taking over the role because I don’t totally love Laurel yet. I’m hoping she grows on me this season. Lol.
That’s understandable, she was kind of annoying part of last season, and can get on my nerves as well lol. I actually found Thea quite annoying most of season one and most of season two haha. I just hope to God Arrow isn’t on for 10 seasons like Smallville, because it’s completely unnecessary.
Oh I’m with you. I love Arrow, but it pains me when shows overstay their welcome.
I enjoyed this episode a lot. The ending took me by surprise, I’m going to miss Sarah Lance / Black Canary she’s one of my fave characters. I’m excited about the new location of the flashbacks, it’s just that so far it’s a bit underwhelming but I know it’ll pick up down the line. Good write up!
I wasn’t actually that keen. The episode was just too fast and struggled to focus on anything. The ‘Oliver – Felicity’ thing was a couple of clichés stapled together and even Peter Stormare as the bad guy was cheap (he plays exactly the same character in the Blacklist right now!!!) I would have focused more on Caity Lotz, because she just showed up out of the blue and it hurt where the episode was going. I know that Arrow has always been the kind of show that races through several storylines at once, but when it actually begins to talk about something worthwhile, you want it to slow down and do it properly.
Also, I really wanted Brandon Routh to have been Clark Kent. That would have been great!
Yeah I see where you’re coming from–especially on the Peter Stormare thing (though I have yet to check out The Blacklist)–but I still thought this episode was great. Routh can’t be Clark anymore! That role has been passed on to pretty, pretty Henry Cavill, and women everywhere are grateful. 🙂 Routh can give this Atom thing a whirl, whoever the heck he is…
Totally agree! I do hope that they give more storyline to Roy and I’m pretty sure that Thea is supposed to come back to. I wouldn’t be surprised if Diggle goes through a change/struggle as to how much he wants to be still involved in this Arrow business. I wanted to punch Ray Palmer in the face but its good to know that he actually has more plan. I seriously know nothing about any comics so I have a lot to learn 🙂
Roy definitely deserves some attention, and I think next week is going to focus on Thea, which I’m pretty excited about. I used to hate Thea and, admittedly, she does still get on my nerves sometimes, but she grew on me in season two, and I’m very interested in seeing what she’s been up to. I am more assured after last night’s episode that Diggle will find ways to participate. But Ray is still annoying. Hahaha. You can Google him if you want to find out what he’ll be getting into… 😉
I haven’t seen last night’s episode yet. Thats in my plans to stream off the network.. Haha! I have a feeling Thea is going to get dark though and have some fighting skills added in the mix? 😉
I’ll watch last night’s episode before I make more assumptions.
It’s kind of a heartbreaking episode.
But still good! Lol.
I haven’t even seen Gotham yet!
Has it not aired in the UK yet??
Monday. Will catch it over the weekend. I’ve been making do by quoting more TV on my blog recently. Can we swap TVs? 😉
Just come hang out in America! We have all the good TV! 😀
I’m the one trying to convince you to come to London! Ha.
Maybe in the summer when the good TV goes away. 😉
That ending is shocking. Love this show 😀
Totally agree with you, buddy. 🙂
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I enjoyed it, but felt the part with Sara at the end was a bit rushed. Just to bring her back and immediately do that… it hurt. Maybe I just like Sara. Or maybe I’m just fearing the moment when they replace her role with the ill-equipped Laurel… I don’t know, but I didn’t like that. Otherwise a lot of fun. Great review!
Thanks, Matthew! Yeah, I see what you mean. Sara definitely could’ve used some more screen time. And I am undoubtedly reluctant to see Laurel in her role because her character hasn’t really won me over yet. That aside, I think these first couple of episodes have been pretty awesome. 🙂
I need to check this one out, everyone raves about it. One day I will watch it. So many show so little time right?!
Girrrrllll. You haven’t seen Arrow yet?! Bump it up on your list because it’s awesome!! But, yes, I feel you–there’s just way too much great stuff!!
Still kind of mad at myself for stopping watching this after just a few episodes….
PICK IT BACK UP. Totes worth it! Especially if you’re going to start watching The Flash!
I didn’t read too much of this, because, as I said, I have some serious catching up to do, but I am sure it was excellent!
Haha thanks, lady! Ugh. You must start this one. It’s just too freaking good. And Stephen Amell is the prettiest. Sigh…
Teehee, went to have a look see to see what you are sighing about. Very clean cut, but pretty, yes 😉 Always nice to watch something with someone pretty!
Definitely doesn’t hurt! ;D