Episode 604 - Arrow Review




"Arrow" Review

Written by Coleen

DISCLAIMER - Please remember that this review does not represent the opinions/viewpoints of everyone; it is the personal opinions of the reviewer only. Thank you.

'Arrow' introduced us fully to Oliver Queen's alter-ego, the Green Arrow. Clark learns of this secret identity, and Oliver in turn discovers Clark's abilities, and tries to persuade Clark to join forces with him.

The Good:

Clark, Lois and Oliver: The scene where Clark and Oliver first officially meet was cute and funny, where both Lois and Clark are embarrassed by Oliver's comments about 'feelings'. One of many references in this episode to the future.

The battle between Clark and the Green Arrow (where GA is attempting to steal a pendant/artifact despite elaborate security) was the point at which we see the inherent differences between the two heroes. GA's statement "Look around you, Beav. (I think this is what he said..a reference to Leave It To Beaver?) The days of the good guys running the show are over" is at total odds with Clark's philosophy. For Clark, the end does not justify the means (as he tells Oliver in the show's final scene), as it does for Oliver. Clark will always be the good guy.

Chloe and Clark at the Planet: Chloe is admiring the Green Arrow, calling him 'competition for Clark in the knight in shining armour routine', while Clark complains that this guy 'goes from villain to hero in one night'. Again, Clark's good works remain unacknowledged, while GA's less than honourable actions have made him a local hero. As already stated, Clark will never accept the theory that the end justifies the means, and he won't break the law to achieve his ends.

Clark: Even though he's a little miffed at all the adulation GA is getting as a result of his actions, Clark still protects his secret identity, asking Chloe not to delve into it when she comes to the realisation that Clark knows who he is. Chloe then alludes to the Justice League by saying there must be a code of honour among superheroes.

Clark and Oliver: This final scene, in the loft, was a nice touch, showing Clark's concern and protectiveness for Lois in a relationship with Oliver.

And Oliver inviting Clark to join him in his 'superhero' activities was a huge shout out to the future Justice League, as was the 'Superman' music that closed the show.

The Bad:

Still not enough of Clark.

'The Device' looks like it may become Season Six's 'stones of power', the storyline that dragged on through most of Season Four. Lionel attempts to bring Lana over to his side in getting the device away from Lex and destroying it. ( It was hilarious to hear Lana say "he wasn't himself" when referring to Lex as Zod. Is there ever an episode where that line isn't used?) But Lana wants Lex to have it as a source of protection against future alien attack, and resorts to blackmail to secure the weapon. Lana was seriously creepy in this scene.

While not a bad episode, with plenty of action and a bit of humour, it seemed again like Clark was a secondary character, a scene filler between the Green Arrow story and the Lex and Lana Hour.

I give this episode 3¾ out of 5 stars.

Please join in the discussion of "Arrow" by clicking HERE