CW's Arrow Season 1, 2 & 3 Reviews
Click above image for Arrow season 1 (2012) review
Click above image for Arrow season 2 (2013) review
CW’s Arrow Season 1 (2012) - Light spoilers ahead
Why do I think you should buy and watch Arrow season 1. To buy Arrow related products click here.
Besides the fact that Arrow season 1 seems to have copied some aspects of Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy, it has certainly evolved over its 8 seasons. They creating a new and interesting character; giving a new story to Oliver Queen/ Green Arrow separating him from the Batman character. One of the many interesting films and character choices that CW has made when producing Arrow’s first season is Oliver’s voice over at the start of most episodes; this allows you to immediately understand Oliver’s point of view, thoughts, and feelings onto the developing story. Another factor that makes this season of Arrow a must buy is the character choice: that the storytellers have made to have Oliver or the Hood, (his alter ego) kill people whom he has deemed have failed his city. Although Oliver Queen has killed before in the comics (Prometheus), he has killed more people in season 1 than in the comics and the later 6 seasons. Why is Oliver killing people a good thing? For one thing, this has separated the character of; Green Arrow from Batman, as Batman doesn’t kill (not including Batman from the DCEU or the World of DC).
This has given Arrow’s first season a grounded and gritty feel, where it’s not always rainbows and butterflies like the Flash season 1, however, if you are not into Oliver killing he has evolved from that in later seasons. Secondly, with Oliver killing his targets, this ensures that certain characters don’t overstay their welcome and enhances the quality of the story of each episode. Some characters have died then come back in later seasons, but the writers have made good reasons as to why that happens. You will have to watch the series to find out why and I ensure you it’s worth it. Thirdly what season 1 of Arrow does best is tying all the character plots to Oliver Queen. Lastly, CW has made an interesting storytelling choice to include flashbacks of Oliver’s training to becoming the Green Arrow. In conclusion, if you are wanting to watch material that isn’t a Batman copycat and takes inspiration from the Green Arrow comics; this is the show for you.
CW’s Arrow Season 2 (2013) - Light spoilers ahead
What makes season 2 of Arrow great? Arrow season 2 is great because all the main characters of season 1 have been established. And, they can start to develop. Oliver has a no-kill rule due to not being able to save his dying friend from season 1. Thea is being developed from a naive character to a character that has an interesting story. In addition to that, season 2 explores the consequences that her mother: Moira suffers due to her actions from season 1. Diggle has his side story with the Suicide Squad, which story-wise peters off because of the Suicide Squad movie which I wished never happened. The Suicide Squad story in Arrow was quite interesting and had so much potential. You never know WB and DC might cancel the Suicide Squad in the DCEU, which would allow CW to use the Suicide Squad again.
Felicity is another character that was established in season 1 and after her debut, she was such a fan favourite character that CW allowed the character to become a full-time member of the Arrowverse. This choice I think was a good one, however only for season 1 and season 2 because of her friendship with Oliver. Their friendship was fun to watch, however, they fell into a romantic relationship starting season 3 and I will write about that in a later review. Another thing that makes season 2 so great is Slade Wilson, he was introduced in season 1 and becomes the main big bad of season 2. In addition, Slade Wilson started as a stranger to Oliver who eventually became a friend but something happens that shifts the dynamics of their relationship making an unforgettable season. Also, season 2 brings the concept of superpowers to the series, which is an interesting development. This challenges the skills of Oliver Queen and his teammates. Season 2 also introduces Barry Allen who will become the Flash, whose show I might review in the future.
In conclusion Season 2 is a big step forward from season 1 developing and introducing old and new characters and concepts that will shape the Arrowverse to become something more than a copycat of the Batman universe.
CW’s Arrow Season 3 (2014) - Light spoilers ahead
I think season 3 of Arrow is one of my favourites and slightly underrated. Although Arrow deviated away from being a Batman copycat in season 2; in season 3 CW decided that the main villain would be Ra’s Al Ghul who's a main Batman villain. However, with that said, the direction of the season and character development again like season 2 makes Oliver Queen, not a Batman copycat. This is evident in episode 9 The Climb, one of my all-time favourite episodes. If you want to find out why then please watch the episode whenever you have time. This season is one of the best because the direction the series took in the first episode of the season makes Arrow it's own character and show. This shocking event that happens is something that I disliked however understood why it had to happen. And don't worry if you didn’t like it and you might decide to stop watching Arrow because of it, CW course-corrected in season 4, to hopefully change your mind.
In addition to making Arrow its show and not a copycat of the Dark Knight; is Arrow took another bold direction in making Oliver Queen a dark and un-heroic character. Not only does this make Oliver Queen a more engaging character but makes the other characters of the show: especially members of the main Team Arrow intriguing too. In the flashbacks, Oliver Queen finds himself in Hong Kong, not on the island. This is a great development because it presents something different compared to the comics. And, although it might have been cool if the 5 years flashbacks were all on the island, it might have got old fast. The writers chose Hong Kong as its setting in the flashbacks because it was safe to take inspiration from the Dark Knight Trilogy. And I thought what happened in the flashback tied nicely to what happened in the present-day storyline.
What was cool in the present-day storyline was the development of Laurel Lance. Who stopped being a love interest for Oliver, giving way for a relationship between Oliver and Felicity; which kind of mirrors the relationship between Chloe Sullivan and Oliver Queen in Smallville. I don't know why the writers chose not to place Oliver and Laurel in a lasting relationship. But maybe because it was done in the comics so why show the same story in the TV series? I don’t hate Felicity, but maybe she might die giving way for Laurel of Earth 2 to fall in love with Oliver, reflecting the Dinah and Oliver relationship like the comics.
The character development of Laurel this season, introduced a new character: Wildcat. Who in the comics is famous for training such characters as Batman. I thought this new character was cool however only lasted less than one season. I hope CW decides to bring him back.
In conclusion season 3 of Arrow was a great season that developed beloved characters, introducing new characters, and took existing characters in a new and dark direction.
