‘Arrow’ stock is rising

Few things are more rewarding than reaping the benefits from an investment, especially one which garnered minimal expectations. I carelessly barreled through the sappy, generically-written, 23-episode freshman season of Arrow this summer, when my superhero homage eventually took precedence. It became clear I had to make like the story’s classic comic hero Oliver Queen and merely “survive” through unimposing presentation, bland dialogue, and Diggle’s pep talks. My suspicions ultimately targeted The CW for perhaps not being the ideal network to properly present a mainstream superhero story. Now just four episodes into it’s sophomore season, I sincerely digress from that notion.
 
Anyone who stuck around for this season of Arrow has seen noticeable visual improvements; much crispier still shots and more locales — Mark Julian, a film journalist and podcaster, saw it while watching two weeks ago….

Another key factor in this season’s improvement comes from the progression of Oliver’s intentions as a hero. Gone are the obscure events of conflict pertaining to names in his father’s journal and “The Undertaking”. Gone is the vigilantism and those God-awful “hood-up” references. Our hero is now more solidified in his title and purpose (and no more killing: Batman style).

The main attraction coming into this season was the “City of Heroes” theme, which was the title of this season’s premiere. Incorporating more heroes adds to the only cool factor of this show. We know we’re primed to see The Flash cameoed this season, with potential spin-off implications, and last week was the bombshell twist learning of hero newcomer Black Canary’s identity. Sara Lance is alive, and alas, she is also the tangible connection we’ve been waiting for from Oliver’s island flashbacks. There was also the reveal of Alderman Sebastian Blood (Kevin Alejandro), or “Brother Blood”, our villainous cult leader parading as a Starling City activist. Now we’re talking.


Four sophomore-year episodes have me starting to truly buy into the same show that pained me to watch months ago. Tonight’s episode, entitled “The League of Assassins”, was written by Jack Coburn and Drew Z Greenberg and directed by Wendey Stanzler. Lisa Macklem from Spoiler TV says it could contain, “the most beautifully shot and choreographed fight scene to date”. The episode is also said to give more background on Sara and bring us back to Moira’s trial. For once, I find myself legitimately anxious about this investment.


- Martin S. @marley_mcfly

+Arrow (Circle) 
+The CW Television Network 




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