To wrap up their first half of Season 4, last night’s Arrow was one of the more powerful episodes of the season as Damien Darhk retaliated against Oliver in the cruelest way possible.
Let’s just get this part out of the way: where in DC’s name are these flashbacks going? I don’t know whether I dislike them because of the lack of connection with something in the present or for the fact that they are just not compelling enough. Even after nine episodes, I still feel lost and uncertain what this arc is really about and where it’s even going. It also feels out of place to have Oliver back on the island in the fourth year and not save it till Season 5, which is supposedly the last season we will see those flashbacks be in the show at all. At this point, the flashbacks are so lackluster that it’s a shame that they are even put into the episodes at all when you could use that amount of screentime for more useful storytelling.
If you haven’t been sold yet on the glory that is Damien Darhk as a big bad, then hopefully this episode did show you the light as he is officially one of the top villains that we have seen in The CW’s DC TV Universe. Even though I admired Oliver’s decision to out Damien to the public, I appreciated the fact that Damien didn’t hold back when coming after him and several of the Team Green Arrow members. Something that this season is working on re-establishing is the element of stakes and true consequences. “Dark Waters” is a perfect example of how the writers are working on selling that to the viewers. While it was obvious that no one would die in those gas-chambers, seeing the pain that it caused Oliver, as he was so powerless to help his friends, was intense to watch.
If I had to pick just one highlight from this whole episode, it would be Laurel as she really got to shine this week. Anytime she gets to kick butt and use that Canary Cry of hers is fantastic, especially as she shattered the glass of the gas-chambers like a boss. What I wasn’t expecting to see was Malcolm suited up as the Green Arrow, and now more than ever, I want Malcolm to get himself a new Dark Archer suit, perhaps just a black version of Oliver’s outfit because he looked so good in that. Seeing Damien and Malcolm going toe-to-toe was interesting, it probably won’t be the last time they will face each other.
Let’s discuss those last few minutes of the episode: Oliver pops the question to Felicity, which I have to admit was done really nicely with the setting. However, God forbid any of these heroes in the DC TV Universe gets to celebrate the holidays in peace, as Damien sends H.I.V.E soldiers to follow Oliver and Felicity in their limo and shoot them as much as they possibly can. Oliver comes out without a scratch (yes, it made no sense that he wasn’t even a little bit injured), but the same can’t be said for Felicity as she is shot and bleeding heavily. Even though it was obvious that no one would get killed off in this episode, due to the fact that this upcoming death is supposed to be six months from the start of October, that final shot was shocking. Whether or not this character is someone that might die later in the season is a completely separate discussion; however, I’m convinced that Felicity’s injuries are going to have major repercussions both physically and mentally for her.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this accident leaves Felicity crippled, which would have her end up being closer DC Comics’ Oracle more than ever. I’m not saying that I’m rooting for her to be in that position, but after what she went through at the hands of Damien’s men, it won’t make any sense if she recovers from this 100% without any physical problems. Whatever happens when Arrow returns in 2016, major credit to the writers for ending the year with such a huge cliffhanger, which literally had the entire Internet turned upside down.
Overall, “Dark Waters” was a very solid fall finale that dealt with a lot of plots, including the conflict between the Diggle brothers and Damien’s mysterious plan that is now getting into “Phase 4” (which sadly has nothing to do with the Marvel films). The winter premiere can’t get here any faster as I’m sure the entire Arrow fandom is wanting answers to all the questions that “Dark Waters” left us with.
Arrow returns with new episodes on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 8/7c on The CW.
[Photo via The CW]
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