Arrow’s ‘Past Sins’ Episode: A Missed Opportunity
This week’s episode of Arrow, despite being directed by John Diggle himself, David Ramsey, falls short in delivering significant character or story developments. The lack of gripping storylines in “Past Sins” guarantees that, no matter who the director is, there’s no saving this lackluster hour. However, it’s important to note that Ramsey’s direction isn’t to blame, as he does well in his first time in the director’s chair, particularly when capturing the electrifying powers of Hackett’s son, Sam.
Some Interesting Ideas, But Not Enough
That’s not to say that there’s no interesting or entertaining ideas in “Past Sins.” While Curtis’s problems with ARGUS tactics don’t hold much weight, the continued evolution of Black Siren remains a story that I am invested in, mainly because of the enjoyable friendship that has blossomed between her and Felicity. Earth-2 Laurel’s genuine surprise that Felicity had invited her out to a celebration dinner is sweet and charming, and while it’s a bit ridiculous that she’s already considered the most popular D.A. in Star City history, I am open to seeing more stories about her in this new role, featuring both her successes and her failures.
Black Siren’s Backstory: A Disappointment
What I’m less open to, however, is the lazy, unoriginal backstory that “Past Sins” provides Black Siren with. It makes sense that she would blame herself for her father’s death given the circumstances surrounding it, but this type of storyline, the spoiled daughter forcing her parent to go out and get her a birthday cake or a birthday present or any other type of item, has been done countless times before in both television and film. And frankly, it’s been done much better than what the Arrow writers presented viewers with this week. Why not try to do something more complicated or creative or just plain different? Because even if that different type of story for Black Siren doesn’t work, it can at least be applauded for being something ambitious or unique rather than same, tired, recycled, Lifetime movie plot.
Oliver’s Attempt to Reach Out to Emiko: A Glimmer of Hope
The most intriguing and emotionally captivating story in “Past Sins” is Oliver’s attempt to reach out to Emiko while also continuing to face the sins of their father. While I don’t think I needed an entire episode dedicated to Oliver reconciling with Robert’s decision to kill Hackett, I do applaud Beth Schwartz and the Arrow writers for tackling this loose thread, which always seems to be forgotten about whenever the series discusses Oliver’s survival on Lian Yu. Oliver confronting this issue head-on is important for two reasons: First, it shows, yet again, that he rejects his father’s selfish, self-centered tendencies (the idea that, as Hackett’s son Sam says, a Queen’s life is more important than anyone else’s). Second, and more importantly, he reaffirms the new approach he has taken not just to his heroics on the streets of Star City but to life in general.
As Oliver tells Emiko, being transparent is about more than simply just not wearing a hood and a mask anymore. It’s taking ownership of your flaws, of your lies, of your, as the episode’s title suggests, past sins, and making an effort to do better. Oliver has done that for the people of Star City, showing his face and joining the SCPD to take criminals down the right way. He has done that with his wife and son, apologizing for withholding information from them and making decisions without their input and reassuring them that they are, in fact, a team that works together. And now he’s trying to live transparently with his newly discovered sister, who, by the end of this week’s Arrow, may not be ready to talk but is at least thinking about talking. And no matter how she feels, whether or not she’s willing and ready to dive into this strange, new family dynamic with Oliver, at least she’s being transparent with him as well. The foundation for any good relationship is honesty. Hopefully, the trust between the Queen siblings is beginning to be established, so that they can continue to move forward together without trepidation or concern, without the shackles of their father’s past mistakes holding them back.
Other Thoughts and Theories
- Apologies for the delayed review. As I mentioned on Twitter, this week has been an especially hectic one for both work and school for me. I am hopeful that next week’s review of the 150th episode will be more prompt.
- Speaking of the 150th episode, how is everyone feeling about it overall? I’m currently feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation, because while I love that the hour will heavily focus on Oliver, Diggle, and Felicity and their history as Team Arrow, I do fear that the documentary style and storyline could come off more than a little cheesy. We shall see, though.
- The episode ends with Dinah receiving a note that says, “One by one, I’ll kill you all.” Do you have any theories on who left the note for her? Is it someone we’ve met before or a totally new character?
- “Okay, but the wine. The wine!” Never change, Felicity Smoak.
What did everyone else think about this week’s episode of Arrow? Comment below and let me know.
[Photo credit: Jack Rowand/The CW]
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