It's very clear from both episodes that the show is trying to go in a much different direction than in years past, and for the most part, it's working. As much as the subject matter is still filled with darkness, there's a bit more humor, and I think I even saw a smile from Oliver in the field towards the beginning. Nevertheless the show still has plenty to work on. But tonight was another small step in the right direction.
We were introduced to a new character tonight by the name of Michael Holt AKA Mr. Terrific. Much like Patty Spivot from last night's Flash episode, I was hesitant on how he fits in and the tone of the particular character. But after a few scenes I came around and now intrigued with his character. We also got the random appearance of the Danforth family, or rather just the mother and daughter, who are apparently family friends. Putting aside the fact that we have never seen or heard any references to them, they were fine in the purpose they served. Even though it was very clear to me at least, that this was just a vehicle to get Oliver moving. Simply just a plot device to move his character along into Mayoral candidacy. That was the most exciting part of the episode, but it also made me realize how much I miss the Moira character and the gravitas she brought to the show. We have missed that strong female vibe the past few seasons for sure.
Going along with Oliver's candidacy is the theme of how the superheroes will be different this season. Lance is right, what is so different about a name change? You have to prove yourself, walk the talk. It has always been the biggest question I've had going into season 4, what's the need of coming back and how can you gain back the city's trust? If it was ever there in the first place. So while it's not entirely Oliver's fault that Thea is acting crazy out in the field, I think it's safe to say that she needs the time off. I think it's best the whole team sits down and figures everything out together, no more secrets. Or I guess that's what Laurel said "We don't keep secrets", that is the biggest contradiction this show has ever had, but okay. She went right back to keeping something from the team by looking to bring Sara back anyway. That was just one thing that really bothered me.
Another small complaint was the Thea & Oliver fight. So is Oliver just rusty or did she just become the best fighter on the team? As far as I'm concerned, Oliver has and always will be the best trained fighter, but that showed differently in this episode. That whole fight was a bit over the top for my liking. That brings me to my last complaint of the episode, which is surprisingly Damien Darhk. I really liked his presence last week. He's a very different villain than we have had the past 3 seasons, but tonight just felt off. It was the small lines of "your hand is on me", or "language", and finally the "mind your tone" line. To me, it felt cheesy and insincere. It just didn't sound right, but maybe that's just me.
Other than that, I thought the fight scenes were choreographed much better than last week, I'm very happy that Oliver is running for mayor (which if I'm not mistaken he does in the comics), and we are finally getting Sara back. I think while tonight was a much weaker episode than last week, it's just going to take time. Much like the team having to readjust to the new dynamic, we will have to readjust to the show's approach and aesthetic. I still have faith in this show.
+Lance made good points
+Welcome Mr. Terrific to Star City
+MAYOR
+SARA
-Where's Moira when we need her
-Laurel contradicting herself yet again
-Darhk seemed off this week
-Is Thea suddenly a better fighter than Oliver?
7.0/10
We were introduced to a new character tonight by the name of Michael Holt AKA Mr. Terrific. Much like Patty Spivot from last night's Flash episode, I was hesitant on how he fits in and the tone of the particular character. But after a few scenes I came around and now intrigued with his character. We also got the random appearance of the Danforth family, or rather just the mother and daughter, who are apparently family friends. Putting aside the fact that we have never seen or heard any references to them, they were fine in the purpose they served. Even though it was very clear to me at least, that this was just a vehicle to get Oliver moving. Simply just a plot device to move his character along into Mayoral candidacy. That was the most exciting part of the episode, but it also made me realize how much I miss the Moira character and the gravitas she brought to the show. We have missed that strong female vibe the past few seasons for sure.
Going along with Oliver's candidacy is the theme of how the superheroes will be different this season. Lance is right, what is so different about a name change? You have to prove yourself, walk the talk. It has always been the biggest question I've had going into season 4, what's the need of coming back and how can you gain back the city's trust? If it was ever there in the first place. So while it's not entirely Oliver's fault that Thea is acting crazy out in the field, I think it's safe to say that she needs the time off. I think it's best the whole team sits down and figures everything out together, no more secrets. Or I guess that's what Laurel said "We don't keep secrets", that is the biggest contradiction this show has ever had, but okay. She went right back to keeping something from the team by looking to bring Sara back anyway. That was just one thing that really bothered me.
Another small complaint was the Thea & Oliver fight. So is Oliver just rusty or did she just become the best fighter on the team? As far as I'm concerned, Oliver has and always will be the best trained fighter, but that showed differently in this episode. That whole fight was a bit over the top for my liking. That brings me to my last complaint of the episode, which is surprisingly Damien Darhk. I really liked his presence last week. He's a very different villain than we have had the past 3 seasons, but tonight just felt off. It was the small lines of "your hand is on me", or "language", and finally the "mind your tone" line. To me, it felt cheesy and insincere. It just didn't sound right, but maybe that's just me.
Other than that, I thought the fight scenes were choreographed much better than last week, I'm very happy that Oliver is running for mayor (which if I'm not mistaken he does in the comics), and we are finally getting Sara back. I think while tonight was a much weaker episode than last week, it's just going to take time. Much like the team having to readjust to the new dynamic, we will have to readjust to the show's approach and aesthetic. I still have faith in this show.
+Lance made good points
+Welcome Mr. Terrific to Star City
+MAYOR
+SARA
-Where's Moira when we need her
-Laurel contradicting herself yet again
-Darhk seemed off this week
-Is Thea suddenly a better fighter than Oliver?
7.0/10
